How to Pay Your Palo Alto Utilities Bill: A Simple Guide

Paying your utilities bill on time every month is an essential part of being a responsible homeowner or renter. However with so many payment options available the process can seem complicated. This article will walk you through the different ways to pay your City of Palo Alto Utilities bill, making it quick and easy.

Online Payment

The easiest way to pay your Palo Alto Utilities bill is online through the MyCPAU customer portal, Here’s how to pay online

Step 1: Sign Up for MyCPAU

First you’ll need to create an account on MyCPAU. You can sign up at https //mycpau.cityofpaloalto.org. Requirements for sign up include

• Being an existing Palo Alto Utilities customer. If you haven’t set up service yet, call Utilities Customer Service.

• Providing your current email address, account password, utilities account number, and the last 4 digits of your primary ID given during start of service.

• Creating a password with 8-30 characters, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character.

Step 2: Add Your Payment Method

Once signed into your MyCPAU account, add your credit/debit card or checking account under “Payment Information.” Make sure to set this as your default payment method.

Step 3: Schedule Payments

Under the “Billing” tab, choose “Auto Pay” to set up recurring payments. You can pick how many days before your due date the payment will draft from your account.

Step 4: Get Confirmation

You’ll receive a confirmation message in your MyCPAU inbox after any payment. Your bank statement will also show the drafted amount.

Paying online through MyCPAU is the fastest, most convenient way to ensure your utilities bill is paid on time each month.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer to pay your utilities bill by mail, here’s the process:

Step 1: Have Your Bill Ready

Make sure you have your current utilities bill out so you have your account number and payment stub.

Step 2: Write Your Check

Write a check or money order payable to City of Palo Alto for the amount due.

Step 3: Mail It In

Put your payment stub and check in an envelope addressed to:

City of Palo Alto
PO Box 51019
Los Angeles, CA 90051-5319

Mail at least 5 business days before your due date to ensure on-time payment.

Step 4: Confirm Payment

Watch your statements to confirm the payment went through. You can also check your MyCPAU account.

Paying by mail gives you a paper trail, but takes more time. Be sure to mail it early to avoid late fees.

Pay by Phone

To pay your Palo Alto Utilities bill over the phone:

Step 1: Have Your Bill Ready

Just like with mail, you’ll need your current bill out to reference your account number and amount due.

Step 2: Call to Make Payment

Call 650-329-2497 to use the automated system and pay with your checking account or credit card information.

Or call 650-329-2161 to speak with a customer service representative who can take your payment.

Step 3: Get a Confirmation Number

Make sure to write down the confirmation number you receive after paying over the phone.

Step 4: Check Your Statements

As always, check your bank statements or MyCPAU account to confirm the payment.

Paying over the phone is quick and easy, just be sure to have all your information handy before calling.

In-Person Payment

To pay your utilities bill in person:

Step 1: Bring Your Bill

Bring your current utilities bill with you so you have your account number and amount due.

Step 2: Go to City Hall

Head to the Utilities Customer Service desk on the ground floor of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto.

Step 3: Make Your Payment

You can pay with credit/debit card, cash, or check. Get your receipt before leaving.

Step 4: Keep the Receipt

Hold on to your receipt as confirmation of your in-person payment.

Paying in person requires a trip to City Hall but lets you pay with multiple methods and get instant confirmation.

Avoid Late Fees

No matter which way you choose to pay your Palo Alto Utilities bill, be sure to pay the total amount due by the due date listed to avoid any late fees. Mark your calendar with each month’s deadline so you remember.

Get Payment Assistance

If you are having trouble paying your utilities bill on time, Palo Alto offers payment assistance programs such as the Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP) and the Rate Assistance Program (RAP) for those who qualify. Learn more at https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Utilities/Customer-Service/Utilities-Assistance.

Paying your utilities bill can seem complicated, but doesn’t have to be. With online, phone, mail, or in-person options, choose the payment method that works best for you. Just be sure to pay the total amount due by the deadline each month to avoid any fees.