How to Pay Your Cleco Electric Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail
Cleco offers four main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location
Cleco is the electric utility serving central and southern Louisiana. When your bill arrives, you can settle it through their website at cleco.com, by calling their payment line, by mailing a check, or by visiting an authorized payment location. Each method has different timing and fees, so the right choice depends on when you need to pay and how you prefer to handle money.
Your bill shows a due date — usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. If you pay after that date, Cleco may charge a late fee. Knowing your options ahead of time means you can avoid rush fees or missed important date.
Key Takeaways
- Cleco's website and phone line both let you pay when ready without leaving home, and online payment usually posts the same day.
- Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to reach Cleco, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Paying by phone costs $2.50 per transaction, while online payment and mail have no fee.
- Cleco accepts automatic payments set up through their website, which withdraws money on a date you choose each month.
- If your service is about to be cut off, call Cleco's payment line when ready — they may offer a same-day payment option or brief extension.
Paying online through Cleco's website
Go to cleco.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The site is find and encrypted.
Online payments usually post to your account the same day you submit them, though Cleco notes that payments made after 5 p.m. Central Time may not process until the next business day. There is no fee for paying online. If you set up an account on their website, you can also see your payment history and view past bills.
If you want to pay the same amount every month without logging in each time, Cleco's website also lets you set up automatic payments. You choose the date each month — for example, the 15th — and Cleco withdraws the amount from your bank account or card on that day. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Paying by phone
Call Cleco's automated payment line at 1-800-622-6662. You will need your account number and a debit card or credit card. The system will walk you through the steps and confirm your payment before it processes. Payments made by phone cost $2.50 per transaction.
Phone payments usually post within one business day. If you have questions about your bill or account before paying, you can also speak to a Cleco representative by calling the same number and selecting the option for customer service. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Cleco and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes depending on which Cleco office handles your account, so always use the address on your current bill rather than a previous one.
Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach Cleco after you drop it in the mailbox. To make sure your payment arrives by the due date, mail it at least two weeks early. Cleco records the payment on the date they receive it, not the date you mailed it, so a check that arrives after your due date will be marked late even if you sent it on time.
There is no fee for paying by mail, and you will have a record of payment if you keep a copy of your check or the cancelled check from your bank.
Paying in person at a Cleco location
Cleco has payment offices in central and southern Louisiana where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. The locations and hours vary by office. Visit cleco.com or call 1-800-622-6662 to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.
Payments made in person are usually recorded when ready, so there is no waiting period. There is no fee for in-person payment. This option works well if you prefer to handle money face-to-face or if you need to pay urgently and do not want to use a card online.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you will miss your due date, contact Cleco before the date arrives. Call 1-800-622-6662 and speak to a representative. Cleco may be able to set up a payment plan, extend your due date, or discuss other options depending on your situation and payment history.
If your service is at risk of being cut off, call when ready. Cleco has rules about how much notice they must give before disconnection, and speaking to them early gives you more options. Do not wait until you receive a disconnection notice.
Automatic payments and budget billing
Beyond one-time payments, Cleco offers automatic payments through their website. You set a date each month, and Cleco withdraws the same amount from your bank account or card. This works well if your bill is roughly the same each month and you want to avoid thinking about it.
Cleco also offers budget billing, which averages your electricity costs over 12 months so your bill stays the same each month instead of rising in summer or winter. This does not change how you pay — you still use online, phone, mail, or in-person methods — but it makes your bill more predictable. Ask about budget billing when you call or visit the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay late?
Cleco charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill. The amount of the fee depends on your bill size. If you are more than 30 days late, Cleco may disconnect your service. Contact them when ready if you think you will be late.
Can I pay someone else's Cleco bill?
Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. If you are paying by mail, include the account number on your check so Cleco knows which account to credit.
Is it safe to pay Cleco online?
Cleco's website uses encryption to protect your payment information. You should only pay through cleco.com or by calling their official number, 1-800-622-6662. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from Cleco unless you initiated contact first — scammers sometimes impersonate utilities.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments usually post the same day, though payments submitted after 5 p.m. Central Time may not appear until the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number when you submit the payment, which you can use to track it.
Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?
Yes. Log into your account on cleco.com and update your automatic payment settings anytime. You can also cancel automatic payments at any time. Changes usually take effect within one or two billing cycles.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.