In the Pacific Northwest, our weather keeps things interesting—and sometimes unpredictable. While we experience a wide range of conditions throughout the year, it’s the hot summers and cold winters that can really drive up electricity use. Those seasonal swings can make it tough to know what to expect on your electric bill. That’s where EPUD can help.
We offer several easy, flexible programs designed to take the guesswork out of budgeting. Read on to explore our Equal Pay, Average Pay, and Pre-paid Power options and discover which one might be the best fit for you.
- Equal Pay1 is a helpful option for customers who like predictable monthly bills, especially those on a fixed income. It smooths out seasonal highs and lows by using a 12‑month average of your past electric use. You pay that same amount each month, building a credit during milder months that helps offset higher winter or summer bills. Your Equal Pay amount is reviewed and updated once a year.
- Average Pay1 works in a similar way, but with a little more flexibility. Your 12‑month average is recalculated each month, instead of being updated annually. This means your bill may change slightly month to month as your usage changes, while still avoiding the big seasonal swings common in the Northwest.
To enroll in the Equal Pay or Average Pay program, you must sign up during the enrollment period of April through June.
- Prepaid Power1 is a simple, pay‑as‑you‑go option that gives you more control over your electric account. You decide when and how much to pay, and you can track your energy use in real time—making it easier to manage usage and save money.
With Prepaid Power, there are no late fees, no credit checks, no deposits, and no monthly bill. It can also be a helpful option for customers catching up on a past‑due balance, allowing it to be paid down gradually while any deposit is applied directly to the account.
1Average Pay, Equal Pay, and Prepaid Power options do not provide discounted rates.
Set Up a Payment Extension Online
We understand. Sometimes your bill is higher than expected or you need a little extra time to pay it. That’s why eligible customers can request a temporary payment extension.
- Payment extensions can be set up through SmartHub at www.epud.org/login or using the free SmartHub mobile app.
- Simply select Payment Extensions to review frequently asked questions (FAQs) and, if your account qualifies, choose a new due date that
works better for your budget.