Where to pay your Fresno utilities bill
Fresno has two main utilities: Fresno Electric (part of the city's municipal system) and Fresno Water. You can pay either one through the city's online portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest route is the city's website at fresno.gov, where you can set up a one-time payment or automatic monthly payments from a bank account.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the Fresno Utilities Customer Service line to make a payment by phone using a debit or credit card. There is a convenience fee for phone payments, typically a few dollars depending on the payment method. You can also mail a check to the address on your bill, though mail payments take longer to process — usually 7 to 10 business days.
In-person payment locations include the Fresno City Hall customer service office and authorized payment centers around the city. The city website lists current payment locations and their hours. Paying in person with cash or check avoids online fees and gives you an immediate receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Fresno Electric and Fresno Water both use the same online payment system at fresno.gov, where you can pay without a fee.
- Phone payments and credit card payments online carry a convenience fee, so paying by bank transfer or check avoids extra charges.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents late fees and takes only a few minutes on the city website.
- Your bill shows your account number, due date, and current balance — keep this information handy when you call or pay online.
- Late payments trigger a late fee and may result in a service disconnection notice if the account falls 30 days overdue.
How to read your Fresno utilities bill
Your Fresno bill shows three main sections: your account information at the top, your usage and charges in the middle, and payment instructions at the bottom. The account number appears in the upper left corner — you will need this to pay online or by phone. The due date is clearly marked; Fresno typically gives you 20 to 25 days from the bill date to pay without a late fee.
The usage section breaks down what you used during the billing period (usually 30 days) and what you are being charged. For electric bills, you will see kilowatt-hours (kWh) used and the rate per kWh. For water bills, you will see the number of units used (typically measured in hundreds of gallons) and the rate per unit. Fresno uses tiered rates for both electric and water, meaning the price per unit goes up as you use more.
Below usage, you will see line items for the actual charges: the base charge (a fixed monthly fee), the usage charge (based on how much you consumed), and any taxes or other fees. If you have a balance from a previous month, it appears as a separate line. The total amount due is at the bottom of the bill.
Understanding tiered rates and why your bill changes month to month
Fresno Electric and Fresno Water both charge tiered rates, which means the price per unit increases as you use more. For example, your first 500 kWh of electricity might cost one rate, and anything above that costs a higher rate. This structure is designed to encourage conservation and make basic usage affordable while charging more for high consumption.
Because of tiering, your bill will not be the same every month. In summer, when you run air conditioning, your electric bill will jump into higher tiers and cost more per kWh. In winter, when you use less cooling, your bill drops. The same applies to water: a month when you water your lawn heavily will cost more per unit than a month when you use water only for household needs.
Your bill shows which tier you fell into and how many units you used at each tier. If you want to predict your bill or reduce it, look at your usage numbers (kWh or water units) and compare them month to month. Lowering usage by even 10 to 15 percent can move you into a lower tier and save money.
Setting up automatic payments and avoiding late fees
The easiest way to avoid late fees is to set up automatic monthly payments on the city website. You provide your bank account information once, and the city withdraws the amount due on a date you choose — typically a few days before the due date. Automatic payments are free and take about five minutes to set up.
If you do not set up automatic payments, mark the due date on your calendar. Late fees in Fresno are typically 1 to 1.5 percent of the bill amount, and they add up quickly. More importantly, if your account falls 30 days overdue, the city will send a disconnection notice. You then have a short window (usually 10 to 15 days) to pay the full balance plus any late fees and reconnection charges before service is shut off.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact Fresno Utilities Customer Service before the due date. The city has hardship programs and payment plans for customers facing financial difficulty. Calling early gives you more options than waiting until after a late fee is applied.
What to do if you have a billing problem or dispute
If your bill seems wrong — if your usage jumped unexpectedly or you see a charge you do not recognize — contact Fresno Utilities Customer Service with your account number and the specific issue. The city can review your meter reading, check for billing errors, and explain any unusual charges. This conversation is free and does not require a formal dispute.
If you believe there is a meter problem (for example, the meter is running fast or was misread), you can request a meter test. Fresno will send someone to verify the meter's accuracy. If the meter is faulty, the city may adjust your bill for the period it was malfunctioning. If the meter is accurate, you may be charged a small fee for the test.
For disputes that cannot be resolved by phone, Fresno has a formal complaint process. You can file a written complaint with the city's Utilities Department, which will investigate and respond within a set timeframe. The city website lists the address and process for formal complaints.
Payment plans and hardship programs for customers who cannot pay
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, Fresno Utilities offers payment plans that spread the cost over several months. A payment plan does not erase the bill or reduce what you owe — it simply gives you more time to pay. You must contact the city before your account becomes overdue to set up a plan. Once you are late, the city is less likely to offer a plan and may move toward disconnection instead.
Fresno also has a Low-Income Ratepayer Assistance Program (LIRAP) for customers whose household income falls below a certain threshold. This program provides a discount on your monthly bill — the discount amount depends on your income and household size. You must provide proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns) to enroll. The discount is permanent as long as your income stays below the limit.
To learn whether you may have access to for LIRAP or to set up a payment plan, call Fresno Utilities Customer Service or visit the city website. Both programs are free, and there is no penalty for asking about them.
How to check your usage and reduce your bill
Your bill shows your total usage for the month, but to spot trends or find ways to cut costs, you need to compare bills over time. Save your bills for at least a year and look at the usage numbers (kWh for electric, units for water). You will see which months are highest and lowest, which helps you understand your own patterns.
For more detailed usage information, log into your account on the city website. Fresno provides a usage dashboard that shows your consumption by day or week, which can help you pinpoint when you use the most energy or water. If you see a spike on a particular day, you can figure out what caused it — a leaky toilet, an air conditioner running constantly, or a washing machine used more than usual.
Common ways to lower your bill include adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees, fixing water leaks promptly, running full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and using less hot water. Even small changes add up over a year. If you make changes and your usage drops, you will see the difference on your next bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Fresno Electric and Water bills together?
Yes. If you have both services, you can pay them together through the city website or by phone. Your account number will be the same for both, or you can provide both account numbers when you pay. A single payment covers both bills.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee (typically 1 to 1.5 percent of your bill) is added to your account. If you are 30 days overdue, the city sends a disconnection notice. You then have 10 to 15 days to pay the full balance plus late fees and reconnection charges before service is shut off. Call the city immediately if you miss a payment to discuss a payment plan.
How do I know if my meter is accurate?
If your usage seems unusually high, you can request a meter test from Fresno Utilities. A technician will verify that the meter is working correctly. If it is faulty, your bill may be adjusted. If it is accurate, you may be charged a small fee for the test.
Can I change my billing due date?
Yes. Contact Fresno Utilities Customer Service and ask to change your due date. The city can usually move your due date to align with when you receive income or prefer to pay. This change takes effect on your next bill.
What if I think I was overcharged?
Call Fresno Utilities with your account number and explain the issue. The city will review your meter reading and billing history. If an error is found, your bill will be corrected. If no error is found, the customer service representative will explain the charges in detail.