Paying your utility bill should be simple and straightforward. However, many customers of Colton Public Utilities in Colton, California have found the payment process to be frustrating and confusing. This article will explain the different options Colton Public Utilities offers for paying your bill, outline the pros and cons of each method, and provide tips for choosing the best payment method for your needs.
Overview of Payment Options
Colton Public Utilities offers customers several ways to pay their utility bills These include
- Paying by mail using the return envelope sent with your monthly bill
- Calling the interactive voice response (IVR) phone system at 844-571-2896 to pay by phone
- Dropping off a payment in the night drop box at Colton City Hall
- Paying online through the City of Colton website
- Paying in person at City Hall or the Gonzales Center
- Paying at Larsons Pharmacy located at 142 W. H Street in Colton
- Setting up automatic monthly payments from your bank account
While this range of options provides flexibility, it can also create confusion about the best payment method to use. Below we’ll explore the pros and cons of each payment option.
Paying by Mail
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Pros Familiar and easy for those used to paying bills by mail. Just write a check, put it in the return envelope and drop it in the mailbox.
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Cons: Takes more time for your payment to reach Colton Public Utilities compared to electronic payments. Risk of paper check getting lost in the mail. Payments by mail can only be made by check.
Paying by mail is a fine option for those who still use paper checks to pay all their bills. However, electronic payments are generally faster and safer these days.
Paying by Phone
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Pros: Quick and easy automated system available 24/7. Can pay by debit/credit card over the phone.
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Cons: IVR phone systems can be confusing to navigate. Only option is to pay full balance, no partial payments.
The IVR payment system is convenient for simple payments, but lacks flexibility for things like making partial payments. Speaking to a customer service rep directly allows more payment options.
Paying Online
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Pros: Fast and convenient electronic payment option. Ability to pay full or partial balance. Store payment information for future use.
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Cons: Need to create an online account on the City of Colton website. Payment portal can be hard to find.
Paying online is one of the quickest and most flexible options, but the payment portal on the City of Colton website is not very user-friendly. The URL is buried and account creation is required.
Paying In Person
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Pros Make payment directly to a customer service rep Accepts various payment types like cash, check, credit/debit
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Cons: Limited hours. Must visit City Hall or Gonzales Center during business hours.
This option works if you prefer making payments in person or need flexibility with payment types. But the limited hours make it inconvenient for many.
Paying at Larsons Pharmacy
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Pros: Additional location besides City Hall for in-person payments. Able to pay utility bills when running other errands.
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Cons: Only accepts cash or pin-based debit card payments. No credit card or check payments.
Larsons Pharmacy offers another payment location besides City Hall, but has limitations on payment types accepted. Also does not offer all the services of the utility billing office.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
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Pros: Payments deducted automatically each month. Avoid late fees and service interruptions.
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Cons: Need to closely monitor bank account balances to ensure sufficient funds. Difficult to make adjustments or partial payments.
Automatic payments provide a convenient hands-off approach, but customers should proactively manage their account to avoid overdrafts or other issues. Adjustments require contacting Colton Public Utilities.
Tips for Choosing the Best Payment Method
With so many payment options available from Colton Public Utilities, customers should consider the following when selecting the best method:
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Accessibility – Choose a payment method that fits your schedule and availability. Online or phone payments offer 24/7 accessibility.
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Speed – Electronic payments are fastest if you want same-day or next-day processing. Mail takes longest.
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Convenience – Consider options like autopay or pharmacy payments to integrate bill payment into your routine.
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Flexibility – Some methods allow partial payments or payment adjustments. Autopay and phone payments are more rigid.
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Security – Electronic payments are generally more secure than paper checks sent by mail.
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Cost – Avoid fees by paying directly instead of through third parties.
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Customer Service – If you need help or flexibility, choose an option with direct access to utility reps.
Take time to evaluate both your needs and the available payment methods to find the optimal approach. Don’t hesitate to ask Colton Public Utilities if you need guidance selecting a payment option.
Steps for Paying Your Bill Online
For those who decide that paying online is the best option, here are step-by-step instructions for paying your Colton Public Utilities bill electronically:
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Go to the City of Colton website.
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Under “Online Payments” click on the link for Utility Billing.
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On the Utility Billing payments page, click the button to “Set up an online account or log in and make a one-time payment”.
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If paying for the first time, select “Pay Now” under the One Time Payment option and enter your account information.
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Existing customers should log in to access their account dashboard.
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Select “Make Payment” and enter the payment amount and details.
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Enter your payment method and complete the transaction.
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You will receive a confirmation email with your payment details.
The online process should take less than 5 minutes once you have created an account and saved your payment information. Just be sure to bookmark the payments page on the Colton website for easy access.
Contacting Colton Public Utilities for Bill Pay Support
Don’t hesitate to contact Colton Public Utilities directly if you have any questions or issues related to paying your utility bill.
The Utility Billing Services team can be reached by phone, email, or in person during business hours:
- Phone: 909-370-5555
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 650 N La Cadena Drive, Colton, CA 92324
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm
The customer service team can help explain your bill, set up new accounts, change due dates, and help select the ideal payment method for your needs. Colton Public Utilities wants to make paying your bill as simple and stress-free as possible.
Paying utility bills should not be a complicated or frustrating process. Colton Public Utilities offers their customers many options for paying bills in a way that fits individual needs and preferences. Taking the time to understand the pros and cons of each payment method is crucial for choosing the right approach. Utilizing the simplest, fastest, and most convenient payment option will provide peace of mind that your bill is paid accurately and on time every month. Don’t hesitate to leverage the great customer service Colton Public Utilities provides if you need assistance selecting and managing the ideal payment method for you.
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FAQ
What is the phone number for Colton utilities payment?
What is the phone number for Tacoma public utilities bill pay?
Where can I pay my Colton utility bill online?
You can pay your Colton utility bill online at the City of Colton website. Other options include paying at Larsons Pharmacy, the City of Colton Gonzales Center using the payment kiosk, or at City Hall in person at the Utility Billing Services desk.
Where can I pay utilities in Colton CA?
You can pay utilities in Colton CA at the following locations: Pay online at the City of Colton website. Pay at Larsons Pharmacy located at: 142 W. H Street in Colton CA, 92324. Pay at the City of Colton Gonzales Center using the payment kiosk. Pay at City Hall using the payment kiosk or in person at the Utility Billing Services desk.
What services does the city of Colton provide?
The City of Colton provides electric, water, and wastewater services to its citizens. All inquiries regarding utility billing and all utility service requests should be directed to the Customer Service Department at 909-370-5555.
What does the utility billing department do?
The Utility Billing Department, located at 650 N La Cadena Dr, Colton, CA 92324, is responsible for setting up and maintaining customer accounts for electric, water, and wastewater services provided by the CITY OF COLTON ELECTRIC UTILITY. Customers can make one-time payments or set up an online account for convenient bill management.
Where does Colton public utilities get its water?
The Colton Public Utilities Department, established in 1887, obtains its water from 15 wells that draw water from three underlying groundwater basins: Colton / Rialto Basin, Bunkerhill Basin, and North Riverside Basin.
How does the city of Colton level pay program work?
Here is how it works: You must have been a City of Colton customer for a minimum of 13 consecutive months. Your account must have a zero balance at the time you would like to sign up for the level pay program. After you start the level pay program you will pay the same amount each month for 11 months.