Utility bill payment options
- What is Budget Billing?
- Can I pay my utility bill using a credit card?
- Can I pay my utility bill online?
- Can I change the due date for my bill?
- Where can I pay my utility bill?
- What can I do when I can't pay?
- When is my payment due?
- What is the customer charge and the energy and delivery charges on my electricity bill?
- Can I read my own meter and call in the readings?
- Do I have to pay a deposit?
- How do I read my electric meter?
- How do I read my water meter?
- Do I need to be present to have my service connected or reconnected?
- If my trees are growing into power lines, will you cut them?
- How can I save energy?
- How can I save water?
What is Budget Billing?
Budget billing is a plan to help residential customers level out their utility bills throughout the year. Learn more about budget billing.
Can I pay my utility bill using a credit card?
Yes. Residential customers may call our Service + automated telephone system to pay your residential utility bill over the telephone. The telephone number is (253) 502-8608. You can pay using your Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card. All you need is your account number, the last four digits of the primary account holder's Social Security Number and your debit or credit card. You will receive a confirmation number after the transaction has been completed.
Can I pay my utility bill online?
Yes. The City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities now offer a new program called Internet Self Service. It allows you to view your bill and pay your bill online. You can pay by either automatic draft from your checking or savings account or by a Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card. The Web site is TacomaServices.org.
Can I change the date my bill is due?
Yes, we now offer preferred payment dates of the 10th, 20th and 30th of the month. Please contact Customer Service at (253) 502-8600 to request a preferred payment date.
Where can I pay my utility bill?
There are several options - you can pay your bill by mail, at local PayStations, online, over the phone and in person. Learn more about your payment options.
What can I do when I can't pay?
To make arrangements on your utility bill, you can call our automated line at (253) 502-8608. If the arrangements are outside of our general guidelines, your call will automatically be routed to a customer service representative, who can discuss other payment options to assist you. Learn more about our credit policies.
When is my payment due?
Utility payments will be due 10 days after each bill is mailed. Need an extension? Call our automated line at (253) 502-8608.
What are the customer charge, the energy and delivery charges on my electric bill?
Our monthly customer charge covers administrative costs, like reading and servicing your meter, preparing and mailing bills, and maintaining and updating billing records and applicable franchise fees. Our delivery charge reflects the costs relating to poles, lines, transformers, etc., associated with delivering electricity from its source to your home. The energy charge reflects the costs of producing electricity. Learn more about the charges on your bill.
Can I read my own meter and call in the readings?
No. We want to ensure your meter is accurately read. With more than 180,000 customers, we cannot answer the volume of calls this would create.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Applicants might be required to pay a deposit for electric, water and/or commercial solid waste. Security deposits may be waived for property owners and for customers who have established a satisfactory payment history with Tacoma Public Utilities. Learn more about our deposits.
How do I read my electric meter?
Reading your electric meter is a great way to track how your home is using electricity. Read all the dials from left to right. Record the smaller of the two numbers on either side of the pointer. To figure out how much electricity you have used, subtract the previous meter reading from your present meter reading. Most residential meters have signs that read "multiply by 10." This will give you the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity you have used since the last reading.
Do I need to be present to have my service connected or reconnected?
In most cases you do not have to be present when your service is connected or reconnected.
If my trees are growing into power lines, will you cut them?
If your trees are growing into the transmission or distribution power lines, please call Tacoma Power's Tree Trimming/Removal line at (253) 502-8729. Tacoma Power will not trim trees on private property that are between the utility pole and the home. Learn more about tree trimming.
