Where to pay your Athens utilities bill depends on which utility you use
Athens, Georgia has two main utilities: Athens Utilities Department (which handles water, wastewater, and natural gas) and Georgia Power (which handles electricity). Each has its own billing system and payment methods. Knowing which utility you're paying and where they accept payments will save you time and help you avoid late fees.
Most Athens residents pay multiple utilities — typically Georgia Power for electricity and Athens Utilities for gas and water on a single combined bill. Some older properties or specific areas may have different arrangements, so check your bill to confirm which company issued it.
Key Takeaways
- Athens Utilities Department accepts payments online, by phone, by mail, and in person at their office on Clayton Street.
- Georgia Power payments can be made through their website, by phone, through automatic bank withdrawal, or at authorized payment locations around Athens.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank or the utility's website prevents missed due dates and late charges.
- Your bill shows the due date clearly — typically 20 to 25 days after the bill date — and late fees apply if payment arrives after that date.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your utility immediately to discuss payment plans before your service is disconnected.
Paying Athens Utilities Department bills online or by phone
Athens Utilities Department operates a customer portal at athensutilities.com. You can log in with your account number (found on your bill) and pay immediately using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The website also shows your payment history and current balance.
To pay by phone, call Athens Utilities at 706-613-3500 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Have your account number and payment method ready. A small convenience fee applies to phone payments — the current amount is listed on their website.
Online payments through the website typically process within one business day. If you pay after 5 p.m., the payment may not post until the next business day. Plan ahead if your due date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Paying in person or by mail
You can pay Athens Utilities in person at their office located at 915 Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your bill or account number and cash, check, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include the payment stub from your bill so the payment is credited to the correct account. Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive, so send it at least 10 days before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Paying Georgia Power bills
Georgia Power customers can pay online at georgiapower.com by logging into their account. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The website also shows your usage history and allows you to set up automatic payments.
To pay by phone, call Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938. Automated payment is available 24 hours a day. A convenience fee applies to phone payments. You can also speak to a representative during business hours if you have questions about your bill.
Georgia Power accepts payments at many locations around Athens, including grocery stores and payment centers. Check their website for a current list of authorized payment locations near you.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Both Athens Utilities and Georgia Power allow you to set up automatic payments directly from your bank account. This is the most reliable way to ensure your bill is paid on time every month, even if you forget or are out of town.
To set up automatic payments with Athens Utilities, log into their online portal or call 706-613-3500. With Georgia Power, visit georgiapower.com or call 1-888-891-0938. You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month. The payment will be withdrawn on or shortly after your due date.
Automatic payments do not lock you into a contract and can be cancelled anytime. If your bill amount changes significantly, you can adjust the payment amount or switch back to manual payments.
What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay on time
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, a late fee is added to your account. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or contact the utility for the exact amount.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your utility immediately. Both Athens Utilities and Georgia Power offer payment plans that spread your balance over several months. These arrangements must be made before your account is disconnected — waiting until after a disconnection notice arrives makes the process more difficult.
Athens Utilities can be reached at 706-613-3500 and Georgia Power at 1-888-891-0938 to discuss payment options. Have your account number and a realistic payment amount in mind when you call.
Understanding your bill due date and billing cycle
Your bill shows two important dates: the bill date (when the bill was issued) and the due date (when payment must arrive). The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the bill date. This window gives you time to receive the bill by mail and arrange payment.
Athens Utilities and Georgia Power bill on different schedules. Some customers receive separate bills on different dates; others receive a combined bill. Check your bill to see which utilities are included and when each is due.
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day. If you pay online, the payment must be submitted before the utility's cutoff time (usually 5 p.m.) to post on that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay both my Athens Utilities and Georgia Power bills together?
No. These are separate companies with separate billing systems. You must pay each bill through its own payment method. However, if you receive a combined bill from Athens Utilities that includes both services, you pay the total amount to Athens Utilities, and they distribute the payment to Georgia Power.
Is there a fee for paying online?
Athens Utilities does not charge a fee for online payments through their website. Georgia Power also does not charge a fee for online payments. Both utilities charge a convenience fee for phone payments, which varies by company. Check their websites for current amounts.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you paid after 5 p.m., it may not appear until the next day. Check your account online to confirm the payment was received. If more than two business days have passed and the payment still does not appear, contact the utility with your confirmation number from the payment.
Can I set up automatic payments if I have a budget billing plan?
Yes. Automatic payments work with budget billing plans. Your payment will be withdrawn on the same date each month, matching your budget billing due date. If your budget amount changes, you can update your automatic payment amount through the utility's website or by calling.
What happens if I move out of Athens?
Contact both utilities at least two weeks before your move-out date to request a final bill. They will read your meter on or near your move-out date and send you a final bill for any remaining balance. Pay this bill promptly to avoid collection action, even if you no longer live in the area.