How to Pay Your Garland Power and Light Bill

Garland Power & Light (GPL) provides electricity to the residents and businesses of Garland, Texas As a customer, you are responsible for paying your electric bill on time each month to avoid any service disruptions GPL offers multiple ways to pay your bill conveniently so you can keep your lights on and power flowing.

Understanding Your GPL Electric Bill

Your monthly statement from GPL provides a summary of your power usage and charges over the last billing cycle. Key sections include

• Account information – Lists the service address, account number, billing dates, and due date for payment.

• Previous balance – Any unpaid balance from your prior bill.

• Payments – Shows any payments received during the current billing cycle.

• Electric usage – Your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage for the month and rate per kWh. Usage varies based on your specific appliances and runtimes.

• TDU delivery – Fee GPL pays to Oncor for delivering electricity over their infrastructure.

• Taxes – Local/state taxes and fees.

• Total current charges – Total amount owed for the current billing period.

• Message center – Area for GPL to communicate billing changes, new programs, or account notices.

Understanding each component of your electric bill allows you to monitor your power expenses and quickly identify any unusual spikes in usage.

When to Pay Your GPL Bill

GPL bills residential customers monthly, while commercial accounts may be billed weekly or monthly depending on electricity demand.

The due date for payment is shown clearly on your statement, typically around 3 weeks after the billing date. To avoid late fees, your payment must be received by GPL on or before the due date.

If payment is not received on time, a 5% penalty will be assessed on balances over $25. Failure to pay your bill will eventually lead to service disconnection, so prompt payment each billing cycle is essential.

Payment Options from GPL

GPL offers several ways for customers to pay their electric bill conveniently:

Pay Online

The quickest and easiest way for most customers to pay is through GPL’s online payment portal, accessible at https://www.gpltexas.org/residential/advanced-components/site-specific-pages/pay-online.

To use the online system, you’ll need your account number, service address zip code, and the amount due. Payments can be made by credit/debit card or electronic check. Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards are accepted.

Online payments are processed instantly, so you don’t need to worry about delays with postal mail. You can also view past bills and payment history through the online portal.

Pay by Phone

Call GPL at (972) 205-2671 to make a payment over the phone using the automated system or by speaking with a customer service representative. You will need to provide your account number.

Phone payments can be made 24/7 using the automated system. If you need to talk to a representative, call during normal business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Pay by Mail

Traditional paper checks and money orders can be mailed to:

Garland Power & Light
P.O. Box 4615
Garland, TX 75046

To ensure on-time delivery before your due date, allow 7-10 business days for standard postal mail. Include your remittance stub or write your GPL account number on your check or money order.

Pay in Person

Visit the GPL office at 217 N. Fifth Street in downtown Garland to make a payment in person with cash, check, money order or credit/debit card.

In-person payments are accepted Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding city holidays. Allow extra time when paying close to the due date in case of customer waiting lines. There is also an after-hours drop box available.

Bank Bill Pay

Many banks and credit unions allow you to pay bills online through their bill pay service. Log in to your bank account, add GPL as a payee using your account number, and schedule one-time or recurring payments.

Allow 5-7 business days for bank bill pay checks to reach GPL and be credited to your account to avoid late fees. Processing times vary between financial institutions.

Auto-Pay Bank Draft

Sign up for auto-pay bank draft to have your electric bill paid automatically each month. On the due date, the total amount due will be drafted directly from your checking or savings account.

To enroll, complete the auto-pay authorization form on the GPL website and submit with a voided check. Drafts take effect following a 14-day pre-notification period after received paperwork.

Payment Arrangements

GPL understands that customers may face financial difficulties impacting their ability to pay their electric bill. If you cannot pay on time, contact GPL immediately about a payment plan.

Depending on your circumstances, GPL may offer:

• Deferred payment plan – Allows you to pay past-due balances in installments over an agreed schedule. A down payment may be required.

• Level/average payment plan – Your bill is evened out over the year so you pay a similar amount each month. Your account must be in good standing.

• Low-income assistance – Qualified limited income customers can get help managing electric bills through GPL’s Project CARE and other local social service agencies.

Following through consistently with any agreed upon payment arrangements is crucial to preventing service disruption. Missed installments could still lead to disconnection.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Follow these tips to keep your GPL power on and avoid extra fees:

• Mark due dates on your calendar and pay early or on time. Sign up for email reminders.

• Enroll in paperless billing and auto-pay to prevent missed bills.

• Compare usage month-to-month to identify any spikes from new appliances or seasonal changes.

• Check faucets, pipes, and HVAC systems for leaks that can waste water and power.

• Replace incandescent lights with energy efficient LEDs to lower usage.

• Consider adding insulation, weatherstripping, and storm windows to reduce energy demands.

• Let GPL know immediately if you expect difficulty paying a bill so alternatives can be discussed.

Having reliable electric service is essential for every home and business. Be sure to prioritize paying your GPL bill fully and on time each month. Take advantage of the numerous payment options available to fit your needs.