Are you an El Paso Electric customer wondering how to pay your bill now that payment centers have closed? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with all the information you need about EPE bill payment options in 2023,
As a resident who’s been using El Paso Electric services for years, I was surprised when I heard about the closure of in-person payment centers Many of us have been accustomed to paying our electricity bills in person, especially those who prefer cash transactions or enjoy that personal touch. But changes are happening, and it’s important to know your options
Why El Paso Electric Closed Their Payment Centers
According to EPE’s Regional Director for Governmental Affairs Eric Montgomery, the company is moving away from in-person payments due to “new technologies and advancements” they’re implementing.
Robert Heimer EPE’s Director of Customer Care revealed that less than 5% of utility customers were actually paying in person at the four branch offices across New Mexico and Texas. The majority of customer traffic has shifted to phone payments and online transactions.
The closure timeline happened as follows:
- Texas payment centers: Closed on January 13, 2023
- Las Cruces centers (two locations): Closed on February 10, 2023
But what about the friendly staff we’ve grown to know? EPE has promised that none of the 21 workers employed across the four locations will be laid off. Instead, they’ll transition to new roles, likely in online or phone customer support, with many beginning to work from home.
Your El Paso Electric Bill Payment Options
Now let’s get to the important part – how can you pay your El Paso Electric bill? I’ve personally tried several of these methods and will share the pros and cons of each.
1. Pay Online Through EPE’s Website
The most direct online method is using the My Account Portal at myaccount.epelectric.com. Here, you can pay using:
- Credit card
- ATM/debit card
- Electronic check
Fee: $1.50 to $2.35 per transaction
Pros: Convenient, accessible 24/7, immediate payment processing
Cons: Transaction fees add up over time
2. Payment Kiosks
EPE has payment kiosks available in:
- El Paso
- Van Horn
- Las Cruces
Fee: Variable, depending on payment method
Note: This is one of the remaining options for cash payments
Pros: Can use cash, generally convenient locations
Cons: Potential fees, limited locations
3. Third-Party Payment Agencies
Over 100 third-party payment agencies in EPE’s service area accept payments, including:
- CheckFree
- Western Union
- Walmart
- Dollar General
- Various grocery stores
Fee: Variable depending on the agency
Note: This is another option for cash payments
Pros: Numerous locations, accept cash, might be combined with other errands
Cons: Service fees apply
4. Bank Draft
You can set up automatic bank drafts through EPE’s website where the utility takes money directly from your bank account when the bill is due.
Fee: No fee!
Pros: Free, automated (no forgetting to pay), no need to make monthly arrangements
Cons: Requires bank account, less control over exact payment timing
5. Mail Check
Send a check by mail to:
El Paso Electric
P.O. Box 982
El Paso, Texas 79960
Fee: Just the cost of envelope and stamp
Pros: Familiar method for many people, relatively low cost
Cons: Processing time, potential for mail delays
6. Phone Payment
Call EPE’s payment line from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fee: $1.95 to $2.35
Pros: Human assistance if needed, can be done from anywhere with phone service
Cons: Limited to business hours, transaction fees apply
7. Mobile App
EPE has a mobile app for bill payments.
Fee: $1.95 to $2.35
Pros: Convenient for smartphone users, accessible anytime
Cons: Transaction fees apply
My Personal Experience with EPE Bill Pay Methods
I’ve tried most of these methods myself, and I gotta say, setting up the bank draft has been the easiest for me. No fees and I never have to worry about late payments! But I understand not everyone is comfortable with automatic withdrawals.
For those who prefer more control, the online portal is pretty user-friendly once you get it set up. Yes, there’s a small fee, but the convenience might be worth it for many of us.
If you’re someone who likes to pay in cash, your best options now are either payment kiosks or third-party agencies like those at Walmart or Dollar General. Just be prepared for potentially longer wait times at these locations.
Tips for Smooth EPE Bill Payments
Here are some things I’ve learned that might help you:
- Create an online account before you need it: Don’t wait until your bill is due to try setting up your account on myaccount.epelectric.com
- Keep your account number handy: You’ll need this for most payment methods
- Check for processing times: Some methods post payments immediately, others might take 1-2 business days
- Set calendar reminders: If you’re not using automatic payments, set reminders a few days before due dates
- Consider paperless billing: This makes online management easier and reduces paper waste
What About Assistance Programs?
