SmartHub FAQs

Manage your account like never before!

How to Register


What is SmartHub?

SmartHub MobileSmartHub has several features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Whether through the web, or your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS), you’ll be able to pay your bill, view your usage, contact customer service, and get the latest news.

As soon as you log in, you’ll be able to view your billing history and make a payment with just a couple of clicks. You’ll be able to see your current bill, along with bills from the previous month or even the previous seasons, if you want to compare costs. Not only will you see your billing history, but you’ll be able to view your actual energy use. You can see how your energy use is trending over time, which will allow you to take steps to lower your bill.

Making payments through SmartHub is fast and easy. The first time you make a payment either through the web or through your mobile device, you’ll be able to securely store your payment information for future transactions. The next time you need to pay your bill, it will only take a couple of clicks.

You’ll also be able to see important notices with SmartHub. You’ll be able to select how you want to be notified about your bill, including email and text messaging. You’ll even be able to set usage thresholds so that you’ll know when you’re using more than you’d like, which will help you keep your electricity bill as low as possible.

You can also communicate with us quickly and easily using the SmartHub mobile app. There’s no need to call the office, just submit a general inquiry online with a few taps.


Getting Started with SmartHub is as Easy as 1-2-3!

As you work down this page, you’ll complete the following checklist and be on your way to managing your account like never before! Make payments, contact us, monitor usage, and save the planet.

Download the App
Manage your account on the go from anywhere at any time!

Register Your Account
Locate your account number and get registered.

Activate Your Features
This is your opportunity to give features like Paperless Billing and Auto Pay a try!


Setting Up SmartHub: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the SmartHub web portal and mobile app?

  • Both platforms are part of our online account management system.
  • The website has additional functionality that lets you manage notifications, update your stored payment methods, and change your personal information.
  • Both the web version and mobile app allow you to securely access your account information, view bills and payment history, make payments, view energy use, and report outages.
  • The free, secure mobile app is available to download and install on mobile devices and tablets.

Is the mobile app secure?

  • Yes, all critical information is encrypted in every transaction run and no personal information is stored on your phone or tablet.
  • Mobile devices do offer you the ability to store your login information for apps installed on the device. If you choose to store your login information, any person who has access to your mobile device can access your account.

How do I sign up for SmartHub? (Web)

  • You can sign up for SmartHub via the login page. To create a new online account, click “New User? Sign up to access our Self Service site” on the login page for SmartHub.
    • Residential customers will need to have their account number on hand before starting this process.
    • Commercial customers will need to have the tax ID number for their business.
  • After clicking on the “New User” button, type your billing account number, last name or business and email address in the requested fields.
  • Follow the steps to set up your online account.
  • Click here to register for SmartHub and enter your account number, the name on the account and an email address. You will receive an email with a temporary password that you can use to log in. Once you log in to SmartHub with this temporary password, you will be prompted to change your password.
  • What happens if my temporary password doesn’t work and/or I’m locked out before I can register? Please try to register again. You will receive another temporary password, and you can try again. Check your junk mail if you don’t see the temporary password email.

How do I download the app and sign up for SmartHub? (Mobile)

  • Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play on your phone or tablet and search for “SmartHub.” Select our free and secure app to begin the download process.
  • If you have already registered via the web portal, you will be able to log into the app immediately. If you haven’t registered yet, follow the instructions below.
  • Customers can sign up for SmartHub via the login page. To create a new online account, click “New User? Sign up to access our Self Service site” on the login page for SmartHub.
    • Residential customers will need to have their account number on hand before starting this process.
    • Commercial customers will need to have the tax ID number for their business.
  • After tapping on the “New User” button, type your billing account number, last name or business and email address in the requested fields.
  • Follow the steps to set up your online account.
  • Tap here to register for SmartHub and enter your account number, the name on the account and an email address. You will receive an email with a temporary password that you can use to log in. Once you log in to SmartHub with this temporary password, you will be prompted to change your password.
  • What happens if my temporary password doesn’t work and/or I’m locked out before I can register? Please try to register again. You will receive another temporary password, and you can try again. Check your junk mail if you don’t see the temporary password email.

I’m being prompted to sign up for Paperless Billing when I log in. Do I have to sign up for it?

  • No. It is provided as an option for your convenience. If you do not sign up for Paperless Billing in SmartHub, you will continue to receive a monthly bill in the mail.
  • You can choose to participate in Paperless Billing, which sends bill statements to the email address on your account. Customers who participate in Paperless Billing do not receive a copy of their bill in the mail.
  • If you were previously signed up for Paperless Billing, you will need to re-enroll if you do not wish to receive a paper bill.
  • Here’s how to change your preference to participate in Paperless Billing:
    • On the website:
      • Click on My Profile
      • Click on Update My Paperless Settings.
      • You can then choose your preference by selecting On or Off for Paperless Billing
    • On the app:
      • Select Settings
      • Select Paperless Bill Settings
      • Then, you can select On or Off for Paperless Billing

How to Enroll in Paperless Billing (PDF) (on the web)

How to Enroll in Paperless Billing (PDF) (on your mobile device)

How do I set up my mobile and email for notifications?

