Lincoln Electric System's bill pay options and how to use them

Lincoln Electric System (LES) is a public power utility serving the Lincoln, Nebraska area. You can pay your LES bill through their online portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online method is the fastest and most direct — you log in with your account number, enter a payment amount, and choose your payment date. Phone payments go through their automated system or a representative. Mail and in-person payments take longer to process but require no online access.

LES does not charge a fee for any of these payment methods, which is different from some utilities that add a surcharge for online or phone payments. Your payment is credited to your account once LES processes it, which typically happens within one to two business days for online and phone payments, and five to seven business days for mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay your LES bill online through their website, by phone at their customer service number, by mail to their payment address, or in person at their office — all without a fee.
  • Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days; mail payments take five to seven business days.
  • To pay online, you need your LES account number and either a checking account, savings account, or debit card.
  • If you set up automatic payments, LES will deduct your bill amount on a date you choose each month, and you can change or cancel anytime.
  • LES offers budget billing, which spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments so your bill does not spike in summer or winter.

Paying online through the LES website

The LES online bill pay portal is accessed through their main website. You will need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any email from LES. Create a login if you do not already have one, or sign in with an existing account. Once logged in, select the option to make a payment.

You can pay with a checking account, savings account, or debit card. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want the payment to be processed. LES processes most online payments the same day or the next business day. If you choose a future date, the payment will be held and processed on that date. There is no fee for online payments.

If you want to set up a recurring payment so your bill is paid automatically each month, you can do that through the same portal. You choose the amount and the day of the month, and LES will debit your account on that schedule. You can change or stop automatic payments anytime by logging back in and adjusting your settings.

Paying by phone

LES accepts phone payments through their customer service line. You can speak to a representative or use their automated phone system, depending on what time you call and what information you have ready. Have your account number and your payment method (checking account, savings account, or debit card) available.

Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments — usually within one to two business days. There is no fee for paying by phone. If you call during business hours, a representative can answer questions about your account or your bill at the same time you pay.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to LES. Your bill statement includes the mailing address where payments should be sent. Write your account number on the check or money order so LES can match the payment to your account. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach LES and be processed, so send your payment early if your due date is approaching.

Include only the payment coupon from your bill or write your account number clearly on your check. Do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying more than one bill or sending multiple payments, include a separate check for each account.

Paying in person at the LES office

You can walk into the LES office in Lincoln and pay your bill with cash, check, or debit card. The office is located at 1040 O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Payment is credited to your account when ready when you pay in person. This method works well if you prefer to hand over payment directly or if you need to discuss your bill with a staff member.

The office is open during standard business hours. Call ahead if you want to confirm hours or if you have questions about your account before you visit.

Budget billing and payment plans

LES offers budget billing, which calculates an average of your annual electricity costs and spreads that amount across 12 equal monthly payments. This means your bill stays roughly the same each month instead of spiking in summer (when air conditioning use is high) or winter (when heating use is high). After 12 months, LES recalculates your average based on your actual usage and adjusts your monthly payment for the next year.

Budget billing is optional and free to join. You can request it through the online portal, by phone, or in person. If you fall behind on payments, LES may suspend budget billing and return you to standard monthly billing until your account is current.

If you are having trouble paying your bill, LES also offers payment arrangements. Contact their customer service to discuss options if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, LES will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee is set by LES and appears on your next bill. If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you can to avoid additional fees and potential service disconnection.

If you are unable to pay your bill, contact LES before the due date to discuss your options. They may be able to set up a payment plan or connect you with resources in the community. Waiting until after the due date makes it harder to work out an arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my LES bill online?

No. LES does not charge a fee for online, phone, mail, or in-person payments. All payment methods are free.

How long does it take for my online payment to show up on my account?

Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days. Mail payments take five to seven business days. If you choose a future payment date online, the payment will be held and processed on that date.

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to pay every month?

Yes. Through the LES online portal, you can set up automatic payments that debit your account on a date you choose each month. You can change the amount or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging in and adjusting your settings.

What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Contact LES before the due date to discuss your options. They may be able to set up a payment plan or connect you with local resources. Calling early gives you more options than waiting until after the due date.

Can I pay my LES bill with a credit card?

LES accepts checking accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards for online and phone payments. Credit cards are not listed as a payment method. Call LES customer service to confirm current payment options.