Loft does not have a centralized bill pay system — you pay your utility provider directly
Loft is a community solar program that credits your electric bill, not a utility company itself. You do not pay Loft; you pay your actual electric utility — the company that owns the poles and wires serving your home. Loft straightforward arranges for solar generation credits to appear on that bill each month, reducing what you owe.
The bill you receive comes from your utility company, not from Loft. That means the payment methods available to you are the ones your utility offers. Loft has no role in collecting payments, and there is no separate Loft bill to pay.
Understanding this distinction matters because it changes where you send money and which customer service line to call if something goes wrong with your bill.
Key Takeaways
- Loft credits appear on your regular utility bill; you pay your utility company, not Loft.
- Your utility company determines payment methods — online portals, automatic bank drafts, phone, mail, and in-person options vary by provider.
- If your Loft credit does not appear on your bill, contact Loft; if you have questions about how to pay, contact your utility.
- Most utilities allow you to set up automatic monthly payments so you do not have to remember to pay each billing cycle.
- Your utility bill will show the Loft credit as a separate line item, making it straightforward to see how much the solar program is saving you.
How to find your utility company and its payment options
Your utility bill shows the company name at the top or in the account details section. Common utilities include Con Edison (New York), Consolidated Edison (parts of New York), Public Service Enterprise Group (New Jersey), and others depending on your region. Loft operates in multiple states, so your utility varies by location.
Once you know your utility, visit its website directly or call the customer service number on your bill. Most utilities offer multiple payment channels: online account portals where you log in and pay when ready, automatic recurring payments drawn from your bank account on your due date, phone payment lines, mail-in checks, and sometimes in-person payment at local offices or authorized retailers.
The fastest and most reliable method is usually the utility's online portal or automatic bank draft. Online portals let you see your bill when ready and pay within minutes. Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting and incurring a late fee.
Setting up automatic payments through your utility
Most utilities allow you to enroll in automatic monthly payments directly from your checking or savings account. This is often called autopay, recurring payment, or budget billing. You provide your bank account number and routing number once, and the utility withdraws the full bill amount on a date you choose — usually a few days after your bill is issued.
To set this up, log into your utility's online account portal and look for a "Payments" or "Billing" section. You should see an option to add a bank account and enable automatic withdrawals. Some utilities also allow you to set up automatic payments by phone with a customer service representative.
Automatic payments protect you from late fees and service disconnection. If your bill changes month to month because of seasonal usage or because your Loft credit varies, the utility will straightforward deduct whatever the current balance is on your due date.
Paying by mail or phone if you prefer not to use online methods
If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by check, your utility bill includes a payment stub and mailing address. Write your account number on the check, include the stub, and mail it to the address shown. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach the utility and post to your account.
Paying by phone is also an option with most utilities. Call the customer service number on your bill and provide your account number and payment method — debit card or bank account. Some utilities charge a small fee for phone payments, usually $2 to $5, so ask before you confirm.
Mail and phone payments take longer to process than online payments, so if you are close to your due date, use the online portal or automatic payment instead to avoid a late fee.
What happens when your Loft credit appears on your bill
Your monthly bill from your utility will show two key numbers: your total electricity charges and your Loft solar credit. The credit reduces your balance. For example, if your electricity charges are $120 and your Loft credit is $35, you owe $85.
The credit appears as a separate line item so you can see exactly how much the solar program is saving you. This credit is applied automatically each month by Loft and your utility working together — you do not need to do anything to receive it.
If the credit does not appear when you expect it, contact Loft's customer service, not your utility. Loft handles the solar generation tracking and credit calculation. Your utility straightforward processes the credit once Loft sends it.
Late payments and what happens if you miss a due date
If you do not pay by your due date, your utility will typically charge a late fee — usually 1 to 2 percent of your balance — and may send a reminder notice. If payment remains unpaid for 30 to 60 days, depending on your utility's policy, the company may threaten service disconnection.
The Loft credit does not protect you from late fees or disconnection. Even though Loft is reducing your bill, you still owe the remaining balance to your utility on time. If you are struggling to pay, contact your utility's customer service line to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
Some utilities offer budget billing, which averages your annual costs and spreads them evenly across 12 months. This can make your bill more predictable and easier to budget for, especially if your Loft credit varies seasonally.
Contacting Loft versus your utility for billing questions
Loft and your utility handle different parts of your bill. Contact your utility if you have questions about how to pay, when your payment is due, late fees, payment methods, or your account status. Contact Loft if your solar credit is missing, smaller than expected, or if you have questions about how much solar generation you are receiving.
Your utility bill will include contact information for both companies. Loft's customer service can be reached through its website or the contact details provided when you enrolled in the program. Your utility's number is on your bill.
Keeping these contacts separate in your phone or email can save time when you need help. A billing question goes to your utility; a solar credit question goes to Loft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Loft directly instead of through my utility?
No. Loft does not collect payments. You pay your utility company for the electricity you use, and Loft credits appear on that bill to reduce what you owe. There is no separate Loft payment.
What if I want to stop my automatic payments?
Log into your utility's online portal and disable the automatic payment option, or call customer service and ask them to cancel it. You can then pay manually each month by mail, phone, or online. Make sure you have a plan to pay on time so you do not incur late fees.
Does my Loft credit cover my entire bill?
Not usually. Loft credits vary based on how much solar energy is generated and how much electricity you use. Most members see credits that cover 10 to 50 percent of their bill, depending on their subscription level and location. You still owe the remaining balance to your utility.
What if my utility does not offer online bill pay?
Some smaller or rural utilities have limited payment options. Call your utility's customer service line to learn what methods are available. Mail and phone payments are almost always an option, even if an online portal is not.
Can I change my payment due date?
Most utilities allow you to choose your due date when you set up automatic payments or through your online account. If you cannot find this option, call customer service and ask if they can adjust it to match your pay schedule.