Electricity Bills in China: Read & Pay
Translate bills, understand SMS notifications, and pay via mobile
Quick Summary
- • Provider: State Grid (国家电网) - monopoly nationwide
- • Customer Service: 95598 (24-hour, English sometimes available)
- • Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank transfer
- • Billing cycle: Usually monthly or bi-monthly
- • Notices: SMS notifications before power cutoff
How You'll Receive Bills
📱 SMS Notifications
Most common. Sent to your Chinese phone number.
Usually includes: Account, amount, deadline
📄 Paper Bills
Posted to your door (older buildings) or mailbox.
Usually monthly with QR code for payment
🏠 App Notifications
State Grid app (网上国网) or building management app.
Some modern apartments use this
Understanding SMS Notifications
Example 1: Regular Bill Notification
【国家电网】尊敬的客户，您家电费已出账。
户号：1234567890
应缴金额：156.80元
缴费期限：2026-04-15
请尽快缴费，以免影响用电。查询：95598
✅ English Translation:
"[State Grid] Dear customer, your electricity bill is ready.
- Account: 1234567890
- Amount Due: ¥156.80
- Due Date: April 15, 2026
- Action: Pay soon to avoid power issues
- Inquiry: Call 95598
Example 2: Overdue Warning (URGENT)
【国家电网】您户号1234567890已欠费。
欠费金额：89.50元
停电倒计时：3天
请于4月10日前缴费，逾期将停电。95598
🚨 English Translation - URGENT:
"[State Grid] Account 1234567890 has overdue payment.
- Amount Overdue: ¥89.50
- ⚠️ POWER CUTOFF: In 3 days
- Deadline: Pay before April 10
- Consequence: Electricity will be cut if not paid
Pay immediately!
Example 3: Payment Confirmation
【国家电网】您已成功缴费。
户号：1234567890
缴费金额：156.80元
感谢您的使用。查询余额：95598
✅ English Translation:
"[State Grid] Payment successful.
- Account: 1234567890
- Paid: ¥156.80
- Status: ✓ Paid
No action needed. Keep for records.
Key Chinese Vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 电费 | diàn fèi | Electricity fee/bill | Main keyword |
| 欠费 | qiàn fèi | Overdue/Unpaid | ⚠️ URGENT |
| 停电 | tíng diàn | Power cutoff | ⚠️ Action needed |
| 户号 | hù hào | Account number | Needed for payment |
| 金额 | jīn é | Amount | How much to pay |
| 缴费 | jiǎo fèi | Pay fee | Action required |
| 元 | yuán | Yuan (CNY) | Currency |
| 期限 | qī xiàn | Deadline | Due date |
| 成功 | chéng gōng | Successful | Payment confirmed |
How to Pay
Method 1: Alipay (Recommended)
-
Open Alipay
Tap "Utilities" (生活缴费) on home screen, or search "electricity" (电费)
-
Select Electricity (电费)
Choose "Electricity" from utility options
-
Select City
Choose the city where your apartment is located
-
Enter Account Number
From SMS/bill: usually 10-12 digits
💡 Tip: Save this for future payments
-
Check Amount
System shows amount due. Verify it matches your bill.
-
Confirm Payment
Enter payment password → Payment complete
✅ Advantages: English interface available, can save account for auto-pay, instant confirmation
Method 2: WeChat Pay
-
Open WeChat
Go to "Me" → "Services" → "Utilities" (生活缴费)
- Select Electricity (电费)
-
Select Location
Choose province and city
-
Enter Account Number
From your bill/SMS
-
Check and Pay
Verify amount → Enter password → Done
Method 3: Paper Bill QR Code
- Find QR code on paper bill (usually bottom right)
- Open WeChat → Scan
- QR code shows payment page with amount pre-filled
- Confirm and pay
Where to Find Your Account Number
SMS Message
Look for "户号：" followed by 10-12 digits
Paper Bill
Usually at top: "用户编号" or "户号"
Electricity Card/Meter
Some apartments have a physical card with number
Ask Landlord/Agent
When renting, request the electricity account number
💡 Pro Tip: Save It!
Once you find the account number, save it in your phone. Both Alipay and WeChat let you save it for quick future payments.
🚨 Emergency: Power is Cut Off
If your electricity was cut due to non-payment, here's how to restore it:
- Pay immediately using methods above (outage doesn't stop payment)
- Call 95598 (State Grid hotline) and say "停电" (tíng diàn - power cut)
- Provide account number
- Request reconnection - usually restored within 1-4 hours after payment
What to Say (Chinese Phrase)
"Paid electricity, already cut, please restore power. Account: [number]"
Prevention: Set up automatic payment in Alipay/WeChat to avoid cutoff.
State Grid Official Support
24-Hour Hotline
95598
Nationwide customer service
English: Sometimes available, try "English please"
State Grid App
网上国网
More features, mostly Chinese interface
Check usage history, set auto-pay
Related Guides
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Bill formats and procedures may vary by city. Always verify account numbers and amounts before paying. For official confirmation, call 95598.
Last updated: April 9, 2026