  • Do you want information on Paperless Billing, outage alerts, and usage updates sent straight to your email or through SMS? Use SmartHub to update your notifications preferences.
    • Click on “Notifications”
    • Click Manage Contacts to add or change email address and phone numbers
    • Add email address or phone number
    • Enter verification code to activate
    • Click on Manage Notifications to update/change SMS and email alert
  • If you sign up for text message notifications, you will still receive a paper copy of your bill. If you wish to not receive a paper bill, make sure to sign up for Paperless Billing with a valid email address.
  • Once you have your text and/or email addresses set up, do the following:
    • Click Notifications
    • Manage Notifications
    • Billing or Service or Usage
    • Select Text Message and/or Email options

How do I sign up for, update, or delete notifications about billing, outages, and/or my usage?

  • Click Notifications
  • Manage Notifications
  • Billing or Service or Usage
  • Select Text Message and/or Email options

What is Auto Pay and do I need to sign up for it?

  • Auto Pay is a convenient option to pay your bill each month.
  • Auto Pay allows you to pay your monthly bill through an automated draft from your bank account or credit or debit card at no extra charge. By enrolling in Auto Pay, you authorize Columbia River PUD to withdraw funds from your selected account to pay your monthly bill on the due date.
  • No, you are not required to sign up for it. We offer it for your convenience only. If you prefer to mail your payment or schedule it through your bank, please do so.
  • IF YOU MAIL PAYMENTS:
    • Please use the pay stub on your new bill and mail to:
      Columbia River PUD
      PO Box 960
      St. Helens, OR 97051
  • IF YOU SCHEDULE PAYMENTS THROUGH YOUR BANK:
    • Please use your account number and the Columbia River PUD payment address listed on your bill.

How do I sign up for Auto Pay?

  • First, you must have your bank account and/or credit/debit card information available to enroll in Auto Pay.
  • On the website:
    • Click on Billing & Payments
    • Click on Auto Pay Program on the sidebar
    • Click on Sign Up for Auto Pay
    • Accept the Terms and Conditions, then follow the instructions
  • On the app:
    • Select Pay My Bill
    • Select Auto Pay Program
    • Follow the instructions above

How to Enroll in Auto Pay (PDF) (on the web)

How to Enroll in Auto Pay (PDF) (on your mobile device)

How do I set up stored payment methods, such as a credit card?

  • You can save bank account and/or credit/debit card information for future bill payments. If you plan to enroll in the Auto Pay Program, you’ll be required to provide a stored payment account to pay your Columbia River PUD bill.
  • On the website:
    • Click My Profile
    • Click on Manage My Stored Payment Accounts
    • Follow the instructions to provide a bank account or card information.
    • You can add multiple bank accounts and cards under your stored payment accounts
  • On the app
    • Select Pay My Bill
    • Select Stored Payment Accounts
    • Select Add a Payment Method
    • Select which type of card or bank account information you will provide
    • Follow the instructions to provide a bank account or card information

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use SmartHub to pay my bill?

  • No. You can take advantage of all the features of SmartHub or you can continue to pay your bill as you currently do. With SmartHub, you can use the “Pay Now” feature, which allows you to make a one-time payment without logging in to your account.

Can I manage and make payments on multiple accounts with SmartHub?

  • Yes.
  • On the website:
    • The home page shows all of your accounts along with the amounts due for those accounts and links to other detailed information.
  • On the app:
    • Select the Pay My Bill icon. The total due of all accounts will be displayed. You can select different information by account, such as partial payment and payment method.
  • You can also make a payment to a single account or partial payments to all accounts by clicking on the Billing & Payment button. You can also select the Make Payment button to view payment options for your accounts. On the app, select Pay My Bill icon. If you’re paying the total amount due, tap the Pay button. If you’re making a partial payment, tap the Pay Partial Amount, tap on the account, and adjust the Pay Amount.

Why did you make all these changes? Who is paying for all these changes? Should I expect a rate increase now?

  • As the PUD continues to grow, so does the need for better information availability to our customers. These enhancements are ways we can provide a higher level of customer satisfaction for the majority of our customers.
  • All of these changes are within the normal operating budget of the PUD. There will not be a rate increase with regards to these changes.

How can I view my energy use?

  • You can view your energy use on the website and app.
  • On the website:
    • Click My Usage
    • Select My Usage
    • Then select Usage Explorer
  • On the app:
    • Select the Energy Use icon to view your energy use

How current is the account information in the app or website?

  • The information you see in the app and on the website is shown in real-time.
  • However, if you keep your app or web version open for an extended time, you should refresh the page by selecting a new option in order to ensure the information is current.

How do I avoid being scammed by another party when being asked about SmartHub and my personal information?

  • Major projects often provide scammers with opportunities to steal your personal information.
  • Please know that throughout this communication process, we will never call or email you to ask for credit card numbers, bank account routing numbers, or any other type of personal information.
  • If you do receive such communication from someone claiming to be a Columbia River PUD employee, please report it to us.

What if I have a question that is not listed here?

  • Please let us know. You can reach us at (503) 397-0590 or by email.