Where to pay Tacoma Public Utilities
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) gives you several ways to pay your bill. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the TPU website — you can do it any time, day or night, and the payment posts within one business day.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call TPU's customer service line at 1-800-338-6423 to pay by phone. A representative will take your account number and payment information. Payments made by phone are processed the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.
For in-person payment, TPU has a customer service office in Tacoma where you can pay by cash, check, or card. You can also pay at authorized payment locations throughout the Tacoma area — the TPU website lists all current locations. Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill; allow at least 10 business days for a mailed check to reach TPU and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the TPU website is the fastest method and works 24/7 without phone calls or trips to an office.
- Phone payment through 1-800-338-6423 processes the same day if you call before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- In-person payment at the TPU customer service office or authorized locations accepts cash, check, or card.
- Mailed checks take at least 10 business days to arrive and post, so plan ahead if you use this method.
- You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, to pay by any method.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want to stop thinking about your bill each month, you can set up automatic payment through the TPU website. Automatic payment deducts your bill amount from your bank account or charges your credit or debit card on the due date each month. This prevents late payments and the fees that come with them.
To enroll, log into your TPU account online or call customer service. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number, or your card information. TPU does not charge a fee for automatic bank account payments, but credit and debit card payments may carry a small processing fee — the website will show you the fee amount before you confirm.
You can change or cancel automatic payment at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If you need to skip a month or adjust the payment date, you can do that too.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your TPU bill shows a due date, usually about 20 days after the bill is issued. Payment is considered on time if TPU receives it by 5 p.m. on the due date. If payment arrives after that time, TPU charges a late fee — the amount varies but is shown on your bill.
If your payment is more than 30 days late, TPU may disconnect your service. Before disconnection, TPU sends a notice giving you time to pay or contact them about a payment plan. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, call customer service right away — TPU has programs for customers facing hardship, and calling before you miss a payment gives you more options.
Payments made online or by phone post faster than mailed checks, so if you are close to the due date, use one of those methods. If you mail a check, send it at least 10 business days before the due date to be safe.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are struggling to pay your TPU bill, contact customer service before your payment is late. TPU offers a budget billing program that spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments, which can make bills more predictable. You can also request a payment plan that lets you pay your bill over several months instead of all at once.
Washington State also has utility assistance programs for households with low income. The Community Action Partnership and other local nonprofits administer these programs, which may cover part or all of your bill. To find programs in your area, call 211 or visit the 211 website — they will tell you what programs are available and what information you need to provide.
If your service has been disconnected, you can request reconnection once you have paid the past-due amount plus any reconnection fee. TPU charges a reconnection fee, which is shown on your bill or can be found on the TPU website.
Checking your account balance and payment history online
You can log into your TPU account on their website to see your current balance, due date, and payment history. This is useful if you want to confirm a payment posted or check how much you owe before making a payment. Your account also shows your usage history, which can help you spot unusual spikes in your bill.
If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and the phone number or email address on file with TPU. Once you are logged in, you can update your contact information, view your bills, and manage your payment methods.
Paying a bill for someone else's account
If you want to pay someone else's TPU bill, you can do so online if you have their account number, or by phone by calling customer service. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment. When you pay online, enter the account number and the payment amount, then provide your own payment information.
If you are paying by mail, write the account number on the check and mail it to the address on the bill. The payment will post to that account even if the check is from a different person or account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my TPU bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through the TPU website or by phone. TPU charges a small processing fee for card payments, but not for bank account payments. The fee amount appears on the website before you confirm the payment.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
TPU charges a late fee if payment arrives after 5 p.m. on the due date. If your payment is more than 30 days late, TPU may disconnect your service. Contact customer service before you miss a payment to discuss a payment plan or other options.
How long does it take for an online payment to post?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not post until Monday. If you are paying close to the due date, use online or phone payment rather than mail to ensure it arrives on time.
Can I change my payment due date?
Contact TPU customer service to request a different due date. They can often adjust your billing cycle so the due date falls on a day that works better for your budget. Call 1-800-338-6423 to ask about this option.
What if I overpay my bill?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount stays on your account as a credit and reduces your next bill. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by contacting customer service, though this may take several weeks to process.