Living in the charming city of Charlottesville, VA means you get to enjoy a fun college town vibe and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views. But it also means needing to pay those regular utility bills to the city for services like water, sewer, gas and more. Paying your Charlottesville utility bill is simple when you know all the convenient options available. This guide will walk through the various ways you can pay your city utility bill, from online payments to automatic deductions and everything in between.
Overview of Charlottesville Utility Services
The city of Charlottesville provides residents and businesses with essential utility services, including:
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Water – Clean drinking water and sewer/wastewater treatment
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Gas – Natural gas service for heating, cooking, etc
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Electricity – While not provided by the city, you can pay your Dominion Energy bill through the city’s online portal
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Trash/recycling collection – Curbside pickup services
The fees for these services are combined into one monthly utility bill that comes from the city. This covers your usage as well as fixed service fees The total will vary month to month depending on factors like water usage in summer vs winter.
When Utility Bills Are Due
Charlottesville utility bills are issued monthly and are typically due around the 10th of each month. However you should always check your individual bill for the exact due date.
If payment is received after the due date, a late fee will be assessed to your account. So be sure to pay on time every month to avoid penalties.
Convenient Ways To Pay Your Bill
The city offers many easy options for paying your utility bill so you can choose the method that works best for you. Here are the most popular ways to pay in Charlottesville:
Pay Online
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through the city’s online payment portal at www.charlottesville.gov/payonline. This allows you to securely pay your bill by credit card, debit card or e-check. You’ll just need your 7-digit utility account number.
Benefits of paying online include:
- No fees or service charges
- Available 24/7
- Payments post instantly
- View payment history
You can even set up recurring payments so your bill is automatically paid each month.
Pay by Phone
To pay by phone, you can call the city’s automated payment line at 434-970-3211. Have your account number ready and follow the prompts to enter your credit/debit card information.
This is a quick option when you’re on the go or don’t have time to login online. However, note that you cannot setup recurring payments over the phone system.
Pay by Mail
If you prefer to mail in a traditional paper check or money order, send your payment to:
City of Charlottesville
P.O. Box 911
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Make sure to allow 5 business days for the payment to be received and processed to avoid late fees.
Pay in Person
You can also pay your bill in person at the Charlottesville City Hall, located at 605 E Main St. They accept cash, check, and credit/debit cards.
City Hall is open Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm for bill payment. Just go to the lobby and a staff member can assist you.
Auto-Pay Deduction
For the most convenient hands-off approach, enroll in auto-pay deduction from your bank account. This automatically pays your utility bill each month on the due date.
You won’t have to think about making payments again! Enroll through the online payment portal or fill out an auto-pay form available on the city’s website.
Budget Billing Plan
Charlottesville also offers an optional Budget Billing Plan to make your utility costs more predictable. With this program, you pay the same “level payment amount” each month based on your estimated annual usage.
Your account is reviewed every 6 months for any adjustments needed to the monthly payment amount. Contact the utility department to enroll.
Payment Arrangements and Assistance
If you’re having trouble paying your utility bill, Charlottesville does offer some options:
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Payment plans – Set up installment payments or deferred payments through the Collections Office.
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Assistance programs – There are programs available for low-income residents to get help paying utility bills.
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Leak credits – You may qualify for an account credit if you have a water leak on your property.
Be sure to contact the utility department right away if you think you may fall behind on payments so you can discuss arrangements. It’s important to keep your account active and avoid service disruptions.
Avoid Late Fees with Proper Payment
Now that you know the easy ways to pay your Charlottesville utility bill, be sure to pay on time each month and avoid unnecessary late fees. Mark your calendar with the due date as soon as you receive the bill.
Better yet, enroll in auto-pay or recurring online payments to ensure your bill is paid by the due date every month without you having to think about it. Paying on time will help keep your account in good standing.
Paying Your Charlottesville Utility Bill is Simple
Living in Charlottesville provides you with excellent utility services vital to your home or business. Paying for these services is quick and convenient when you use one of the city’s online or automatic payment options. You can even enroll in paperless billing to eliminate paper statements in your mailbox each month.
So don’t stress about how to pay your Charlottesville utility bill. Just set up payments on the online portal or through your bank and then rest easy knowing your bill is paid each month! Focus on enjoying your time in this charming Virginia city rather than dreading bill payment day.
VIDEO: Options for help with paying utility bills
FAQ
What is the phone number for Charlottesville utility bill payment?
Calling Utility Billing at 434-970-3211 will let you pay your bill over the phone with our simple automated service. There are no fees to use this service, and all major credit and debit cards are accepted.
How much are utilities in Charlottesville?
What is the cost of living in Charlottesville Virginia?
Charlottesville has housing costs that are 2011% higher than the national average and utility costs that are 5% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% lower than the national average. Charlottesville has grocery prices that are 1% lower than the national average.
How do I pay my city of Charlottesville utility bill?
You may pay your City of Charlottesville utility bill in the lobby of City Hall. The City accepts cash, checks, debit, and credit cards for payment. At 605 E Main Street, on the corner of 7th Street NE and E Main, you can find City Hall. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday, from 9 am until 4 pm, except on City holidays.
What does the Charlottesville Department of utilities do?
The Charlottesville Department of Utilities provides safe and reliable natural gas, drinking water that goes beyond safety standards, and efficient wastewater services to the people of Charlottesville. All of these services are provided at a reasonable cost and in an environmentally friendly way.
How do I pay my utility bill online?
If you want to pay your bill online, you can still do it for free with any major credit or debit card. You will need your Utility Billing account number to complete your transaction. Visit the updated payment portal to make a quick and secure payment, and to access your account information.
Does Charlottesville have gas?
I live in the City of Charlottesville and do not have gas, but do have water and wastewater. My gas comes from the City of Charlottesville, even though I live in the County. (Note that the City does not provide water and sewer service in the County.) Your utility bill includes all the cost components necessary to provide service from the source to your home.
