7 Essential Ways To Pay Your Colton Public Utilities Bill And Avoid The 5% Late Fee (2025 Rate Update)
Navigating your utility bill payments for Colton Public Utilities (CPU) has never been easier, with a comprehensive suite of options designed for ultimate customer convenience. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the City of Colton has streamlined its billing processes, offering everything from a secure online portal to multiple in-person kiosk locations, ensuring every resident can find a method that fits their schedule. Crucially, customers should note an important update: new electric rates are slated to go into effect in October 2025, but in the short term, the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) is being reduced, which is a positive change for your monthly energy costs.
This detailed guide provides the most current information on all official payment channels, the critical details on late fees, and the latest news on utility rates to help you manage your electric, water, and wastewater services efficiently. Whether you prefer the speed of online transactions or the security of an in-person drop-off, understanding these seven methods is key to maintaining good standing with the City of Colton's Utility Billing Services Division.
The Complete List of Colton Public Utilities Payment Methods
Colton Public Utilities provides its customers with flexibility, offering seven official and secure ways to pay their monthly utility bill. These options cover all services provided by the City of Colton, including electric, water, and wastewater.
1. Official Online Payment Portal (Recommended)
The fastest and most efficient way to manage your account is through the City of Colton’s secure online payment portal. This method gives you complete control over your billing history and payment scheduling.
- How it Works: You can either set up a dedicated online account for full access or make a quick one-time payment without logging in.
- Access: The official City of Colton website directs users to the correct portal for Utility Billing. For electric utility bills, the system often utilizes a third-party payment processor like Paymentus to ensure security.
- Benefits: Ideal for paperless billing (e-billing), viewing past statements, and managing multiple properties.
2. Automatic Payment (AutoPay)
For customers who want to eliminate the risk of missing a due date, the AutoPay feature is the most reliable option. This system automatically deducts the bill amount from your registered account on the due date.
- Payment Methods Accepted: You can register a credit card (Visa and MasterCard are accepted) or your banking details to set up a recurring payment schedule.
- Setup: Enrollment details are available through the online portal or by contacting Customer Service.
3. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Phone System
The automated phone system allows customers to make payments 24/7 using a credit or debit card without needing to speak to a customer service representative.
- Dedicated Phone Line: While the IVR system is available, the most reliable way to access it is by calling the main Customer Service line at 909-370-5555 and following the prompts for bill payment.
- Payment Types: Accepts ATM cards and major credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.
4. Payment by Mail
Traditional payment by mail remains a viable option for those who prefer to pay with a check or money order.
- Mailing Address: Send your payment, along with the bill stub, to the address provided on your monthly statement.
- Accepted Forms: Check, money order, or credit card authorization (an authorization form is typically printed on the back of the bill stub).
5. In-Person Kiosk Payments (24/7 Access)
Colton Public Utilities has strategically placed payment kiosks to offer secure, after-hours payment options, which are especially useful if you need to pay before a cutoff date.
- City Hall Outdoor Kiosk: A secure, outdoor payment kiosk is available at City Hall, offering 24/7 access for payments.
- Gonzales Community Center Indoor Kiosk: Another convenient payment kiosk is located inside the Gonzales Community Center.
6. Authorized Third-Party Locations
For customers who prefer to pay their bill while running errands, CPU authorizes certain local businesses to accept payments on their behalf.
- Larsons Pharmacy: You can pay your bill at Larsons Pharmacy, located at 142 W. H Street, Colton, CA 92324.
- Note on Fees: While the City of Colton does not charge a fee for most payment methods, third-party processors like doxo or authorized retail agents may apply a service fee.
7. In-Person Office Payment
Customers can still visit the Utility Billing Services Division office for direct assistance and payment.
- Address: Utility Billing Services Division, 650 N La Cadena Drive, Colton, CA 92324.
- Office Hours: It is recommended to call Customer Service at 909-370-5555 before visiting to confirm the current operating hours for in-person payments.
Critical Utility Billing Information: Late Fees and Due Dates
Understanding the billing cycle and penalty structure is essential for avoiding unnecessary charges and potential service interruption. The City of Colton enforces a clear policy regarding delinquent accounts.
Avoiding the 5% Late Fee
Your utility bill is due and payable upon presentation. However, Colton Public Utilities provides a crucial grace period before penalties are applied.
- Grace Period: Accounts are granted a 10-day grace period after the due date shown on the bill.
- Late Fee Policy: If the account remains unpaid after the 10-day grace period, a 5% late fee is applied. This charge is added to the account when a delinquent notice is mailed out.
- Delinquent Status: An account is considered delinquent if payment is not received by the due date.
Customer Service and Account Inquiries
For any questions regarding your bill, payment plans (such as the Level Pay Plan), service requests, or to report an outage, you should contact the main Customer Service Department.
- Utility Billing Customer Service: 909-370-5555.
- Services Handled: Billing inquiries, service requests (electric, water, wastewater), and general account assistance.
Major 2025 Utility Rate Updates and Financial Outlook
Staying informed about rate changes is key to managing your household budget. Colton Public Utilities has announced specific adjustments and future plans that will impact customers in the coming year.
A Positive Electric Rate Adjustment for Customers
In a significant and favorable move for residents, Colton Electric Utility has announced a reduction in the Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) rate. This is one of the most current and important updates for customers.
- PCA Reduction: The Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) is set to be reduced from $0.085 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) down to $0.04 per kWh.
- Impact: This reduction is intended to help lower monthly energy costs for customers.
Future Rate Changes and Financial Planning
While the PCA is being lowered, the City of Colton is also planning for the long-term sustainability of its utility services. Customers should be aware of the following upcoming changes and financial context:
- New Electric Rates: New, comprehensive electric rates are scheduled to take effect in October 2025.
- Financial Deficit: The City is currently facing a significant $24 million utility deficit.
- 2025 Rate Stability: To address the deficit, a study recommends utilizing reserves to cover immediate costs, meaning no general rate increase is recommended for 2025, though incremental adjustments are anticipated in subsequent years.
This forward-looking approach ensures the City of Colton can continue to provide reliable electric, water, and wastewater services while managing long-term financial health. By utilizing the convenient payment methods outlined above and staying aware of the 10-day grace period, customers can easily manage their accounts and benefit from the current rate adjustments.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
