The fastest way to pay SMUD is through their website or mobile app, both of which let you pay immediately without leaving home

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) offers three online payment methods: their website at smud.org, their mobile app, or automatic bank transfers. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or direct bank account withdrawal. Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day typically post the same day; payments after that or on weekends post the next business day.

You'll need your SMUD account number to get your free guide. This appears on your bill, in the upper left corner. If you don't have a recent bill, you can look it up on the SMUD website using your service address and ZIP code.

Key Takeaways

  • SMUD's website and mobile app both process payments instantly and accept debit cards, credit cards, or bank account transfers.
  • Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day post the same day; weekend and after-hours payments post the next business day.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments through your bank or SMUD's website to avoid missing due dates.
  • If you're having trouble paying, SMUD offers budget billing and hardship programs that may reduce your monthly amount.

Paying through the SMUD website

Go to smud.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and enter your account number. The system will pull up your current balance and due date.

Select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you're using a card, you'll see a small convenience fee added (SMUD does not charge this—the card processor does). Bank account payments have no fee. Enter the amount you want to pay, review the details, and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately.

Keep that confirmation number. It's your proof of payment if there's ever a question about whether the money arrived.

Using the SMUD mobile app

Download the SMUD mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Open it and sign in with your account number and password, or create a new account if this is your first time.

Tap "Pay Bill" and follow the same steps as the website: enter the amount, choose your payment method, and confirm. The app works the same way as the website and posts on the same timeline. Some people prefer the app because they can pay from anywhere—even while waiting in line or sitting in a parking lot.

Setting up automatic payments so you never miss a due date

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting. You have two options: set it up through SMUD's website, or arrange it through your own bank.

To set it up through SMUD, log into your account on smud.org, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you decide. You can change or cancel anytime. SMUD will deduct the payment from your bank account on the due date each month.

Alternatively, you can set up a bill pay through your bank's website or app. Your bank will send the payment to SMUD on the date you choose. This method gives you control through your own banking system and works even if you switch utility providers later.

What to do if you can't pay the full amount right now

SMUD offers budget billing, which spreads your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments. This works best if your bills vary a lot between summer and winter. You pay the same amount each month, and SMUD adjusts it once a year based on your actual usage.

If you're facing a temporary hardship, SMUD's Customer Assistance Program may reduce your bill or extend your payment deadline. Contact SMUD directly at 1-888-742-7683 to discuss your situation. Have your account number ready and be prepared to explain what's changed.

You can also request a payment arrangement—a plan to pay what you owe over several months instead of all at once. SMUD will not disconnect your service while you're following an agreed payment plan.

Avoiding late fees and service disconnection

Your due date appears on your bill. If you don't pay by that date, SMUD charges a late fee (the amount varies). If you're more than 60 days late, SMUD may disconnect your service.

If you're close to the due date and worried the payment won't arrive in time, call SMUD at 1-888-742-7683 to ask about a short extension. A few days' grace is sometimes possible if you've been a reliable customer. Asking before you miss the date is much more effective than calling after.

If your service is already disconnected, you'll need to pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee to restore power. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.

Troubleshooting common payment problems

If you paid online but your bill still shows as due, wait one business day. Weekend and after-hours payments take longer to post. Check your confirmation number to verify the payment went through.

If a payment was rejected, the most common reasons are an expired card, insufficient funds in your bank account, or a typo in your account number. Try again with a different payment method, or call SMUD at 1-888-742-7683 to confirm your account number is correct.

If you see a charge on your card or bank statement but SMUD says they didn't receive it, contact your card issuer or bank first. They can tell you whether the transaction actually went through. If it did, SMUD can trace it using the confirmation number you received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my SMUD bill with a credit card online?

Yes, SMUD accepts credit cards on their website and mobile app. A small convenience fee from the card processor will be added to your payment. If you want to avoid the fee, use a debit card or pay directly from your bank account instead.

What time does SMUD process online payments?

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. Payments after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. SMUD does not process payments on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays.

Is it safe to pay SMUD online?

SMUD's website and app use encryption to protect your payment information. Your data is as secure as it would be paying any other utility or bank online. Never share your account number or password with anyone claiming to represent SMUD.

Can I change or cancel an automatic payment?

Yes. If you set it up through SMUD's website, log in and go to "Automatic Payments" to modify or stop it anytime. If your bank is handling it, change it through your bank's bill pay system. Cancellations take effect within one to two billing cycles.

What if I overpay my SMUD bill?

The overpayment stays on your account as a credit and reduces your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact SMUD at 1-888-742-7683 and request one. Refunds are typically mailed within two to three weeks.