Where to pay your Great Falls water, sewer, and electric bill
Great Falls residents can pay their city utility bills through the City of Great Falls online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance and payment history immediately. You can also set up automatic payments so the bill comes out of your bank account on a date you choose.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address printed on your bill, pay in person at City Hall during business hours, or call the Utility Billing Department to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. Each method takes different amounts of time, so choose based on when you need the payment to post.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Great Falls online bill pay portal is the fastest way to pay and shows your account balance and payment history in real time.
- Automatic payments through the online portal prevent missed due dates and let you choose the payment date each month.
- Mailed checks should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
- In-person payments at City Hall and phone payments with a card are processed the same day you make them.
- Your bill shows the due date and late payment penalties, so check the due date before choosing your payment method.
How to set up online bill pay through the city portal
Go to the City of Great Falls website and look for the Utility Billing section or online payment portal. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Create a login with your email address and a password you choose. Once you are logged in, you can view your current balance, past bills, and payment history.
To make a one-time payment, select the amount you want to pay and choose your payment date. The system accepts bank account transfers (which are free) and credit or debit card payments (which may have a small fee). If you want to set up automatic payments, select that option and the system will charge your account on the same date each month or on a date you specify.
Mailing a check or paying in person
If you mail a payment, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The Utility Billing Department processes mailed payments, but they take 7 to 10 business days to appear on your account. If your due date is soon, mailing is not the best choice because the payment may not post in time to avoid a late fee.
To pay in person, bring your bill and a check or card to City Hall during business hours. Ask the staff member which window handles utility payments. In-person payments post to your account the same day, so this is a good option if you are close to the due date and want to avoid late charges. Call ahead to confirm the hours, especially during holidays.
Paying by phone with the Utility Billing Department
Call the City of Great Falls Utility Billing Department during business hours to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The staff member will process the payment while you are on the phone and give you a confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later.
Phone payments are processed the same day you call, so they are a good option if your due date is within a few days. There may be a small fee for paying by card over the phone. Ask the staff member about the fee before you give your card number.
Understanding your bill and due date
Your Great Falls utility bill shows the amount due, the due date, and the charges for water, sewer, and electric service. The due date is the last day you can pay without a late fee. If you pay after the due date, the city adds a late charge to your next bill. Read the due date carefully before you choose your payment method so you know how much time you have.
Your bill also shows your account number, service address, and a summary of charges from the current billing period. If you do not recognize a charge or think your bill is wrong, contact the Utility Billing Department before you pay. They can explain the charges or investigate if there is an error.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact the Utility Billing Department as soon as possible. The city may offer a payment plan that lets you pay part of the bill now and the rest over several months. A payment plan stops the city from shutting off your service while you catch up.
Do not wait until after the due date to call. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have. The Utility Billing Department can discuss your situation and work with you on a plan that fits your budget. Late fees add up quickly, so getting ahead of the problem saves money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for paying online through the city portal?
Bank account transfers through the online portal are free. Credit and debit card payments may have a small fee, which the system will show you before you confirm the payment. Ask the city which payment method has no fee if you want to avoid charges.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If you pay late in the day, it may not show until the next morning. If your due date is tomorrow, pay in person or by phone instead to make sure the payment posts in time.
Can I change or cancel an automatic payment?
Yes, you can log into the online portal and change the payment date or amount, or turn off automatic payments. Make changes at least a few days before the scheduled payment date so the system has time to process the change.
What happens if I pay late?
The city adds a late fee to your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, the city may shut off your water, sewer, or electric service. Contact the Utility Billing Department right away if you fall behind so you can set up a payment plan before service is disconnected.
Where do I find my account number if I lost my bill?
Your account number is on your bill, but if you do not have a copy, call the Utility Billing Department and give them your service address. They will provide your account number so you can log into the online portal or make a payment.