How to pay your Avista bill

Avista offers four main ways to pay your electric or natural gas bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through your Avista account, which processes immediately and requires no fees. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call Avista's payment line, mail a check, or visit an authorized payment center.

Each method has different timing and requirements. Online and phone payments typically post to your account the same day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Avista, so you should mail your check well before your due date to avoid a late fee. In-person payments at authorized locations also process the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through your Avista account is free, immediate, and the fastest way to pay without calling or mailing anything.
  • Phone payments are available 24/7 by calling Avista's automated payment line, but you will need your account number and a debit or credit card.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send your check at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • Avista does not charge a fee for any standard payment method, but third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee if you use them.

Paying online through your Avista account

Log in to your Avista account at avistautilities.com using your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by clicking "Register" on the login page and entering your account number, zip code, and email address. Once you are logged in, look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button, usually visible on your account dashboard.

Select the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance due, a partial amount, or set up a recurring automatic payment. Enter or confirm your bank account information (checking or savings account) or debit card details. Review the payment summary to confirm the amount and due date, then submit. Your payment will post immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.

If you want to avoid logging in each time, you can set up automatic recurring payments through your online account. This option deducts your bill amount from your bank account on the same date each month, so you never have to remember to pay manually. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Paying by phone

Call Avista's automated payment line at 1-800-227-9187 to pay by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your Avista account number (found on your bill) and a debit or credit card ready. The automated system will guide you through entering your payment amount and card information.

Phone payments process the same day and you will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write down this number for your records. If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call Avista's customer service line during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday) and ask to make a payment.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to Avista Utilities and include it with your bill stub or a written note containing your account number. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill — this address is the lockbox where Avista receives mailed payments, not their main office.

Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to be received and posted to your account. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date. Keep a copy of your check or money order number and the date you mailed it in case you need to track the payment later. If your payment does not appear on your account within 10 business days, contact Avista customer service with your mailing date and check number.

Paying in person at authorized locations

Avista has authorized payment centers in some areas where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. These locations vary by region. To find a payment center near you, visit avistautilities.com and search for "payment locations," or call Avista customer service at 1-800-227-9187 and ask for the nearest authorized payment center.

In-person payments process the same day, and you will receive a receipt immediately. This method is useful if you prefer to pay in cash or do not have online or phone access. Payment center hours vary by location, so confirm hours before you visit.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you are struggling to pay your bill in full, contact Avista customer service before your due date. Avista offers budget billing, which spreads your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments so your bill is more predictable. You can also ask about a payment arrangement, which allows you to pay part of your bill now and the remainder over several weeks without a late fee.

Avista also has programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship. These programs may help reduce your bill or provide assistance with past-due amounts. Call Avista at 1-800-227-9187 and ask about low-income programs or hardship assistance in your area. Having your account number and a description of your situation ready will speed up the conversation.

Avoiding late fees and service disconnection

Your due date is printed on your bill, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you do not pay by that date, Avista will charge a late fee (the amount varies by state and bill size). If your account remains unpaid for 30 to 45 days past the due date, Avista may disconnect your service without further notice.

If you miss a due date, pay as soon as possible to stop additional late fees from accumulating. If your service has been disconnected, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection can take 24 to 48 hours depending on your location and whether a technician visit is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Avista charge a fee to pay my bill online?

No. Avista does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through your account at avistautilities.com using your bank account or debit card. If you use a third-party payment processor or credit card, that processor may charge a convenience fee, but Avista itself does not.

Can I pay my Avista bill with a credit card?

You can pay with a credit card by phone or through a third-party payment processor, but Avista's website does not accept credit cards directly. Third-party processors charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of your bill) for credit card payments. Paying with your bank account or debit card through Avista's website is free.

How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?

Online payments made through your Avista account post immediately, usually within minutes. You will receive a confirmation number right away. If you pay after 11 p.m., the payment may not show until the next business day, but it will still be credited on the date you submitted it.

What happens if I mail my payment but it gets lost?

Keep a record of your check number and the date you mailed it. If your payment does not appear on your account after 10 business days, contact Avista customer service with this information. Avista can research the payment and may be able to locate it or issue a credit if it was received but not posted correctly.

Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them anytime?

Yes. You can set up automatic recurring payments through your online account and cancel them anytime by logging in and changing your payment settings. If you cancel, you will need to make manual payments going forward. You can also pause automatic payments temporarily if needed.