APG&E bill payment methods and where to send payments
APG&E (Avista Utilities) serves customers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with electricity and natural gas. You can pay your bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at an Avista office or authorized payment location. The fastest way is online at avistautilities.com — you can pay immediately without waiting for mail delivery or phone hold times.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Avista and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is soon. If you pay by phone, call 1-800-227-9187 and have your account number and payment method ready.
Avista also accepts payments at authorized retailers and payment centers in your area. You can find these locations on the Avista website by entering your zip code. Some locations charge a fee for in-person payments, so ask before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at avistautilities.com posts to your account the same day and is the fastest option if you have internet access.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Phone payments at 1-800-227-9187 process immediately and do not require you to set up an online account.
- Some authorized payment locations charge a fee for in-person payments, so confirm the cost before you hand over money.
- Your account number appears on your bill and you will need it for any payment method except online (where you can log in instead).
Setting up online payments and automatic billing
To pay online, go to avistautilities.com and click the payment or billing section. You can create an account using your account number and service address, or log in if you already have one. Once logged in, you can make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments.
Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account or credit card on your due date each month. This stops late fees if you forget to pay, but you are responsible for making sure you have enough money in your account on that date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
Avista does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account. If you pay with a credit or debit card, a third-party processor charges a fee — usually around 2.5 percent of your payment amount. The website will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your bill, Avista adds a late fee to your next bill. The amount varies by state and by how much you owe, but late fees are typically a percentage of your unpaid balance. A second late fee applies if you remain unpaid for 30 days after the due date.
If you do not pay within 30 days of the due date, Avista may disconnect your service. Before disconnection, Avista must send you a written notice at least 10 days ahead. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact Avista immediately at 1-800-227-9187 to discuss payment options or hardship programs.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, Avista offers programs for customers with low income or temporary hardship. These programs may reduce your bill or give you more time to pay. Call 1-800-227-9187 and ask about hardship options before you fall behind.
Payment timing and when your payment posts
Online payments made before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time usually post to your account the same day. Payments made after midnight post the next business day. Phone payments also post the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which Avista will tell you when you call.
Mail payments take longer because they must travel to Avista's processing center, be opened, and be entered into the system. Avista recommends mailing your payment at least 10 days before your due date to be safe. If you mail a payment and it does not post within 15 days, contact Avista with your check number and payment amount so they can track it.
In-person payments at authorized locations post within one to three business days, depending on the location and how often they send batches to Avista. Ask the payment location how long it will take when you pay.
Paying from a bank account versus a credit or debit card
Avista accepts payments from a checking or savings account, credit card, or debit card. Paying from a bank account is free and is the cheapest option. Paying with a credit or debit card triggers a fee from the payment processor, usually 2.5 percent of the amount you pay.
If you use a credit card to pay your utility bill, the credit card company may treat it as a cash advance rather than a regular purchase. Cash advances often have higher interest rates and start charging interest immediately, with no grace period. Check your credit card terms before you use it to pay a utility bill.
Debit cards are treated like regular purchases and do not carry the cash advance risk. However, using a debit card to pay bills online carries the same fraud risk as any online debit card transaction — if someone steals your card number, they can drain your bank account. Using a credit card limits your liability for fraud.
Paying your bill if you do not have online access
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, phone and mail are your main options. Phone payments are fastest — call 1-800-227-9187 and a representative will take your payment information and process it immediately. You do not need to create an account or log in.
Mail payments work if you have a checking account and can write a check. Write your account number on the check, include the payment stub from your bill if you have it, and mail it to the address on your bill. Do not mail cash.
In-person payments at authorized locations are another option if you live near one. Some locations accept cash, check, or card. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take and whether they charge a fee.
Understanding your bill and finding your account number
Your Avista bill shows your account number in the upper right corner or near the top of the page. You need this number to pay by phone or mail, and to set up an online account. The bill also shows your due date, the amount owed, and the address where to mail payments.
Your bill includes charges for electricity, natural gas, or both depending on your service. It may also include taxes, fees, and credits for programs you are enrolled in. If you do not understand a charge on your bill, call Avista at 1-800-227-9187 and ask a representative to explain it.
If you lose your bill or do not receive one, you can still pay online by logging into your account or calling the phone payment line. You can also request a copy of your bill by phone or through your online account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my APG&E bill with a prepaid card or gift card?
Some prepaid cards and gift cards work online if they are Visa, Mastercard, or American Express branded. However, the payment processor may decline them if the card is not registered to your name or address. Call 1-800-227-9187 to ask whether your specific card will work before you try to pay online.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up?
Online payments usually post within hours. If your payment does not appear within one business day, log into your account and check the payment history to see if it went through. If it shows as pending, wait one more day. If it shows as failed, the payment was not processed and you need to pay again. Contact Avista if you see a charge on your bank account but the payment does not appear in your Avista account.
Can I set up automatic payments and still pay extra some months?
Yes. Automatic payments deduct your regular bill amount on the due date. You can make additional one-time payments anytime through your online account or by phone without affecting your automatic payment schedule. This is useful if you want to pay down a balance faster.
Is there a discount if I pay my bill in full before the due date?
Avista does not offer early-payment discounts. However, paying on time stops late fees from being added. If you have a low income, ask about hardship programs that may reduce your bill amount itself.
What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?
Contact Avista at 1-800-227-9187 before your due date. They may be able to set up a payment plan, extend your due date, or refer you to a hardship program. Acting before you miss a payment gives you more options than waiting until after the due date.