How to Pay Your Utility Bill in Washington, NC

In Washington, NC, there are a number of easy ways to pay your utility bill. If you live in Washington, you should know how to pay the city on time each month for your electric, water, sewer, and other utility services. This complete guide will go over all of your payment options, online services, fees, and other important information you need to know to pay your Washington utility bill.

Overview of Washington Utilities

People and businesses inside the city limits of Washington can get electric, water, sewer, and stormwater services from the city. The city’s Utilities Department oversees the operation of these essential services.

Some key facts about Washington Utilities:

• Provides electric, water, sewer, and stormwater utility services
• Owned and operated by the City of Washington
• Serves approximately 5,000 households and businesses
• Governed by the Washington City Council

Paying your utility bill funds the infrastructure operations and maintenance of these systems that we rely on everyday. So understanding how and when to pay is important as a customer.

When are Utility Bills Due?

Utility bills in Washington are issued monthly

The due date for payment is the 10th of each month. Suppose you get the bill on January 3rd. You must pay it by January 10th to avoid late fees or service interruptions.

If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, then the payment deadline moves to the next business day.

Paying on time is important to maintain uninterrupted service and avoid late payment penalties.

Monthly Billing Cycles

Billing cycles for utilities vary depending on your location in the city. This staggered schedule allows the utility to efficiently read meters and process billing each month.

Here are the billing cycles each month:

• Cycles 1-10: Bills issued on the 3rd business day of the month, due on the 10th.
• Cycles 11-20: Bills issued on the 10th business day, due on the 17th.
• Cycles 21-30: Bills issued on the 17th business day, due on the 24th.

If you need to determine your billing cycle, it can be found printed on your monthly utility bill. Cycles may change periodically as the city reviews service routes.

How to Pay Your Utility Bill

Washington offers many options to pay your utility bill conveniently each month:

Pay Online

The city allows online payments through their secure payment portal using Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit and debit cards.

To pay online:

• Visit the online payment website
• Enter your 12-digit account number and 4-digit PIN
• Select “Make Payment” and enter your payment details

Online payments can be made anytime but must be submitted by midnight on the due date to avoid late fees. You can also view your balance and payment history through the online portal.

Pay by Phone

Call the toll-free payment line at 1-877-201-3770 to pay your bill over the phone. You will need your account number to process the payment.

Phone payments can be made for free. This is a useful option if you prefer talking to a representative or don’t have computer access.

Pay by Mail

Utility payments can be sent by mail to:

City of Washington Utilities
P.O. Box 2226
Washington, NC 27889

Mailed payments must be received by the due date to avoid late fees. Allow 3-5 business days for delivery of mailed payments. Include your remittance stub to credit the proper account.

Pay in Person

You can pay your utility bill in person at:

• Washington Utilities office at 102 E 2nd Street
• City Hall at 102 E 2nd Street
• Payment drop box on 2nd St across from City Hall
• Payment drop box on N Market St across from Sheriff’s office

Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards are accepted for in-person payments.

Bank Draft Payments

You can authorize your bank to automatically draft your utility payment each month. Download the automatic bank draft form and return it to the utility office to establish draft payments from your checking or savings account.

Budget Billing

For consistent payments year-round, Washington Utilities offers Budget Billing. This program averages your annual usage to determine a fixed monthly payment amount. To enroll, your account must be in good standing.

Third-Party Payment Locations

Several banks and retail stores in Washington allow you to pay your utility bill in person. These include:

• First National Bank – Washington branch
• First Citizens Bank
• Walmart
• Family Dollar

Check with the specific location to confirm they accept City of Washington utility payments. There may be an additional service fee for paying at a third-party processor.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are having difficulty paying your utility bill, Washington offers programs to assist qualified low-income customers:

• LIEAP: Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time annual payment on your electric bill. You must apply through your county social services office.

• CIP: The Crisis Intervention Program assists households experiencing a crisis such as job loss who are unable to pay their electric bill.

Contact Washington Utilities at 252-975-9300 for details on eligibility and applying for these assistance programs.

Late Payments and Disconnection

Washington Utilities charge a late fee of $10 or 1.5% of the unpaid balance (whichever is greater) if payment is not received by the due date.

Accounts past due 30 days are subject to disconnection of service. A $40 reconnection fee will be applied if service is interrupted for nonpayment.

Avoid late fees and service disruptions by paying your bill in full no later than the monthly due date. Contact the utility immediately if you anticipate difficulty making a payment.

Moving or Closing Your Utility Account

If you are moving within the City of Washington, you must update your address with the utility. Complete the Service Request Form with your new address and service start date.

Closing your account requires advance notice prior to your move out date. Complete the Service Request Form and select “Disconnect” to close service at your old address. Allow up to 5 business days for final meter reading and processing. A forwarding address is needed for final billing.

Contact Washington Utilities

Contact the City of Washington Utilities with any questions about your account, payment options, or to receive assistance:

Washington Utilities
102 E 2nd Street
Washington, NC 27889

Phone: (252) 975-9300

Email: [email protected]

Website: washingtonnc.gov/utilities

By understanding how to read your utility bill, available payment options, and assistance programs, paying your monthly Washington utility bill can be simple and convenient. Reach out to the utility directly with any billing or service questions.