Ways to pay your Idaho Power bill
Idaho Power offers five main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, in person at a payment center, or through automatic bank withdrawals. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through idahopower.com, which processes immediately and costs nothing extra. If you prefer not to use the internet, calling 1-800-635-1453 lets you pay by phone with a representative, also at no charge.
Automatic payments (also called autopay) withdraw money directly from your bank account on your due date each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a payment and triggering a late fee. You can set this up online, by phone, or by mail. If you want to pay by check, mail it to the address printed on your bill — allow 7 to 10 business days for it to reach Idaho Power and post to your account.
In-person payments are available at select locations, though these are less common than they once were. Call 1-800-635-1453 to find a payment center near you, or check the "Pay My Bill" section of idahopower.com for current locations. Some third-party retailers may also accept Idaho Power payments, but verify the fee structure first — some charge a convenience fee that Idaho Power itself does not.
Key Takeaways
- Online and phone payments through Idaho Power are free and process the same day, making them the fastest options.
- Automatic bank withdrawals eliminate the risk of late fees by paying your bill on the due date without action from you.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send them early if your due date is soon.
- Third-party payment retailers may charge convenience fees that Idaho Power's own channels do not, so compare before using them.
- Late payments trigger a fee and may result in service disconnection if unpaid for 30 days or more.
Setting up online payments on idahopower.com
Go to idahopower.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually near the top of the page. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a bank account or debit card. Click the payment option, enter your account number, and follow the prompts to add your payment method.
Idaho Power does not store your full bank details after the transaction, which reduces fraud risk. You can choose to pay your full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. The system shows you the exact date the payment will post before you confirm. Once submitted, you receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
If you want to set up autopay, the process is similar but includes an extra step: you authorize Idaho Power to withdraw the same amount on the same day each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account or by calling customer service.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill due date appears on the front of your statement, usually 18 to 21 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after this date, Idaho Power charges a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call 1-800-635-1453 to confirm the exact amount.
If your payment is more than 30 days late, Idaho Power may disconnect your service without further notice. You will then owe a reconnection fee in addition to your overdue balance and late charges. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact Idaho Power before that date to discuss your options — they may offer a payment plan or refer you to assistance programs.
Weekends and holidays do not extend your due date. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the business day before. Online and phone payments process the same day, so paying on the due date itself is safe if you use these methods. Mailed checks should be sent at least 10 days early to arrive on time.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
Contact Idaho Power as soon as you know you will miss a payment. Call 1-800-635-1453 and ask about a payment plan or extension. Idaho Power may allow you to split your bill into two or more installments over the next one to three months, which stops a late fee from being charged if you stick to the plan.
Idaho Power also partners with community action agencies and non-profit organizations that offer bill payment assistance to households with low income or facing hardship. These programs are run by local agencies, not by Idaho Power directly. To find assistance in your area, contact your county's community action agency or call 2-1-1 (a free referral line) and ask for energy bill assistance programs.
If you are elderly, disabled, or a veteran, you may be may be able to access for additional assistance through state or federal programs. Ask the community action agency about programs specific to your situation. Keep records of all conversations with Idaho Power and any assistance program — these documents help if a dispute arises later.
Reading your bill and understanding charges
Your Idaho Power bill shows your account number, service address, current meter reading, previous meter reading, and the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used. The charges section breaks down the cost into several parts: a base charge (a fixed monthly fee), energy charges (the cost of electricity you used), and any taxes or adjustments.
The energy charge is calculated by multiplying your kWh usage by Idaho Power's rate per kWh. This rate varies depending on your rate schedule — residential customers typically fall into one category, but the exact rate depends on your location within Idaho Power's service area and whether you use time-of-use rates. If you are unsure which rate schedule applies to you, call 1-800-635-1453 and ask.
Some bills include additional charges for seasonal adjustments, fuel cost recovery, or public purpose charges. These are regulatory charges set by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, not by Idaho Power alone. If a charge seems wrong or unfamiliar, ask Idaho Power to explain it — they are required to provide a clear breakdown.
Disputing a charge or reporting a billing error
If you believe your bill is wrong, contact Idaho Power within 30 days of receiving it. Call 1-800-635-1453 or use the "Contact Us" form on idahopower.com. Explain what you think is incorrect and provide specific details: the charge amount, the date it appeared, and why you believe it is wrong.
Idaho Power will investigate and respond within 30 days. During this time, you are not required to pay the disputed amount, but you must pay any undisputed charges to avoid a late fee. If Idaho Power finds an error, they will issue a credit. If they find no error, they will explain their findings and you can then decide whether to pay or escalate the dispute.
If you disagree with Idaho Power's response, you can file a complaint with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The Commission oversees utility rates and practices in Idaho. Visit puc.idaho.gov or call 208-334-0339 for instructions on filing a formal complaint. This process is free and does not require a lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Idaho Power bill with a credit card?
Idaho Power does not accept credit card payments directly through their website or phone line. However, some third-party payment processors allow you to pay with a credit card — these typically charge a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent. Check idahopower.com for approved third-party options, or call 1-800-635-1453 to confirm which methods accept credit cards.
What happens if I set up autopay but my account balance changes?
Autopay withdraws the same amount each month, regardless of whether your actual bill is higher or lower. If your bill is lower, you will have a credit on your account that rolls forward to the next month. If your bill is higher, you will owe the difference. You can adjust your autopay amount anytime through your online account or by calling customer service.
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments process the same day and appear on your account within 24 hours. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and may take another 1 to 2 days to post after arrival. Automatic bank withdrawals post on your scheduled due date. If a payment does not appear within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-635-1453 with your confirmation number.
Can I change my due date?
Idaho Power does not allow customers to change their due date directly. However, if you have a hardship or specific reason for needing a different date, call 1-800-635-1453 and explain your situation. Customer service may be able to work with you on a case-by-case basis, though this is not may provide.
What if my bill seems unusually high?
High bills are often caused by a change in weather (heating or cooling), a new appliance, or a meter malfunction. Compare your current bill to the same month last year — if usage is similar, the increase is likely due to a rate change. If usage is much higher, check for leaks, malfunctioning equipment, or unusual consumption. Call 1-800-635-1453 to request a meter check or to discuss your usage patterns with a representative.