How Central Maine Power bill pay works

Central Maine Power (CMP) offers several ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or have it done automatically each month.

Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can see your payment go through when ready. If you set up automatic payments, CMP will charge your bank account or card on the same date each month, so you never have to remember to pay. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Key Takeaways

  • CMP's website lets you pay online with a bank account or debit card, and you can set up automatic monthly payments there.
  • Paying by phone through CMP's automated system or with a representative takes a few minutes and works if you do not have internet access.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach CMP, so send them early if your bill is due soon.
  • CMP has payment centers in some locations where you can pay in person with cash or card, though this is less common than online or phone payment.

Paying online through CMP's website

Go to centralmaine.com and log into your account, or create one if you do not have one yet. You will need your account number, which is on your bill. Once you are logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay.

You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. CMP does not charge a fee if you pay from your bank account directly, but credit and debit card payments may have a small fee — CMP will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment. The payment posts to your account right away, though it may take a day or two to show on your bank statement.

To set up automatic payments, go to the same "Pay My Bill" section and choose the automatic payment option. You pick the date each month when you want CMP to charge you, and you can change or stop it anytime. This is useful if you want to make sure you never miss a due date.

Paying by phone

Call CMP's automated payment line at 1-800-696-1000 to pay without speaking to anyone. The system will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then guide you through entering your payment method. This takes about five minutes and works 24 hours a day.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can also call the main customer service number and ask to make a payment. Wait times vary depending on how busy CMP is, but a representative can answer questions about your bill while they process the payment. Phone payments are charged the same way as online payments — no fee for bank account payments, possible small fee for card payments.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Include your account number on the check so CMP knows which account to credit. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 days to arrive, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it reaches CMP on time.

If you are close to your due date and worried the mail will not arrive in time, do not use this method — use online or phone payment instead. Mailed payments are recorded when CMP receives them, not when you mail them, so a late-arriving check can result in a late fee even if you sent it early.

Paying in person at CMP payment centers

CMP has payment centers in some towns across Maine where you can pay with cash, check, or card. Payment centers are less common than online or phone options, and hours vary by location. To find a payment center near you, call 1-800-696-1000 or check centralmaine.com for the current list.

Paying in person is useful if you prefer to use cash or if you want to speak with someone about your bill in the same visit. Payments made at a center are usually recorded the same day, so this is a fast option if you are near your due date.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay the full amount by your due date, contact CMP before the due date passes. You can call 1-800-696-1000 and ask about a payment plan or extension. CMP may be able to give you extra time to pay, or split your bill into smaller payments over several weeks.

If you are struggling with your bill because of a financial hardship, ask CMP about programs that may help. Some utility information programs in Maine can help pay part of your bill if you meet their income requirements. CMP can direct you to local resources or you can call 211 to find programs in your area.

Setting up and managing automatic payments

Automatic payments save time because you do not have to remember to pay each month. Log into your CMP account online, go to "Pay My Bill," and choose the automatic payment option. Pick the date you want to be charged each month — many people choose a date shortly after they get paid so the money is there.

You can change your automatic payment date, pause it for a month, or cancel it anytime through your account. If you want to cancel, do it before the payment date so CMP does not charge you. You will still need to pay any remaining balance on your bill manually if you cancel automatic payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my CMP bill online?

No fee if you pay directly from your bank account. Credit card and debit card payments may have a small fee that CMP shows you before you confirm the payment. Phone and mail payments have no fee regardless of payment method.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up?

Online payments post to your account right away, though your bank may take a day or two to process the charge. If you are paying close to your due date, pay at least one business day early to be safe.

Can I pay someone else's CMP bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online or by phone using their account number instead of your own. The payment will be credited to their account.

What happens if my automatic payment fails?

CMP will try the payment again, usually within a few days. If it fails a second time, you will get a notice and should contact CMP to update your payment method or pay manually. A failed payment does not count as on-time, so you may be charged a late fee.

Can I get a receipt for my payment?

Yes. Online payments show a confirmation number right after you pay. Phone payments give you a confirmation number during the call. Mail payments appear on your next bill statement. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to prove you paid.