Unitil offers three main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, or by mail
Unitil serves parts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine with electricity and natural gas. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through your Unitil account — you can pay immediately and see confirmation right away. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their payment line or send a check by mail, though both take longer to process.
Your bill shows a due date, usually about 20 days after the bill is issued. Paying by the due date keeps your account in good standing and avoids late fees. If you are having trouble paying on time, Unitil has programs that may help, but you need to contact them directly to learn what options exist for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your Unitil account is the fastest method and processes immediately, with no fees added to your bill.
- Phone payments go through Unitil's automated system or a representative, and the payment is recorded the same business day.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Unitil and post to your account, so send them well before your due date.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods.
- Late payments trigger a fee and may result in service disconnection if your account falls too far behind.
Paying online through your Unitil account
Log in to your account on Unitil's website using your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number (found on your bill) and other identifying information. Once logged in, look for a "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button, usually visible on your account dashboard.
You will be asked to choose a payment amount and a payment method — either a bank account (ACH transfer) or a debit or credit card. Bank account payments are free and typically post within one business day. Card payments may carry a small fee charged by Unitil's payment processor, so check the fee before you confirm. You will receive an immediate confirmation number on screen and an email receipt.
Online payment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you set up an account, you can also arrange automatic recurring payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to log in each time.
Paying by phone
Call Unitil's payment line at the number listed on your bill. You will need your account number and a payment method ready — either a bank account or debit/credit card. The automated system will walk you through the steps, or you can stay on the line to speak with a representative.
Phone payments are recorded the same business day. If you call after business hours or on a weekend, your payment is logged but may not post to your account until the next business day. Like online card payments, phone payments by credit or debit card may include a processing fee.
Keep your confirmation number from the call. If there is any question about whether your payment arrived, you can reference it when you contact Unitil.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Unitil. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill under "Payment Address" — this is different from the mailing address for correspondence, so use the exact address printed on your bill.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it arrives on time. If your due date is approaching and you have not yet mailed your payment, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
Do not mail cash. If you do not have a checking account, you can buy a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, or banks for a small fee.
What happens if you miss your due date
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, Unitil will charge a late fee. The amount of the fee varies but is shown in your account terms. A single late payment will not immediately disconnect your service, but if your account falls significantly behind — typically 30 to 60 days — Unitil may issue a disconnection notice.
If you receive a disconnection notice, contact Unitil right away. Explain your situation and ask whether they have programs or payment arrangements that might help. Some utilities offer extended payment plans or hardship programs, but you must reach out before service is cut off.
Setting up automatic payments
If you pay online regularly, you can set up automatic payments so the same amount is deducted from your bank account on the same date each month. Log into your Unitil account, find the automatic payment or recurring payment option, and enter your bank account details and the payment date you prefer.
Automatic payments are free when you use a bank account (ACH). You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If your bill amount changes seasonally — which is common with heating or cooling costs — you may want to adjust your automatic payment amount or turn it off during months when your bill is lower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Unitil bill without creating an online account?
Yes. You can pay by phone or mail without an account. However, creating an account takes only a few minutes and gives you access to your bill history, usage information, and the ability to pay anytime without calling. It is worth setting up if you plan to pay online regularly.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online?
No fee is charged for online payments made from a bank account. Credit and debit card payments may include a small processing fee, which Unitil will show you before you confirm the payment. Phone and mail payments do not carry additional fees unless you use a credit card by phone.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Online and phone payments show a confirmation number immediately. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to post. You can check your account status anytime by logging into your Unitil account online or calling their customer service line. Your bill will also show the payment once it posts.
What if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?
Contact Unitil directly before your due date. Ask whether they offer payment plans, budget billing, or hardship programs. Paying even part of your bill on time is better than paying nothing, and reaching out proactively may give you more options than waiting until your account is past due.
Can I pay someone else's Unitil bill?
Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account. If you are paying regularly for someone else, you may want to contact Unitil to discuss whether you can be added as an authorized payer on their account.