Living in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia means receiving monthly utility bills for services like water, sewer, gas, and trash collection. The city offers multiple convenient options for paying your utility bill online, by phone, or in person. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to pay your Charlottesville utility bill using the available payment methods.
Ways to Pay Your Charlottesville Utility Bill
The City of Charlottesville offers the following ways to pay your monthly utility bill:
- Online payment portal
- Pay by text
- Automatic bank draft or credit card payments
- Pay by phone
- Mail-in check or money order
- Drop boxes located around the city
- In-person at City Hall
The online portal, pay by text, auto-pay, and phone payment options are the most convenient ways to pay and avoid having to mail or drop off payments.
Benefits of Online/Electronic Payment
Paying your Charlottesville utility bill online or through other electronic methods has many advantages:
- Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere without going to City Hall
- Efficiency – Payments process instantly
- Security – Encrypted payment processing
- Proof of Payment – Get emailed confirmations
- Recurring Payments – Set up auto-pay each month
- Accessibility – Manage account online 24/7
- Cost Savings – Avoid late fees by paying on time
Paying electronically provides easy, fast and secure payment processing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pay Online
Follow these simple steps to pay your Charlottesville utility bill through the online payment portal:
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Click on “Pay Water/Gas Bill”
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Enter your 13-digit account number
- Found on your paper bill
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Select payment method
- Credit card, debit card, or checking account
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Enter payment details
- Card number, security code, expiration
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Review and submit payment
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Get emailed confirmation
You can also set up auto-pay and go paperless through the online portal for added convenience.
Pay by Text Message
To pay your utility bill via text message:
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Text “CHARPAY” to 999- concealed”
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Receive text with your bill balance
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Reply “PAY” to initiate payment
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Enter your 13-digit account number
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Select Card to Pay With
- Registered card will be charged
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Get text confirmation that bill was paid
Pay by text allows quick bill payment in just a few steps right from your smartphone.
Pay by Phone
You can also pay by calling the City of Charlottesville Utility Billing department at 434-970-3211. Have your 13-digit account number ready. All major credit and debit cards are accepted by phone.
Automatic Payments
Setting up automatic monthly payments provides hassle-free bill payment. Options include:
Easy Pay – Bank account direct debit
Invoice Cloud – Auto-pay by credit card or bank account
With automatic payments, the amount due is deducted each month on your due date so your bill stays paid on time.
Late Payments and Other Important Info
- Bills are due by the 25th of each month
- Late fees apply if not paid by the due date
- Email [email protected] with questions
- In-person payments at City Hall open 9am-4pm daily
Paying on time is important to avoid late payment penalties. Reach out to the utility billing department with any account questions.
Financial Assistance Programs
If you are struggling to pay your utility bill, the City of Charlottesville offers assistance programs, payment plans, and extensions for qualified applicants. These options include:
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Budget billing plan – Fixed monthly amount based on yearly average.
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Payment arrangements – Extended payment plans for past due balances.
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Water and sewer assistance – Reduced rates for eligible households.
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Gas assistance program – Helps pay heating bills for low income residents.
Contact the utility billing office at 434-970-3211 to learn more about financial assistance for utility bills. Proof of financial hardship is required.
Paying your Charlottesville utility bill is quick and easy through the city’s online payment portal or pay by text options. Consider enrolling in paperless billing and automatic payments for maximum convenience. Seek financial assistance if needed. Keeping your city utility account current avoids service disruptions plus late fees.
VIDEO: Options for help with paying utility bills
FAQ
What is the phone number for Charlottesville utility bill payment?
How much are utilities in Charlottesville?
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville Virginia?
How do I pay my city of Charlottesville utility bill?
You may pay your City of Charlottesville utility bill in the lobby of City Hall. The City accepts cash, checks, debit, and credit cards for payment. City Hall is located on the corner of 7th Street NE and E Main at 605 E Main Street. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, from 9 am until 4 pm, except on City holidays.
What does the Charlottesville Department of utilities do?
New Gas Service Installation, Gas Safety, Gas Service Area The Charlottesville Department of Utilities provides the Charlottesville community with drinking water that exceeds safety standards, efficient wastewater services, and safe and reliable natural gas, that are all delivered at a reasonable cost in an environmentally responsible manner.
How do I pay my utility bill online?
There are still no fees to pay your bill online, and all major credit and debit cards are accepted. You will need your Utility Billing account number to complete your transaction. Visit the updated payment portal to make a quick and secure payment, and to access your account information.
Does Charlottesville have gas?
I live in the City of Charlottesville and do not have gas, but do have water and wastewater. I live in the County and receive gas from the City of Charlottesville (note: The City does not provide water and sewer service in the County). Your utility bill includes all the cost components necessary to provide service from the source to your home.