If you live in Riverside, CA, your home utilities like electricity, water, sewer, and trash services are provided by Riverside Public Utilities (RPU). RPU bills residential and business customers monthly for utility usage. As a customer, you’re responsible for paying your RPU bill on time each month to avoid any service interruptions.
RPU offers multiple ways to pay your utility bill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the various payment options available and provide tips for hassle-free bill payment.
Overview of RPU Utility Services
Riverside Public Utilities is the municipal utility owned by the City of Riverside providing:
- Electricity
- Water
- Sewer
- Trash services
RPU serves over 107,000 electric and 64,000 water customers in Riverside. Your home or business receives a combined monthly bill for all RPU services based on metered usage.
It’s important to pay your RPU utility bill by the due date printed on your statement to avoid late fees or potential service disconnection. Read on to learn how to pay.
Benefits of Paying Your RPU Bill
There are a few key benefits to paying your RPU bill on time
- Avoid Late Fees – RPU charges late fees on past due accounts
- Prevent Disconnection – Past due bills can lead to shut off of your utilities
- Maintain Good Credit – Your payment history can impact credit scores
- Uninterrupted Service – Paying on time prevents any utility disruptions
Ways to Pay Your Riverside Public Utilities Bill
RPU offers various payment options to provide convenience and flexibility:
Pay Online
The fastest and easiest way to pay is through RPU’s online payment system
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Select “Pay / View Bill”
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Enter your account number and ZIP code
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Choose a payment amount and submit
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Payments process instantly via debit/credit card or bank account
Pay with 311 App
The 311 app allows quick payment by phone:
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Download the 311 app or call 311
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Enter your RPU account and address
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Pay via debit/credit card
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Get confirmation of payment
Pay by Phone
Call RPU at 951-782-0330 and use the automated phone payment system. Have your account number ready.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order made out to “Riverside Public Utilities” to:
Riverside Public Utilities
3901 Orange St
Riverside, CA 92501
Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process.
Pay In-Person
Visit the RPU Customer Service Office downtown at 3901 Orange St to pay with cash, check, or money order.
Pay at Authorized Payment Centers
RPU allows cash payments at MoneyGram and CheckFreePay locations. Use the RPU payment location finder to search for one near you.
Enroll in Auto-Pay
For hassle-free payments, enroll in RPU autopay through your online account. Your bill will be paid automatically each month on the due date from your preferred payment method.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your RPU Bill?
Failing to pay your RPU bill on time can result in:
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Late Payment Fees – RPU charges a late fee on past due balances
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Disconnection Warning – Customers receive a 15-day disconnection notice
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Utilities Shut Off – Electricity, water and other services will be discontinued
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Collections – Unpaid accounts get sent to a collections agency
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Credit Damage – Your credit score/history can be negatively impacted
Avoid these outcomes by paying your bill in full each month. Contact RPU immediately if you’re ever unable to make a payment.
Payment Assistance Programs
If you’re struggling to pay your RPU bill, you may qualify for a billing assistance program:
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Utilicare – Offers a monthly discount for qualifying low-income residents
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SHARE – Provides one-time assistance grants to customers in need
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LIHEAP – Federal heating/cooling assistance for low-income households
Learn more about RPU financial assistance programs.
Understanding Your RPU Utility Bill
Your RPU bill charges for electricity, water, sewer, trash and other city services based on usage. Here are some key charges explained:
- Customer Charge – Fixed monthly fee
- Energy Charge – Electricity usage rate
- Water Charge – Water usage tiers
- Reliability Charge – Infrastructure maintenance
- Network Access Charge – Electric distribution
- Sewer – Sewer system maintenance
- Trash – Waste collection services
- Taxes – Utility users tax
Review your detailed charges and compare with past bills for accuracy. Contact RPU customer service with any bill questions.
Riverside Public Utilities Online Account Enrollment
FAQ
What is the phone number for Riverside Public Utilities bill pay?
How do I get help paying my electric bill in Riverside?
Can you pay riverside utilities with a credit card?
What do Riverside Public Utilities cover?
How do I pay my Riverside Public utilities bill?
Thank you for using Riverside Public Utilities’ electronic payment system provided through KUBRA. This service allows you to pay your utility bill by credit card, debit card or debiting your bank account. Please enter your account number and service address street number only. Service address as indicated on the image to the right.
What payment plans does riverside public utilities offer?
Riverside Public Utilities offers two payment plans to help you budget and pay your water and energy bill. The Direct Pay Plan offers all residential and commercial customers served by Riverside Public Utilities the ability to have their utility payment paid directly from their preferred checking, savings and loan or credit union account.
Who is Riverside Public Utilities?
Riverside Public Utilities is a publicly-owned water and electric utility that has been providing efficient, reliable services throughout the City of Riverside since 1895. We are committed to providing the highest quality water and electric services at the lowest possible rates to benefit the community. Download the 311 App Today!
What are the hours of operation at Riverside Public Utilities?
Hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, with Saturday hours 9am-12:30pm at the Downtown location. In-person payment lets you handle your bill face-to-face during business hours. Riverside Public Utilities offers payment plans and budget billing options to help customers manage utility costs.
Where can I find Riverside Public Utilities Rules & rates?
Riverside Public Utilities’ Rules and Rates, under which service is rendered, are on file at City Hall, at the Customer Service Offices, and on the electric rates and rules and water rates and rules pages. Conservation For energy and water conservation tips and programs call (951) 826-5485, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.
How do I apply for utility assistance in Riverside County?
Residents can find the application online or by calling CAP Riverside at 951-955-4900 to request an application be mailed to them. “Riverside County’s utility assistance program is a resource that can help residents in financial need,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “Utility assistance can relieve some hardship and pay down these bills.