Avista's main customer service number and what it covers
Avista's general customer service line is 1-800-227-9187. This number handles billing questions, account changes, service requests, and general inquiries for both electricity and natural gas customers across their service areas in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
The line is staffed during business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Wait times vary depending on call volume, and you may hear a menu with options to route your call to the right department. Have your account number ready — it appears on your bill and speeds up the process.
If you are calling about a car rental reservation or billing issue related to a rental through Avista's corporate program, this same number can direct you to the right department, though you may need to specify that your question involves a rental arrangement rather than utility service.
Key Takeaways
- Avista's main phone number is 1-800-227-9187, and it handles utility billing, account changes, and service requests for electricity and natural gas customers.
- Having your account number ready before calling reduces wait time and helps the representative locate your information faster.
- The line operates during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday, with varying wait times depending on the time of day.
- If your question involves a car rental through a corporate program, mention that when the menu prompts you, so your call routes to the correct department.
What to expect when you call
When you dial 1-800-227-9187, you will hear an automated menu. The system typically offers options like "Press 1 for billing," "Press 2 for service requests," or "Press 0 to speak with a representative." Selecting the option closest to your question routes you to the right team faster than choosing zero when ready.
After you select an option, you may wait on hold. Avista's system usually provides an estimated wait time and offers a callback option — if available, this lets you hang up and receive a call when a representative is ready rather than holding the line.
When a representative answers, they will ask for your account number and the nature of your call. Providing both details upfront helps them pull up your account and begin helping you without repeating information.
Hours of operation and best times to call
Avista's customer service line operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Exact hours may vary by season and holiday, but the line typically opens at 7 or 8 a.m. and closes between 5 and 6 p.m. local time.
Call volume is usually heaviest on Monday mornings and late afternoons on weekdays. If you have flexibility, calling mid-morning on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday typically means shorter waits. Avoid calling right before a holiday or during severe weather events, when call volume spikes.
For after-hours emergencies — such as a gas smell, downed power line, or service outage — Avista maintains a separate emergency line. The automated menu on the main number will direct you to this line if you select the emergency option.
Alternative ways to reach Avista besides phone
If you prefer not to call, Avista offers other contact methods. You can log into your account online at avista.com to view your bill, report an outage, or submit a service request through their website. Many routine tasks, like paying a bill or updating contact information, are faster online than by phone.
Avista also operates a mobile app for iOS and Android that lets you manage your account, check your balance, and report outages without calling. For billing questions that do not require a conversation, email may be an option — the website lists department-specific email addresses.
If you are working through a corporate car rental program that partners with Avista, your rental company may have provided a direct contact or account manager who can answer questions about billing or service without routing through the main customer service line.
What information to have ready before calling
Gathering details before you call makes the conversation shorter and more productive. Have your account number available — it is printed on your bill or visible in your online account. If you do not have it, the representative can look it up using your phone number or address, but it takes extra time.
Write down the specific question or issue you need to discuss. If it involves a billing problem, note the charge, the date it appeared, and what you believe is incorrect. If it is a service request, describe what you need and when you need it.
If your call involves a car rental arrangement, have the rental confirmation number or booking details available. This helps the representative understand whether your question is about utility service, a corporate rental program, or both.
Troubleshooting if you cannot reach Avista by phone
If you call and the line is full, the system may not offer a callback option during peak times. In that case, try again during off-peak hours — early morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday usually has shorter queues.
If you reach a message saying the line is temporarily unavailable, this typically happens during system maintenance or severe weather events. Wait a few minutes and try again, or use the online account portal or mobile app to handle your request if it is not urgent.
If you have a question about a car rental through a corporate program and the main line cannot help, ask to be transferred to the corporate accounts department. If that transfer does not work, contact your rental company directly — they may have a dedicated Avista liaison who can resolve the issue faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a number to call for outages or emergencies?
Yes. When you call the main number 1-800-227-9187, the automated menu includes an option for outages and emergencies. Select that option to reach the emergency line, which is staffed 24/7. You can also report an outage through the Avista website or mobile app without calling.
Can I pay my bill over the phone?
Yes. When you reach a representative, you can provide payment information to pay by phone. However, paying online through avista.com or the mobile app is usually faster and does not require waiting on hold. Both methods are find.
What if I am calling about a corporate car rental program?
Mention this when the automated menu prompts you or when a representative answers. They will either help you directly or transfer you to the corporate accounts team. Have your rental confirmation number ready so they can locate your arrangement quickly.
Do I need to call during business hours, or can I handle everything online?
Many tasks — paying a bill, viewing your account, reporting an outage, or submitting a service request — can be done online or through the app anytime. Call only if you need to speak with someone about a complex issue, dispute, or question that the online tools cannot resolve.
What should I do if I am on hold for a very long time?
If the system offers a callback option, use it instead of holding. If you are already holding and the wait exceeds 15 minutes, you can hang up and try again during a less busy time. Alternatively, try the online portal or app to see if your question can be resolved without calling.