How to Pay Your Centerpoint Energy Bill in Lawton, OK

Paying your monthly energy bill is a necessity but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Centerpoint Energy offers Lawton OK residents a variety of simple and convenient payment options to fit different needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pay your Centerpoint Energy bill in Lawton quickly and easily.

Understanding Your Centerpoint Energy Bill

Before paying your bill, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for. Centerpoint Energy provides both natural gas and electric service to Lawton customers. Your monthly bill will include charges for either one or both of these services, depending on what you have set up in your home.

Some key elements to look for on your Centerpoint Energy bill:

• Account number – This unique number identifies your account You’ll need it to pay online or by phone.

• Service address – The address where you are being billed for service Make sure it matches your home.

• Meter number – Identifies the specific meter recording your natural gas or electric usage.

• Due date – The date your payment must be received by to avoid late fees. Typically around 15 days after the billing date.

• Amount due – The total payment due for the current billing cycle. Includes any past due balance.

• Usage history – Charts showing your daily natural gas and electric usage since your last bill. Helpful for spotting trends.

• Rate and fee breakdown – Details the various rates, surcharges, and taxes that make up your total charges.

Thoroughly reviewing your bill each month ensures all the information is accurate before making a payment. If you ever find an error, contact Centerpoint Energy right away to get it corrected.

Payment Options from Centerpoint Energy

Centerpoint Energy offers Lawton customers diverse options for paying their energy bill conveniently. Here are the most popular payment methods to choose from:

Pay Online

The quickest and easiest way for most people to pay their bill is online through Centerpoint Energy’s website or mobile app.

To pay online:

• Go to Centerpoint Energy’s website and click on “Pay Bill”.

• Enter your Centerpoint Energy account number and service address zip code.

• Select whether you want to pay with a bank account or credit/debit card. There are no fees for paying from a bank account.

• Enter your payment information and submit.

Online payments post instantly to your account, so it’s a great option if your bill is due soon. You can also set up recurring payments or view payment history through the online portal.

Pay By Phone

If you prefer to talk to someone directly, Centerpoint Energy’s automated phone system is available 24/7 to take payments.

To pay by phone:

• Call Centerpoint at 1-800-227-1376. Say “Make a payment” when prompted to be transferred to the payment line.

• Provide your account number, service address zip code, and payment details to the automated system.

• Confirm the amount being paid before submitting.

Like online payments, phone payments also post to your account right away so you don’t have to worry about delays.

Pay by Mail

Paying by check through the mail is a fine option if you aren’t comfortable with technology or prefer the paper trail a check provides.

To pay by mail:

• Make your check or money order payable to Centerpoint Energy.

• Be sure to write your account number on the check so it’s properly credited.

• Mail your payment to:

  Centerpoint Energy
  PO Box 72847
  Cleveland, OH 44192

Remember to mail your check 7-10 days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time. Late payments can trigger fees.

Pay in Person

For cash payments, you’ll need to visit an authorized payment location in Lawton. Centerpoint Energy provides a handy payment location finder on their website.

Common pay stations include:

• Grocery stores – Often located at customer service.

• Check cashing stores – Bring your bill and cash payment.

• Western Union – Fill out a form and pay cash.

• MoneyGram – Similar process to Western Union.

In-person payment posts to your account same day, so it’s a smart last-minute option if your bill is due immediately. Just be aware that fees and hours may vary by payment station.

Enroll in Auto-Pay

The most convenient option is to enroll in Auto-Pay through Centerpoint Energy. This automatically deducts the amount due each month from your bank account on the due date.

To start Auto-Pay:

• Go to Centerpoint’s website and login to your account.

• Under Billing & Payment, select Start AutoPay.

• Enter your bank account information.

• Pick a payment date before the due date.

That’s it! You can now set it and forget it each month. Just make sure you review your bill briefly so you don’t miss potential issues.

Assistance Programs for Lawton Residents

If paying your Centerpoint bill has become a financial hardship, check to see if you qualify for utility bill assistance in Lawton. Centerpoint partners with several programs that offer payment help for eligible customers, including:

• LIHEAP – Provides federal funds to help lower-income households pay energy bills. Apply through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

• Project SHARE – Donation-funded program from Centerpoint that offers emergency bill payment assistance across their service areas.

• Extended Payment Plans – Lets you spread balances out over multiple months with no late fees.

• Budget Billing – Sign up to pay a fixed amount each month based on your average usage. Avoid seasonal spikes.

Reach out to Centerpoint’s customer service team to learn more about assistance programs you may qualify for in Lawton. Every bit helps take some pressure off when money is tight.

Avoid Late Fees and Service Disruption

I always recommend paying your Centerpoint Energy bill on time whenever possible to avoid penalties. But if you do miss the due date, know your options to minimize disruption:

• Pay ASAP – Even if late, paying immediately prevents additional late fees from accumulating.

• Request an extension – First-time extensions give you 15 extra days without a penalty.

• Partial payment plan – Pay 50% now and the remainder later to avoid disconnection.

• Payment arrangements – Set up a customized plan with Centerpoint to get back on track.

Reaching out quickly is key. Centerpoint can work with you, but only if they know you need help before the situation escalates to service disruption.

In Summary

• Review your bill details each month and address any discrepancies.

• Select a convenient payment option that works for your needs.

• Ask about assistance programs if eligible.

• Communicate with Centerpoint early if struggling to pay.

They are ultimately here to provide an essential service to Lawton residents. Maintaining open dialogue and settling payments promptly leads to a smoother customer experience for all.