Cleco payment options and how they work

Cleco is the electric utility serving central Louisiana, and you can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to set up automatic payments. Most customers pay online through Cleco's website or mobile app, which posts to your account within one business day.

Cleco does not charge a fee for standard online payments made through their website or app. If you pay by phone with a representative, there is no fee either. However, if you use a third-party payment processor or pay with a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account, fees may apply — those fees come from the processor, not from Cleco.

Your bill is due by the date printed on your statement. If you do not pay by that date, Cleco may charge a late fee and eventually disconnect your service. Setting up automatic payments removes the risk of missing a due date and gives you one less thing to track each month.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay Cleco online through their website or app, by phone at 1-800-622-6662, by mail, or at authorized payment locations without paying a fee.
  • Online and phone payments typically post within one business day, while mailed payments take longer and should be sent at least a week before your due date.
  • Automatic payments from your bank account or debit card eliminate late fees and ensure your bill is paid on time every month.
  • Third-party payment processors and credit card payments may charge fees that Cleco does not control.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Cleco to discuss payment arrangements or programs that may help with your balance.

Paying online through Cleco's website or app

The fastest and most common way to pay is through Cleco's website at cleco.com or their mobile app. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and either a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The payment posts to your account within one business day, so you can pay up until late afternoon on your due date and still avoid a late fee.

To pay online, log into your account or enter your account number as a guest. Select the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full bill, a partial amount, or a different amount if you have made an arrangement with Cleco. Review the payment details and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save or print this for your records.

The Cleco app works the same way and is useful if you want to check your balance or payment history on your phone. Both the website and app are secure and do not charge a processing fee when you pay from a bank account or debit card.

Paying by phone or mail

If you prefer not to pay online, you can call Cleco's customer service at 1-800-622-6662 to pay by phone with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. A representative will walk you through the process, and the payment posts within one business day. There is no fee for paying this way.

You can also mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it at least one week before your due date to allow time for delivery and processing. Mailed payments take longer to post than online or phone payments, so plan ahead if you use this method.

Some Cleco customers can also pay in person at authorized payment locations in their area. Call 1-800-622-6662 to find a location near you and confirm their hours.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments, sometimes called autopay or recurring payments, deduct your bill amount from your bank account or debit card on a date you choose — usually a few days before your due date. Once you set it up, the payment happens every month without you having to remember or take action.

To enroll in automatic payments, log into your Cleco account online or call 1-800-622-6662. You will provide your bank account number and routing number, or debit card information. Cleco will ask you to choose a payment date and confirm the amount. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account or by calling customer service.

Automatic payments eliminate the risk of late fees and service disconnection. If your bill amount changes month to month, Cleco will deduct the current balance on your chosen date. If you want to pay a different amount in a particular month, you can make a one-time payment online or by phone in addition to or instead of the automatic payment.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you are struggling to pay your Cleco bill, contact Cleco before your due date to discuss your options. Cleco offers payment arrangements that let you spread your balance over several months, which keeps your service on while you catch up. You will need to make regular payments on the arrangement schedule to avoid disconnection.

Cleco also has programs for customers with low income or hardship. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other local assistance programs may help pay part of your bill. Cleco's customer service team can tell you whether you may be may be able to access and how to contact the programs in your area.

If you have already received a disconnection notice, call Cleco immediately. Explaining your situation and setting up a payment arrangement or applying for assistance can often stop the disconnection while you work toward a solution.

Understanding late fees and disconnection

If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your bill, Cleco charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee is set by Cleco's tariff, which is filed with the Louisiana Public Service Commission. Late fees add to your balance and make it harder to catch up if you are already behind.

If you do not pay your bill within a certain period after the due date — usually around 30 days — Cleco will send a disconnection notice. This notice tells you the date your service will be cut off and how much you owe to avoid disconnection. If you pay the full amount owed before that date, your service stays on. If service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your bill balance.

Paying on time or setting up automatic payments is the simplest way to avoid these extra costs and keep your service running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cleco charge a fee to pay online?

No, Cleco does not charge a fee when you pay through their website or app using a bank account or debit card. If you use a credit card or a third-party payment processor, that processor may charge a fee, but Cleco does not.

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

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed payments take longer — usually five to seven business days depending on mail delivery — so mail your payment at least a week before your due date to be safe.

Can I set up automatic payments and still make extra payments when I want to?

Yes. Automatic payments happen on your chosen date each month, but you can make additional one-time payments online or by phone whenever you want. This is useful if you want to pay down your balance faster or pay extra in a month when you have the money.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Cleco charges a late fee and may eventually disconnect your service if the bill remains unpaid. Contact Cleco as soon as you realize you will miss a payment to discuss a payment arrangement or assistance programs that might help.

Can I pay someone else's Cleco bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You can pay online as a guest without logging in, or call customer service and provide the account number. The payment will be applied to that account.