Where to pay your Fargo water, sewer, and electric bill
The City of Fargo offers three main ways to pay your utility bill: online through their website, by mail, or in person at their office. 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 on the same day each month.
To pay online, go to the City of Fargo's official utility payment portal and enter your account number (found on your bill) and PIN. If you do not have a PIN yet, you can create one during your first login. Payments made online typically post within one business day.
If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check itself. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to seven business days — so plan ahead if your due date is coming up.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the City of Fargo portal is the fastest method and shows your balance right away.
- You need your account number and a PIN to log in; create a PIN on your first visit if you do not have one.
- Automatic payments remove the risk of late fees by charging your account on a set day each month.
- Mailed checks take five to seven business days to process, so send them well before your due date.
- The City of Fargo office accepts in-person payments during business hours if you need to pay immediately.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments are the easiest way to ensure your bill gets paid on time every month. Once you set it up in the online portal, the City of Fargo will deduct the amount from your bank account on the date you choose — usually around the due date shown on your bill.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is common with water usage), you can still use autopay; just check your account occasionally to make sure the charge matches what you expected.
Understanding your Fargo utility bill
Your bill shows charges for water, sewer, and electric service separately. The water and sewer charges are based on how much water you used that month, measured in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). Electric charges depend on your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage.
Each service has a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus usage charges. The base charge covers the cost of maintaining the system whether you use it or not. Usage charges are what you pay for the actual water or electricity you consumed. Your bill also lists any taxes or fees that apply to your account.
Look at the "amount due" line near the top of your bill — that is the total you need to pay. The due date is also printed clearly on the front. If you pay after the due date, the City of Fargo may add a late fee to your next bill.
What to do if you cannot pay your bill on time
If you are having trouble paying your utility bill, contact the City of Fargo's utility billing office before your due date. They can discuss your situation and may be able to work out a payment plan that spreads your bill across multiple months.
The City of Fargo does not shut off service immediately for a missed payment. However, if your account falls significantly behind, service disconnection becomes possible. Staying in touch with the billing office early gives you the best chance of finding a solution before that happens.
Some residents may also be may be able to access for utility assistance programs through local nonprofits or government agencies. The City of Fargo's utility office can point you toward these resources if you ask.
Checking your account balance and payment history
Log into your online account anytime to see your current balance, due date, and a record of past payments. This is useful if you are unsure whether a payment has posted yet or if you want to track your usage over several months.
Your payment history shows the date each payment was received and the amount. If you see a payment you do not recognize or notice a charge that seems wrong, contact the City of Fargo's billing office with your account number and the date in question. They can look up the details and explain what happened.
Updating your contact information and mailing address
If you move or change your phone number or email address, update your account in the online portal or call the City of Fargo utility billing office. This ensures your bills reach you and you do not miss payment deadlines.
If you are moving out of Fargo, let the City know your final move date. They will calculate a final bill based on your meter reading on that date. You can arrange to pay the final bill online, by mail, or in person before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my account number?
Your account number is printed on your bill, usually near the top left. It is also the number you use to log into the online payment portal. If you cannot find your bill, call the City of Fargo utility billing office and they can look up your account by your address or phone number.
Can I pay my bill over the phone?
The City of Fargo does not accept phone payments directly. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at their office. Online is the fastest and most secure method.
What happens if I pay late?
Payments received after the due date may result in a late fee added to your next bill. If your account stays unpaid for an extended period, the City of Fargo may disconnect your service. Contact the billing office as soon as you know you will be late to discuss options.
Is there a fee to pay online?
The City of Fargo does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official portal. Avoid third-party payment services that may add extra charges.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. If you are paying close to your due date, use online payment rather than mail to make sure it arrives in time.