Where to pay your SMUD bill

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is the public utility that serves the Sacramento area. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

SMUD's website at smud.org is the fastest way to pay if you have your account number and a bank account or credit card ready. You can also call their payment line at 1-888-742-7683 to pay by phone without logging in online. Both routes process payments immediately, though the payment may take one to two business days to show on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay SMUD bills online at smud.org, by phone at 1-888-742-7683, by mail, or at authorized payment locations around Sacramento.
  • Online and phone payments process the same day but may take one to two business days to appear on your account.
  • Setting up automatic payments through SMUD's website removes the need to remember due dates and helps you avoid late fees.
  • If you are behind on your bill, SMUD offers payment plans and assistance programs for customers with low income or hardship.
  • Your bill shows your usage, rate structure, and any credits or adjustments — learning to read it helps you spot billing errors and understand your charges.

Paying online or by phone

The online payment portal at smud.org requires your account number, which appears on your bill. You will need a checking account, savings account, or credit card to complete the payment. Online payments are free and process immediately, though SMUD may take one to two business days to post the payment to your account.

Paying by phone at 1-888-742-7683 works the same way — you provide your account number and payment method, and the payment processes the same day. There is no fee for either method. If you have questions about your bill before paying, you can speak to a representative during the call rather than submitting payment blindly.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. You can set this up through smud.org by linking your bank account or credit card. SMUD will deduct the full bill amount on or shortly after your due date each month.

You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (which is common in Sacramento due to heating and cooling seasons), you may prefer to review each bill before paying rather than automating the full amount. In that case, you can still set a reminder to pay by the due date shown on your bill.

Paying by mail or at a payment location

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your payment to the address shown on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach SMUD and post to your account, so send your payment well before the due date to avoid late fees.

SMUD also accepts payments at authorized payment locations throughout Sacramento, including some grocery stores and check-cashing services. You can find a location near you on smud.org. In-person payments are processed the same day, though posting to your account may take one to two business days.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your SMUD bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, and due date. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. If you pay after the due date, SMUD will add a late fee to your next bill. The bill also shows your usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and breaks down charges by rate tier — SMUD uses tiered rates, meaning you pay more per kWh once you exceed a baseline amount.

Reading your bill helps you spot errors and understand what you are paying for. The "Current Charges" section lists the cost of electricity, any taxes, and fees. If you see a charge you do not recognize, contact SMUD before paying to ask about it. You can reach customer service at 1-888-742-7683 or through smud.org.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you are behind on your bill or expect to miss a payment, contact SMUD before the due date. SMUD offers payment plans that spread your balance over several months, which can make the payment manageable. You can set up a payment plan by calling 1-888-742-7683 or through your online account.

SMUD also has assistance programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other local programs may help cover part of your bill. You can ask SMUD about these programs when you call, or search for "SMUD assistance programs" on their website to learn what you may be able to access.

Avoiding common payment mistakes

The most common mistake is paying after the due date and incurring a late fee. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for a few days before the due date so you have time to pay online or by phone. If you mail a check, send it at least a week early to account for mail delivery time.

Another mistake is paying the wrong amount. Double-check that you are paying the full "Amount Due" shown on your bill, not just the "Current Charges" — the amount due may include a previous balance or adjustments. If you set up automatic payments, review your first payment to make sure the amount is correct before letting it run automatically each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my SMUD bill with a credit card online?

Yes, SMUD accepts credit and debit cards through their online payment portal at smud.org. There is no fee for paying with a card online. You can also pay by card over the phone at 1-888-742-7683.

What happens if I miss the due date?

SMUD adds a late fee to your next bill if you pay after the due date. The amount of the fee depends on your bill size. If you are going to be late, call SMUD before the due date to discuss a payment plan or ask about assistance programs.

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

Online and phone payments process the same day you make them, but SMUD may take one to two business days to post the payment to your account. If you need the payment to post immediately, paying in person at an authorized location is your fastest option.

Can I change my automatic payment amount each month?

You can log into your SMUD account online and adjust or cancel automatic payments at any time. If your bill varies significantly by season, you may prefer to review each bill and pay manually rather than automating the full amount.

Where can I find my account number if I lost my bill?

Your account number appears on your SMUD bill. If you do not have a copy, you can log into your online account at smud.org, call 1-888-742-7683, or check any past bills or payment confirmations. You will need your account number to pay online or by phone.