Where to send your payment and what information you need
Sacramento City Utilities accepts payments through several channels: online at the official Sacramento City website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their payment office. The fastest route is online, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill in the upper right corner.
If you pay by phone, call the customer service number listed on your bill. Payment by mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the utility, so mail your check or money order at least that long before your due date. In-person payments are accepted at the Sacramento City Utilities office during business hours — the address and hours are on your bill or on the city website.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you choose to mail a check, write your account number on the check itself so the payment reaches the correct account even if the envelope is separated from the check.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Sacramento City website is the fastest option and posts to your account the same day.
- Your account number appears in the upper right corner of your bill and is required for any payment method.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact customer service about payment plans or hardship programs before your account is marked late.
- Late fees are added to accounts that do not pay by the due date shown on your bill.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You can set up automatic payments online through your Sacramento City Utilities account or by calling customer service. The utility will deduct the amount from your bank account on the due date each month.
Before you enroll, confirm that your bank account information is correct. You can change the payment amount or pause automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If your bill amount changes significantly — for example, after a rate adjustment — review your automatic payment amount to make sure it still covers your full bill.
Understanding your bill due date and late payment consequences
Your due date appears clearly on the front of your bill. Payment is considered on time if it is received by that date. If you pay online or by phone, the payment posts immediately. If you mail a check, the postmark date does not count — the utility counts the date they receive it.
Late fees are added if your payment is not received by the due date. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill amount. If you miss a payment, your account will be marked delinquent, which can affect your credit report if the account is sent to a collection agency. If you are unable to pay by the due date, contact Sacramento City Utilities before that date to discuss your options.
Payment plans and hardship programs for customers who cannot pay in full
Sacramento City Utilities offers payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay their full bill by the due date. Contact customer service to request a payment plan. The utility will work with you to set up a schedule that fits your situation, though you will typically need to pay at least a portion of the bill by the original due date.
Some customers may also be referred to community assistance programs that help with utility bills. These programs are run by local nonprofits and government agencies, not by Sacramento City Utilities directly. Customer service can provide referrals to programs in your area. Having a payment plan in place protects your account from being disconnected and prevents late fees from accumulating.
What to do if your service is disconnected for non-payment
Sacramento City Utilities will send you a notice before disconnecting your service for non-payment. The notice will state the amount owed and the date service will be shut off if payment is not received. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact customer service immediately — even if you cannot pay the full amount, you may be able to set up a payment plan to stop the disconnection.
If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days. If you are a senior, disabled, or have a medical condition that makes utility service essential, inform customer service when you call — some protections may apply.
Finding your account number and bill information online
You can view your bill and account information anytime through the Sacramento City Utilities online portal. Create an account on the city website using your account number and service address. Once logged in, you can see your current bill, payment history, and usage information.
If you have lost your bill or cannot find your account number, call customer service with your name and service address. They will provide your account number and can email or mail a copy of your current bill. The online portal also allows you to update your contact information, set up automatic payments, and request a payment arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments post to your account the same day you submit them. If you do not see the payment reflected within 24 hours, log into your account or call customer service to confirm the payment went through. Keep the confirmation number from your online payment as proof in case there is a dispute.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Sacramento City Utilities accepts debit cards and bank account payments online and by phone. Credit card payments may be available through a third-party payment processor, though a convenience fee may apply. Check the payment options on the city website or ask customer service about credit card payments and any associated fees.
What if I disagree with the amount on my bill?
Contact customer service to dispute the bill before you pay. Explain what you believe is incorrect — for example, an unusually high usage charge or a fee you do not recognize. Customer service can review your account and explain the charges. You are not required to pay the disputed portion while the utility investigates, but paying the undisputed portion protects your account from late fees.
How do I change my mailing address for bills?
Update your address through your online account or by calling customer service. Provide your account number and new address. The change typically takes effect within one to two billing cycles. If you are moving, notify the utility at least two weeks before you leave so your final bill is sent to the correct address.
Is there a grace period after the due date before late fees are added?
Sacramento City Utilities does not offer a grace period. Late fees are added if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. If you are one or two days late, contact customer service immediately to ask whether the late fee can be waived — some utilities will remove the fee if you pay before the account is sent to collections.