What REU is and how to pay your bill
REU stands for Redding Electric Utility, a public utility that serves customers in and around Redding, California. If you receive an REU bill, you have several ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you prefer to set up automatic payments.
REU bills are due by a specific date printed on your statement. Paying after that date triggers a late fee, typically a percentage of your balance. If you are unsure when your payment is due, check the top or bottom section of your bill — the due date is always clearly marked there.
Key Takeaways
- REU offers online bill pay through their website, phone payment by calling their customer service line, and mail payment to their Redding office address.
- Your bill due date is printed on your statement, and payments made after that date incur a late fee.
- Setting up automatic payments through REU's online portal prevents missed due dates and late charges.
- If you are having trouble paying your bill, REU offers payment plans and programs for customers facing financial hardship.
Paying your REU bill online
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through REU's online bill pay system. Go to REU's official website and look for a "Pay My Bill" or "Online Payments" link, usually found on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
Online payments typically process within one business day. If your due date is tomorrow, paying online today may still result in a late fee because the payment has not yet cleared. Check REU's website for their specific processing timeline, or call their customer service line to confirm whether a same-day payment is possible.
Once you set up an online account, you can also arrange automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date every month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call REU's customer service line to make a payment over the phone. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed immediately, but you will be charged a convenience fee by REU for using this method — the amount varies and should be disclosed before you complete the transaction.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Redding Electric Utility and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill statement. Allow at least 10 business days for a mailed payment to reach REU and be posted to your account. If your due date is within 10 days, mailing a check is risky because it may not arrive in time to avoid a late fee.
In-person payment at REU's office
You can also pay your bill in person at REU's main office in Redding. Bring your bill statement or account number and your payment method. In-person payments are processed immediately, and no convenience fee is charged. REU's office hours and location are listed on their website and on your bill statement.
In-person payment is useful if you need to discuss your bill with a representative or if you are making a large payment and want a receipt on the spot. However, it requires a trip to their office during business hours, which is not practical for everyone.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact REU before the deadline. Many utilities, including REU, offer payment plans that spread your balance over several months, reducing the amount due each month. You may also be may be able to access for bill assistance programs if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Calling REU early gives you options. If you wait until after the due date, you will owe a late fee on top of your balance, and your service may be at risk of disconnection if the bill remains unpaid for an extended period. REU typically sends a disconnection notice before shutting off service, but the sooner you reach out, the more flexibility you have.
Understanding your REU bill statement
Your REU bill shows your account number, service address, billing period, usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and the charges for that usage. The bill also lists any taxes, fees, and adjustments. At the top or bottom, you will see the amount due and the due date.
If your bill seems unusually high, check whether your usage increased or whether rates changed. REU's website provides information about rate changes and how to read your bill. If you still have questions, call their customer service line — they can explain specific charges and help you understand what you are paying for.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
The easiest way to never miss a due date is to set up automatic payments through your REU online account. You choose the payment date — typically the same day each month — and REU deducts the amount from your bank account or card automatically. This works even if you are away or forget about the bill.
You can change the payment amount or pause automatic payments at any time through your account. If your bill varies month to month (which is common for electric bills), you can set the automatic payment to cover your average bill and adjust it manually if needed. Some customers set automatic payments for a fixed amount slightly higher than their average, so they build a small credit on their account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my REU account?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment may not show until Monday. If your due date is the next day, paying online may still result in a late fee. Call REU to confirm their exact processing time before relying on online payment for a bill due tomorrow.
What happens if I pay late?
REU charges a late fee, usually a percentage of your bill balance, if payment arrives after the due date. The fee amount is listed on your bill statement. If you continue to miss payments, REU may disconnect your service after sending a disconnection notice.
Can I pay my REU bill with a credit card online?
Yes, REU's online payment system accepts credit and debit cards. However, some credit card companies treat utility payments as cash advances, which may trigger higher interest rates or fees. Check with your card issuer before paying with a credit card.
Is there a fee for automatic payments?
No, REU does not charge a fee for automatic payments set up through their online account. Phone payments and some third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee, but automatic payments from your bank account or card through REU's website are free.
What if I move and need to close my REU account?
Contact REU at least a few days before you move to request a final bill and account closure. They will read your meter one last time and send you a final statement. Pay any remaining balance by the due date to avoid late fees on your closed account.