UniSource Energy Services offers several ways to pay your gas bill, and the fastest route depends on whether you want to pay right now or set up automatic payments.
UniSource is the natural gas utility serving parts of Arizona, including Tucson and surrounding areas. You can pay your bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you can avoid late fees.
If you are looking to pay a single bill immediately, the online portal or phone payment gets the job done fastest. If you want to stop worrying about due dates altogether, setting up automatic bank draft or credit card payments removes the step entirely — though automatic payments from a credit card may carry a fee.
Key Takeaways
- UniSource bills are due on the date printed on your statement, and payments made online or by phone post within one to two business days.
- You can pay online at unisource.com by logging into your account, or by calling 1-888-848-7379 to pay over the phone with a debit or credit card.
- Automatic bank draft payments have no fee and are the most reliable way to avoid late charges, while credit card autopay may charge a processing fee.
- Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to reach UniSource, so sending payment close to the due date risks a late fee.
- If your account is past due, UniSource may require payment in full before accepting a partial payment, and service can be disconnected after 20 days without payment.
Paying Online Through Your UniSource Account
The online payment portal at unisource.com is the fastest way to pay if you have internet access. Log in with your account number and password, navigate to the "Pay My Bill" section, and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance or a partial amount, and the system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts.
Online payments post within one to two business days, so paying on the due date itself may still result in a late fee if the bill was already past due. If you are paying close to the deadline, call instead — phone payments sometimes post the same day, depending on the time you call.
Keep your account number handy when you log in. You can find it on your paper bill or in any email UniSource sends you about your account.
Paying by Phone or Automated System
Call UniSource at 1-888-848-7379 to speak with a representative who can take your payment over the phone. You will need your account number and a debit or credit card. The representative will confirm the amount, process the payment, and give you a confirmation number — write this down in case you need to reference the transaction later.
If you prefer not to speak with someone, UniSource's automated phone system also accepts payments. The system walks you through entering your account number and payment amount using your phone keypad. Both methods post within one to two business days.
Phone payments are useful if you do not have internet access or if you need to discuss your bill before paying — for instance, if you think there is an error or if you are having trouble paying the full amount.
Setting Up Automatic Payments to Avoid Late Fees
Automatic payments remove the need to remember due dates and reduce the risk of late fees. UniSource offers two types: bank draft (pulling money directly from your checking or savings account) and credit card autopay.
Bank draft has no fee and is the most reliable option. You authorize UniSource to withdraw the amount due on or shortly after your bill date each month. Set this up online in your account under "Billing & Payments," or call 1-888-848-7379 and ask a representative to enroll you. You can change or cancel the arrangement anytime, and you will receive a bill each month showing what will be withdrawn.
Credit card autopay works the same way but may charge a processing fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Check the fee before you enroll. If you use a rewards credit card, the fee might be worth it for the points, but for most people, bank draft is the better choice.
Mailing a Check or Paying in Person
If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check itself and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so sending a check close to the due date risks a late fee. Mail your payment at least two weeks early to be safe.
Some UniSource service areas have in-person payment locations, though these are less common than they once were. Call 1-888-848-7379 to ask whether a payment location is open near you. In-person payments post the same day or the next business day.
What Happens If Your Payment Is Late
UniSource adds a late fee to your account if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount — check your bill or account for the exact fee.
If your account falls 20 days past due without payment, UniSource may disconnect your gas service. Before disconnection, you will receive a notice in the mail and a phone call giving you time to pay or contact UniSource to discuss your situation. If you cannot pay the full amount, call immediately — some customers are able to arrange a payment plan or discuss hardship programs.
Once service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore gas. Reconnection can take several business days, so avoiding disconnection is much easier than recovering from it.
Understanding Your Bill Due Date and Payment Posting
Your bill due date is printed on the front of your paper statement or shown in your online account. This is the date by which UniSource must receive your payment to avoid a late fee. The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued.
Payment posting — the date your payment actually shows up in your account — is different from the payment date. A check mailed on the due date may not post for another week or more. Online and phone payments post faster, usually within one to two business days. If you are cutting it close, online or phone payment is safer.
If you have questions about when a specific payment posted, log into your account online or call 1-888-848-7379 with your confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my UniSource bill with a prepaid card or gift card?
UniSource accepts debit cards and credit cards online and by phone, so a prepaid debit card should work as long as it has a Visa or Mastercard logo and sufficient funds. Gift cards that are not linked to a bank account typically will not work. Call 1-888-848-7379 if you are unsure whether your card will be accepted.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up in my account?
Online payments usually post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still does not appear, log back into your account and check the payment history to confirm the transaction went through. If it shows as processed but has not posted, call 1-888-848-7379 with your confirmation number and ask a representative to investigate.
Can I set up automatic payments for only part of my bill?
Most automatic payment systems withdraw the full amount due each month. If you want to pay a partial amount automatically, call 1-888-848-7379 and ask whether a custom arrangement is possible. Some representatives can set up a fixed monthly payment separate from your regular bill, though this is less common.
What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my full bill?
Call UniSource at 1-888-848-7379 before your account becomes past due. Representatives can discuss payment plans, budget billing options, or hardship programs that may be available to you. Acting before disconnection is much easier than trying to restore service afterward.
Is there a fee for paying my UniSource bill online?
UniSource does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account. Payments made with a credit or debit card may carry a small processing fee — check the payment screen before you confirm. Automatic bank draft also has no fee.