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Beginning in June 2026, the City of Guelph will start billing for water, wastewater and stormwater in addition to maintaining those services. The City will manage water meter readings, billing, payments, and customer service. This transition follows Alectra Utilities’ decision to discontinue billing these municipal water utilities.
Currently, your electricity and water charges are presented together on one bill by Alectra Utilities. Once the change takes place, your bill will be separated – one from the City for water and one from Alectra Utilities for electricity.
This web page will contain the most up-to-date information on the transition.
Register for pre-authorized payments
Register in advance for pre-authorized payments with the City to ensure your first water bill is paid on time.
Please have the required information ready before registering online or in-person at the ServiceGuelph counter:
- Your current Alectra account number
- Your service address and phone number
- A valid email address
- A blank cheque or direct deposit slip with your banking information
We won’t withdraw the funds until your first water bill from the City is issued. When you receive your first water bill from the City this June, it will include a new account number where you can login and manage your water bill profile. Keep in mind:
- Continue to pay your bill as you do today. Until the transition in June, Alectra Utilities will continue to bill water and electricity together.
- Watch for scams. City staff will not come to your home or call you to request payment or banking information.
What you can do in June
Review your first water bill from the City of Guelph, the City will bill directly for water, wastewater and stormwater services. Use your new City water account number shown on your first bill to access the online water billing portal.
If you are not a pre-authorized payment customer, you will have the following options to choose from to pay your monthly bill:
- Your financial institution:
- Add a new payee for “City of Guelph Water”
- Link with your new account number contained on your first bill
- For credit card payments:
- There will be a link on this page to make a credit card payment
- Use your new account number contained on your first bill
- By mail to:
- Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3A1
If you registered for pre-authorized payments, withdrawals will begin based on the bill due date. Remember, existing Alectra PAP plans will continue for electricity only.
Contact the City for water billing questions:
Call: 519-837-5627 Email: [email protected]
Follow along!
Facebook.com/cityofguelph
Instagram.com/cityofguelph
@cityofguelph
View Alectra Utilities Resources
Question and Answer
How will I receive my water bill from the City?
Your water bill delivery method will stay the same. If you receive your Alectra bill by email, you will receive an email with a link to access your City water bill; be sure to check your spam and junk folders. If you receive your Alectra bill by mail, you will continue to receive your City water bill by mail. If you’re registered for both email and by mail, you will only receive an electronic bill once the City starts billing.
In June, your first bill from the City will include your new water billing account number and details on how to register with the new online customer portal via guelph.ca/waterbill.
Can I use a credit card for my pre-authorized payment plan?
No.
Can the City get my information from Alectra?
No. Your payment information is private. We need to set up a brand-new water account, and you choose your preferred payment option.
If I set up a pre-authorized payment plan, do I need to do anything else?
Your payments will happen automatically and the process is complete. If you want to view your bill in the online portal, or sign up for e-billing, you can do this when the water billing portal is live.
Will this transition increase my rates?
No. Water rates for 2026 will remain consistent with the new rates in effect as of January 1, 2026
What services are included on my water bill?
Your water bill will include water, wastewater, and stormwater services.
Water: Drinking water delivered to your home.
Wastewater: Water used in your home that is collected and treated.
Stormwater: Rainfall and snowmelt managed to prevent flooding and pollution.
How is my water usage measured?
Water usage is measured by a water meter installed at your property, recorded in cubic metres (m³). Learn more.
How are water charges calculated?
Charges include basic fees based on meter size and consumption charges based on usage.
How are wastewater charges calculated?
Wastewater charges are based on your water meter reading since there is no separate wastewater meter.
How are stormwater charges calculated?
Stormwater is billed as a monthly flat rate using an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
What if my payment is late?
Late payments are subject to a 1.5% monthly penalty and may be transferred to property taxes.
How do I request a final bill?
Submit a final meter reading request at least 10 business days in advance. Fill out the form.
Landlord and tenant information
- As of June 1, 2026, tenants who currently the Account Holder, will be phased out and the account shall be in the name of the property owner. This will be completed by either a change in occupancy or by a property owner’s request.
- As of June 1, 2026, all new accounts the Account Holders shall be the owner of the property.
Why is my bill higher than normal?
High bills are often caused by leaks or increased seasonal use. Leak detection tips.
Online services
Water service requests and updates can be submitted online.
For more information call Service Guelph
Call: 519-837-5627
Email: [email protected]