How to Pay Your Central Maine Power Bill Online and by Mail

Central Maine Power bill pay basics

Central Maine Power (CMP) is the electric utility serving most of Maine. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

CMP bills arrive monthly and show your account number, the amount due, and the due date. You'll need your account number to pay online or by phone. If you don't have a recent bill, you can find your account number on any previous bill or by calling CMP customer service.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay CMP bills online through their website, by phone at 1-800-696-1000, by mail, or at authorized payment centers without creating an online account.
• Online payments through CMP's website typically post within one to two business days, while mail payments take seven to ten business days.
• Setting up automatic payments through CMP's website or by phone removes the need to remember your due date each month.
• CMP does not charge a fee for payments made through their website, by phone, or by mail, but some third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee.

Paying online through CMP's website

The fastest way to pay CMP is through their website at centralmaine.com. You do not need to create an account — you can make a one-time payment using just your account number and the amount you want to pay. Go to the "Pay My Bill" section, enter your account number, and follow the prompts to choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account).

If you create a CMP online account, you can view your bill history, see your usage, and set up automatic payments. Creating an account takes a few minutes and requires your account number, email address, and a password you create. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your balance or make a payment.

Payments made online before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically post to your account the next business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the following business day.

Paying by phone

You can pay your CMP bill by phone by calling 1-800-696-1000. A representative will ask for your account number and the payment amount, then guide you through entering your payment information. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account.

Phone payments are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. CMP does not charge a fee for phone payments. Like online payments, phone payments typically post within one to two business days.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Central Maine Power and include your account number on the check. Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill — this address may vary depending on which CMP office serves your area. Include your account number somewhere on the envelope as well.

Mail payments take seven to ten business days to post, depending on mail delivery time and CMP's processing schedule. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least ten days before your due date. If you're close to your due date, paying online or by phone is faster and more reliable.

Paying in person at authorized locations

CMP has authorized payment centers where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. These locations include some retail stores and payment service centers throughout Maine. You can find the nearest payment center by visiting centralmaine.com or calling 1-800-696-1000.

In-person payments typically post within one to two business days. Bring your account number and your bill, or have your account number ready. Some payment centers may charge a small fee for cash payments, so ask before you pay.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. CMP calls this service AutoPay. You can set it up through your online account or by calling 1-800-696-1000. You'll provide your bank account information or card details, and CMP will deduct your bill amount automatically on a date you choose — typically a few days before your due date.

You can change or cancel AutoPay anytime through your online account or by calling customer service. If your bill amount varies month to month (as most electric bills do), CMP will deduct the actual amount due each month, not a fixed amount. There is no fee for AutoPay.

What to do if you can't pay your full bill

If you're unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact CMP as soon as possible. You can call 1-800-696-1000 to discuss your options. CMP may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, which can help you avoid a late fee or service disconnection.

CMP also has programs for customers facing hardship. These programs may include bill discounts, payment information, or extended payment plans. Calling customer service is the first step — representatives can tell you which programs you may be able to explore based on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my CMP bill online?

No. CMP does not charge a fee for payments made through their website, by phone, or by mail. Some third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee if you use them instead of paying directly through CMP, so pay directly through centralmaine.com or by calling 1-800-696-1000 to avoid extra charges.

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

Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take seven to ten business days. In-person payments at authorized centers also post within one to two business days. If you're paying close to your due date, online or phone payment is faster and safer.

Can I pay with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card online, by phone, or at authorized payment centers. Keep in mind that some credit card companies may treat utility bill payments as cash advances and charge interest when ready, so check your card's terms before paying this way.

What happens if I miss my due date?

CMP typically charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. If you miss the due date, pay as soon as you can and contact CMP to discuss the late fee. You may also be able to set up a payment plan to catch up on what you owe.

Can I change my AutoPay date?

Yes. Log into your CMP online account and update your AutoPay settings, or call 1-800-696-1000 to change the date. You can also cancel AutoPay anytime through your account or by phone. Changes typically take effect within one to two billing cycles.