Keeping up with your utility bills helps ensure you can have heat and light in your home. Having your power shut off because of lack of payment can be scary and challenging. We know sometimes funds are tight; here are some general tips and guidelines on keeping the bill manageable and avoiding a shutoff. We want to work with you to find solutions that will keep you comfortable in your home.
- If you don’t pay your utility bill in time, you will receive a shutoff notice. It costs more to turn your power back on than it does to pay the bill before you get shut off.
- If you’ve been shut off, there are many community-based-organizations that offer emergency funding to help you turn your power back on. You can review the options in this FAQ list.
- Apply to a bill discount or energy efficiency program as listed on this page. These programs can help you lower your monthly bill and are good for the community and environment! Contact the PUD with any questions you may have. If you are enrolled in a program and your household size or income has changed, you may be eligible for a larger discount.
- Consider our SmartPay prepay account, where you pre-pay for your electric use. These accounts do not have due dates or billing statements – you pay what you can when you can. When your balance is low, the PUD will send you an alert. You can also track your daily usage using our SmartHub mobile app.
- The PUD offers payment plans and can work out different agreements with your household. If you run into issues with your payment plan, contact the PUD. Our goal is to find a solution that works for you.
- Explore ways you can reduce your energy consumption, or ask the PUD to perform an energy audit on your home. This could help lower your bills.
- Explore social service options you or your household may qualify for; many people in our community use these programs and have positive experiences. They can help ease other costs in your budget.
- If you move out of a property, be sure to notify us. You are responsible for charges up to the date you notify your utility you no longer require services. Renters and homeowners can be billed long after moving away from an apartment or home if they fail to notify the utility.