7 Easy Ways to Pay Your Fort Collins Utility Bill (and Save Some Cash!)

So you got that Fort Collins utility bill sitting on your counter staring back at you? Don’t worry – I’ve been there too! Nothing makes adulting feel more real than dealing with utility bills, right? As someone who’s lived in Fort Collins for years, I’ve figured out all the ways to handle those pesky bills from Fort Collins Utilities without stressing out

In this guide I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about paying your Fort Collins utility bills – from online payment options to sneaky ways to lower your monthly costs. Let’s dive in!

What Services Does Fort Collins Utilities Cover?

Before we get into payment options let’s quickly review what your Fort Collins utility bill actually includes

• Electric service
• Water service
• Wastewater (sewage)
• Stormwater
• And sometimes Fort Collins Connexion (broadband)

Now that we know what we’re paying for, let’s look at the many ways you can pay your bill!

7 Ways to Pay Your Fort Collins Utility Bill

1. Online Payment Portal

This is my personal favorite way to pay because it’s so dang convenient! The city offers a secure online billing system where you can:

• View your current and past bills
• Pay using a checking or savings account
• Set up automatic payments (which I HIGHLY recommend if you’re forgetful like me!)
• Make one-time payments with credit/debit cards

The online system accepts major credit cards including:

• Visa
• MasterCard
• Discover
• American Express
• Google Pay
• Apple Pay

The best part? When you pay online, your payment posts immediately to your account. No waiting around wondering if your payment went through!

2. Mail-In Payment

If you’re old school (no judgment!), you can still mail your payment the traditional way:

Fort Collins UtilitiesPO Box 1580Fort Collins, CO 80522-1580

Just remember to:

• Include your bill stub
• NEVER send cash in the mail
• Allow enough time for delivery (I’d recommend at least 5-7 days before the due date)

3. Pay by Phone

Need to pay your bill while sitting in your pajamas? I get it! You can call 970-212-2900 to reach customer service:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Closed on major holidays

They also have a 24/7 automated phone system where you can check your account balance and make payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express anytime.

If you need accessibility services, you can dial 711 for Relay Colorado (V/TDD).

4. In-Person at Customer Service Lobby

Sometimes you just need to talk to a real human face-to-face. You can visit the Customer Service Lobby at:

222 Laporte Ave.Fort Collins, CO 80521

Their hours match the phone service hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Wednesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Closed on major holidays

5. Third-Party Vendors

Need to pay your bill while grocery shopping? You can make payments through third-party vendors like:

• King Soopers
• Walmart

Just keep in mind that:

• Processing takes several days longer
• You might get hit with additional fees
• Payments are NO longer accepted at First National Bank

6. Even Pay Program

If you hate how your bills fluctuate each month (like those crazy high summer water bills!), check out the Even Pay program. It averages out your seasonal variations so you pay roughly the same amount each month. This has been a lifesaver for my budget planning!

7. UCards – Important Note!

If you have UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage, be aware that UCards are NOT accepted by Fort Collins Utilities. These cards don’t connect to the major credit card networks, so you’ll need to use another payment method.

What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Bill?

Life happens! If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, DON’T ignore it. Fort Collins Utilities actually has several programs to help:

Income-Qualified Assistance Program

This program offers discounted utility rates for qualifying customers. It’s saved some of my neighbors hundreds of dollars!

Payment Assistance Fund

This provides one-time bill payment assistance for emergencies. I had a friend who used this when she unexpectedly lost her job, and it was a huge relief.

If you’re having trouble, call 970-212-2900 ASAP to discuss payment arrangements or to get connected with partner agencies that can help.

Tips to Lower Your Fort Collins Utility Bill

While we’re talking about utility bills, here are some quick tips to lower your monthly costs:

Water Savings

• Only flush “the three Ps” down high-efficiency toilets
• Turn off the faucet while shaving or brushing teeth
• Check out the Efficiency Works store for water-saving products

Energy Savings

• Look into rebates for energy-efficient upgrades
• Consider renewable energy options
• Get smart thermostats and LED lighting

Property Managers & Rental Owners

If you own rental properties in Fort Collins, make sure you complete the Property Owner Information Form. This will help ensure:

• Proper handling of utilities during tenant vacancies
• Authorization for disclosing account info to property managers
• Notifications when tenant accounts become delinquent

My Experience with Fort Collins Utilities

I’ve lived in Fort Collins for over 5 years now, and I’ve gotta say – their utility services are pretty straightforward. The online payment system has been super reliable for me, and the few times I’ve had to call customer service, they’ve been helpful.

One time my water bill seemed suspiciously high, and they helped me figure out I had a small leak in my irrigation system. That one phone call probably saved me hundreds of dollars!

Understanding Your Fort Collins Utility Bill

Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered what all those charges actually mean? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Base charges: Fixed amounts for being connected to each service
• Usage charges: What you actually use (kilowatt-hours for electricity, gallons for water)
• Seasonal rates: Rates that change based on the time of year (especially for water)

FAQ About Fort Collins Utility Bills

How often will I receive my utility bill?

Bills are typically sent monthly.

What if my bill seems unusually high?

Contact customer service at 970-212-2900. It could indicate a leak or other issue.

Can I pay for multiple accounts at once?

Yes! The online payment system allows you to pay for multiple accounts in a single transaction.

What are the late payment fees?

Late payment fees can apply if you don’t pay by the due date. The amount varies based on your outstanding balance.

Can I get paperless billing?

Absolutely! Sign up for online billing to go paperless and help save some trees.

Did You Know?

Fort Collins has a fascinating history – including Fort Ord, which was the answer to a recent crossword puzzle clue “California’s Fort ___” in the Daily Themed Crossword from May 14, 2024. The answer was “ORD” – just a fun little trivia fact for ya!

Final Thoughts on Paying Your Fort Collins Utility Bill

Managing your Fort Collins utility bills doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many payment options available, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle.

My personal recommendation? Set up automatic payments through the online portal. It’s been a game-changer for me – no more late fees, no more scrambling to pay bills at the last minute, and no more paper clutter!

But whatever method you choose, remember that Fort Collins Utilities is there to help if you run into trouble. Their customer service team is actually pretty helpful (unlike some other utilities I’ve dealt with!).

Have you found other great ways to manage your Fort Collins utility bills? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to hear your experiences!

Until next time,
Your friendly Fort Collins neighbor