Avista offers multiple ways to pay your electric or natural gas bill, with online payment being the fastest option

Avista Utilities serves customers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with electricity and natural gas. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, through automatic bank transfers, or by mail. Online payment through their website typically processes the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. Phone payments and automatic transfers take one to two business days. Mail payments take seven to ten business days depending on postal delivery and processing time at Avista's office.

Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on your account settings. The due date is printed on your bill, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. Paying after the due date may result in a late fee, though Avista typically allows a grace period of a few days before disconnection notices are sent.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at Avista's website without creating an account by using your account number and ZIP code.
  • Automatic bank transfers through Avista's AutoPay program deduct your bill on a date you choose each month.
  • Phone payments are available 24/7 by calling Avista's customer service line, though a convenience fee may explore.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill at least ten days before the due date to arrive on time.

Paying online through Avista's website

Visit Avista's website and select the bill pay option. You do not need to create an account or log in. Enter your account number (found on your bill), your ZIP code, and the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full amount due or a partial amount. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers.

If you use a credit or debit card, Avista charges a convenience fee of around 2.5 percent of the payment amount. Bank account transfers typically have no fee. The payment processes when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number for your records. The funds reach Avista's account the same business day if you submit before 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Setting up automatic payments with AutoPay

AutoPay deducts your bill automatically from your bank account on a date you choose each month. Log into your Avista account online or call customer service to enroll. You will need your bank account number and routing number. Avista withdraws the full amount due on the date you select, usually between the 1st and the 28th of each month.

AutoPay has no fee and is the most reliable way to avoid late payments. You can change the payment date or pause AutoPay at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (which is common with heating or cooling seasons), you can still use AutoPay and adjust the amount manually if needed, or set it to pay the average amount and pay any difference manually.

Paying by phone or through third-party services

Call Avista's customer service line to pay by phone. A representative can process your payment using a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. Phone payments are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Avista charges a convenience fee for credit and debit card payments over the phone, similar to online card payments.

Some third-party bill pay services, such as your bank's bill pay feature, may also allow you to send a check to Avista on your behalf. Check with your bank to see if this option is available and whether they charge a fee. These services typically mail a check, so allow the same ten-day window as a mailed payment.

Mailing a check or money order

Write a check or purchase a money order payable to Avista Utilities. Include your account number on the check or money order. Mail it to the address printed on your bill under "Make Checks Payable To." Do not mail cash. Send your payment at least ten days before the due date to account for postal delivery and processing time at Avista's office.

Include your bill stub or a note with your account number so Avista can match the payment to your account quickly. If you are paying from outside the service area or sending from a distance, add extra time. Avista processes mailed payments during business hours, Monday through Friday, so a check mailed on Friday may not be recorded until the following week.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Avista typically sends a late notice within a few days. The notice includes a new due date and warns that a late fee will be added if payment is not received. Late fees vary but are usually a percentage of your bill amount. Avista does not when ready disconnect service for a single late payment.

If payments remain unpaid for 30 to 60 days (depending on your state and Avista's policies), a disconnection notice is sent. This notice gives you a final important date, usually 10 to 15 days, to pay or arrange a payment plan. Contact Avista when ready if you receive a disconnection notice. Customer service can discuss payment options, including extended payment plans or hardship programs if you are facing financial difficulty.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Avista's customer service before the bill becomes overdue. Avista can set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. The terms depend on the amount owed and your account history. Some plans require a down payment, while others allow you to start payments when ready.

Payment plans are informal agreements, not formal contracts, so Avista can modify or cancel them if payments are missed. Make all payments on the agreed dates to keep the plan active. If you are struggling with bills due to job loss, medical emergency, or other hardship, ask customer service about low-income information programs or bill reduction options available in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Avista bill without creating an account?

Yes. On Avista's website, select the one-time payment option and enter your account number and ZIP code. You do not need to log in or create an account. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment.

What is the difference between paying online with a card versus a bank account?

Credit and debit card payments incur a convenience fee of approximately 2.5 percent. Bank account transfers typically have no fee. Both process the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.

How long does it take for a mailed check to show up on my account?

Mailed payments take seven to ten business days total: a few days for postal delivery, plus one to two business days for Avista to process and record it. Mail your check at least ten days before the due date to avoid a late fee.

What happens if I set up AutoPay but my bill amount changes?

AutoPay deducts the full amount due each month, so it adjusts automatically when your bill changes. If you want to pay a fixed amount instead, you can modify AutoPay through your online account or call customer service to adjust the payment amount.

Can I cancel AutoPay anytime?

Yes. Log into your Avista account online or call customer service to pause or cancel AutoPay at any time. Changes take effect within one to two business days. You can also modify the payment date or amount without canceling the service.