It’s important to pay your electric bill on time every month to avoid late fees and service interruptions. But in the busy world we live in now, it’s simple to forget when and where to pay your bill. If you want to avoid extra trouble, this article will give you a full rundown of all the different ways you can pay your local electric bill.
Having reliable electricity in your home or business is something most of us take for granted. We flip a switch and the lights come on. But that electric service doesn’t happen by magic – it requires proper payments each month to your electric provider. Failure to pay on time can result in late fees disconnection notices, and even interruption of service if the bill remains unpaid.
To avoid these negative consequences it’s essential to know the options available for paying your electric bill close to home. Paying locally eliminates the need to mail in payments and provides same-day processing to your account. This article will explore the various in-person and online methods for paying electric bills nearby.
Payment Centers
Electric companies often provide designated payment centers where customers can pay bills in person with cash, money orders, or checks. These walk-in locations offer convenience and ensure same-day crediting of payments to accounts.
City of Lubbock Utilities says that people can pay their electric bills at more than 25 locations across the city. These include check cashing stores, banks, and grocery store chains like United Supermarkets. There are many ways to pay at the payment centers, and they will give you receipts as long as you have your account number and a recent bill.
Austin Energy also has a network of authorized pay stations at stores all over the city. You can pay for electric at stores like H-E-B, Walgreens, and Walmart with cash, but they charge a small service fee. It’s also possible to drop off money orders or checks at Austin Energy’s customer service centers or drop boxes.
No matter your electric provider, researching payment center locations can ensure paying your bill in person is quick and easy. Be sure to check hours of operation and forms of payment accepted.
Online Payments
Paying electric bills online is another convenient option that avoids the need to visit a physical location. Most electric companies now offer online account management, bill payment features, and mobile apps to provide 24/7 access.
According to the City of Austin Utilities website, customers can make one-time “Quick Payments” online that will post to their account the same day. Setting up automatic monthly payments through their autopay feature also ensures you never miss a payment. The online payment options allow using debit/credit cards or electronic checks.
Lubbock Utilities also states on its website that online payments can be made anytime through its EZ-PAY system. Customers can pay by phone, online, or even at one of the provider’s automated payment kiosks located around the city. Online payments post instantly, avoiding late fees.
Check your electric provider’s website to enroll in online bill pay. Having access to pay electronically 24 hours a day makes catching up on a forgotten bill easy. Just log in and pay right from your smartphone or laptop.
Pay-by-Phone
In addition to online payments, most electric companies allow payments over the phone for added convenience. Calling the toll-free customer service number on your bill and following the prompts allows quick payment using a debit/credit card. Some companies even allow texting a payment.
According to the City of Austin Utilities website, Quick Payments can be made by phone and will post the same day to electric accounts. Lubbock Utilities also lists pay-by-phone as an option for same-day processing of electric bills.
Having multiple ways to pay quickly by phone, like automated systems or direct customer service agents, makes this option useful for times you forgot a bill. Just call in the payment to avoid disconnection or penalties.
Mobile Apps
For the ultimate convenience, download your electric provider’s mobile app to monitor usage and pay bills on the go. Apps like the City of Austin Utilities Mobile Access provide bill review, payment options, and account management from your smartphone or tablet.
Getting notifications of new electric bills and being able to pay with just a few taps anytime make mobile apps useful. Apps may also provide energy conservation tips and let you submit meter readings or service requests. Check your electric company’s website to see if a mobile app is supported.
Avoid the Headaches!
Don’t risk accruing late fees or having your power shut off by forgetting electric payments. Use this guide of local payment options to pay bills conveniently and on time. Payment centers, online bill pay, pay-by-phone, and mobile apps all make catching up on electric bills fast and easy.
Knowing where you can quickly pay your electric bill nearby eliminates unnecessary penalties and headaches. Pay attention to due dates, enroll in autopay or paperless billing, and use technology to your advantage. Keeping the power on has never been simpler!
Multiple, Convenient Locations and Drop Boxes Available
The City of Austin provides Utility Service Centers, authorized pay stations, and drop boxes around the community to make it easy for you to pay in person.