Payment assistance still available
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Columbus took the rare step of pausing all utility turn-offs due to delinquent payments. Now that health orders have been lifted, we are notifying customers with past-due balances that the turn-off process for delinquent utility payments will resume on Monday, August 23. If past-due balances are not paid by the required deadlines, city water and/or power service will be turned off.
Starting July 7, city water and Division of Power electricity customers who are delinquent on their accounts will begin receiving letters indicating that status, along with a bill showing the amount currently due. The letter represents advance notice of several weeks before the turn-off process itself begins, giving customers additional time to explore assistance and payment options.
To pay your bill online, please visit our Customer Portal at schedulepayment.com/Columbus. The letter will include a link to sources for potential financial assistance to those who need help paying their bills, and emphasize that all customers – regardless of income – are eligible to set up payment plans with the Department of Public Utilities.
To set up a payment plan, please contact our Call Center via phone or email, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 614-645-8276, by email at UtilityLeadRep@columbus.gov or online at www.columbus.gov/payassist.
We are also offering one-time utility bill assistance through the federal Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Eligible Columbus residents can qualify for up to $750 on delinquent city water and sewer bills, and up to $500 on delinquent city power (non-AEP) bills. Other potential sources of assistance, including the city’s long running low-income and senior discount programs, can also be found by visiting www.columbus.gov/payassist.
Customers who live outside the City of Columbus may contact their municipality to determine whether they offer assistance programs for their residents.
