Paying your utility bill to the City of Charlottesville is easy and convenient with multiple options to fit every customer’s preference. The City offers online bill pay, pay by phone, pay by mail, pay in person at City Hall, and even pay by text. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the various payment methods and provide tips for setting up and managing utility bill payments to the City of Charlottesville.
Online Bill Pay
The easiest way for most customers to pay their City of Charlottesville utility bill is online through the improved payment portal,
To get started, first visit the City’s website and click on “Pay Bills Online” or go directly to charlottesville.gov/pay. Here you can make one-time payments as a guest without logging in. You’ll just need your utility account number.
For added convenience, register for an account to access advanced features like:
- Storing payment methods for faster checkout
- Viewing payment history and billing statements
- Setting up autopay
- Receiving paperless billing
Registering is easy – just provide your name, email address and account number. Check your email for a verification link to complete signup.
The City accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards for online payments without any fees. You can also pay directly from a bank account by entering routing and account numbers.
Pay By Phone
Call the City’s automated pay-by-phone line at 434-970-3211 to make quick one-time payments. Have your utility account number handy to complete the automated prompts. You can pay with debit or credit cards by phone just as you would online.
Pay By Mail
If you prefer to mail in checks or money orders, send your payment to:
City of Charlottesville
PO Box 591
Charlottesville, VA 22902-0591
Be sure to include your remittance slip and write your account number on the check. Allow 5 business days for mailed payments to process.
Pay In Person
Head to City Hall at 605 E Main St in downtown Charlottesville to pay your utility bill in person. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm (closed Fridays and holidays).
When paying in person, you can pay by cash, check or credit/debit card. City Hall has convenient front vestibule drop boxes if you want to drop off your payment after business hours.
Pay By Text
For super easy payments on the go, sign up for Pay By Text through the City’s online payment system. You’ll receive text notifications when your bill is ready. Simply reply “OK” to pay the balance due using your saved payment method.
Tips for Paying Your Charlottesville Utility Bill
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Go paperless with e-billing to save time and clutter.
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Sign up for autopay or the Budget Billing plan to spread costs evenly.
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Pay by text for fast, simple payments from your mobile device.
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Check for leaks to avoid higher than normal bills.
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Update your account if your address, name or payment method changes.
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Contact Utility Billing at 434-970-3211 if you need help with your account.
Paying your Charlottesville utility bill quickly and hassle-free is important. I recommend setting up online bill pay so you can take advantage of all the convenient features like autopay, paperless billing, payment history and account management. But you always have the options to pay by phone, by mail or in person if you prefer.
The Utility Billing team is available at 434-970-3211 if you ever have any questions or need assistance with your City of Charlottesville utility account. They are happy to explain your bill, payment options and account details. Stay current on your payments to avoid any late fees or service disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charlottesville Utility Bills
What utilities does the City of Charlottesville provide?
The City provides water, sewer and natural gas service to residents and businesses located within the City limits. They do not provide electric or telecommunications utilities.
How often are utility bills sent out?
Charlottesville utility bills are sent out monthly. Your due date depends on your service location but bills are typically due around the 5th of each month.
What are some ways I can lower my utility bill?
- Install low-flow faucets and shower heads
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and lower in winter
- Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher
- Check for leaks and fix any drips promptly
- Improve insulation and seal air leaks
What should I do if I’m moving?
Call Utility Billing at 434-970-3211 at least 3 days before your move date to schedule a final meter reading. You will receive a final bill that needs to be paid in full.
What if I’m having trouble paying my bill?
Contact Utility Billing right away if you are struggling to pay your balance. They can explain payment plan options and eligibility requirements for utility assistance programs.
Can I dispute a charge on my utility bill?
Yes, you have the right to dispute a utility bill or meter charge. Contact Utility Billing to explain the issue and provide any supporting information. Disputed charges may be removed if deemed invalid after investigation.
Paying your utilities is an essential responsibility as a Charlottesville resident or business. Stay on top of your City utility bill using the convenient online portal, autopay programs, and by contacting Utility Billing with any account questions. They are available to help customers manage payments and navigate assistance programs if needed.
Pay at City Hall
Payments may be made at the Customer Service Counter in the Lobby of City Hall. City Hall is located at 605 East Main Street at the east end of the Downtown Mall. The office is open from Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, except for legal holidays.
The counter accepts:
Credit cards may be used for non-tax payments such as utility bills. Credit cards are not accepted at the customer service counter for tax payments. A fee is charged for all credit card transactions for tax payments. No fee is charged for pin-based debit card transactions.
Use the Drop Box
Checks and money order payments may be dropped 24 hours a day in the drop box beside the 6th and 7th Street Entrances of City Hall (pedestrian access only) or in the drop box located in the parking lot between the Downtown Recreation Center and the City Hall Annex (vehicular access available).
Checks and money order payments may also be dropped during business hours in the drop box located in the vestibule of the 605 East Market Street entrance to City Hall.
Please be certain to enclose your bill stub, account number, or other description of the bill to which you would like your payment credited, as well as a return address or phone number, so that your payment may be properly credited without delay.