For customers facing financial difficulties, El Paso Electric does offer various assistance programs. These programs aren’t affected by the closure of payment centers, but you may need to apply through different channels now.
If you’re struggling to pay your electricity bill, I recommend calling EPE’s customer service directly to discuss your options. They can provide information about available assistance programs and potential payment arrangements.
The Future of Utility Payments
The closure of in-person payment centers reflects a broader trend across utility companies nationwide. As more services move online, we’re seeing fewer physical locations for bill payments.
While this transition might be challenging for some customers, especially those who aren’t comfortable with digital technology or those who prefer cash transactions, it’s likely the direction most utility companies will continue to move.
For El Paso Electric, this change allows them to focus resources on the channels most customers are already using – primarily online and phone services. According to Heimer, “By reutilizing those employees, we’re going to be able to do more for our customers than we are today.”
Final Thoughts
Change can be difficult, especially when it involves something as routine as paying your utility bill. But with several payment options still available, most EPE customers should be able to find a method that works for them.
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consider trying a few different methods to see which offers the best balance of convenience, reliability, and cost.
Remember, whatever method you choose, the important thing is keeping your account current to avoid service interruptions!
Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Quick Reference Guide: EPE Bill Pay Options
| Payment Method | Fees | Accepts Cash? | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Portal | $1.50-$2.35 | No | 24/7 | Digital-savvy users |
| Payment Kiosks | Variable | Yes | Varies by location | Cash payers |
| Third-Party Agencies | Variable | Yes | Depends on location | Cash payers, one-stop shoppers |
| Bank Draft | Free | No | Automatic | Those who want set-it-and-forget-it |
| Mail Check | Stamp cost | No | Allow 3-5 days processing | Traditional payment preferrers |
| Phone Payment | $1.95-$2.35 | No | 7am-7pm M-F | Those who need assistance |
| Mobile App | $1.95-$2.35 | No | 24/7 | Smartphone users |
What is the procedure for logging into your El Paso Electric account?
Once youve created your El Paso Electric account, you can go to the portal and log in. You can use the login account to manage your electricity connection details in addition to paying bills. Heres how to get into your El Paso Electric online account:
- Visit the El Paso Electric online portal to access your El Paso Electric account.
- On the homepage, go to the right side of the page and click the Manage My Account option.
- Youll be sent to the login page, where youll need to enter your username and password.
- Enter the password for your account.
- To access your El Paso Electric account, click Login.
How can I create a new account with El Paso Electric?
Customers can create a new El Paso Electric online account, which will allow them to pay their bills online. It is important to remember that in order to register for a login account, you must have an active El Paso Electric connection. Skip this step and then go directly to the login section if you already have an online account. To get started, follow these steps.
- Visit the El Paso Electric online portal at https://epelectric.com to create a new El Paso Electric online account.
- On the homepage, go to the right side of the page and click the Manage My Account option.
- Youll be taken to the login page, where the Welcome to the new My Account section can be seen.
- Select the Click here to get started option from this section.
- You must create a new user profile on the registration page by completing the essential information, such as:
- Create a new User ID.
- First name
- Last name
- Retype your email address to be sure its correct.
- Enter a new password and confirm it by typing it once again.
7.After that, you must choose three security questions and provide appropriate answers for each. (Make a note of the questions and answers so you can go back to them if you need to change your login credentials in the future.)
8.Choose among email, SMS, or both as your preferred mode of communication.
9.Please enter your phone number.
10.After clicking Next, youll be required to verify your user information and submit your electricity account number.
11.You will receive an email from your registered email address on the following page. To verify your account, follow the instructions in the email.
12.To complete the account creation procedure, go through the remaining questions and click Register.
Downloading your electric bill from El Paso Electric
FAQ
How do I pay my El Paso Electric Bill?
Here’s how to pay your bill LAS CRUCES – For El Paso Electric utility customers who rely on in-person payment centers in New Mexico and Texas to pay their bills, big changes are coming. Over the last two months, El Paso Electric has quietly begun nudging customers away from in-person payments and onto their online bill collection systems.
Does El Paso Electric pay the bill2pay service fee?
El Paso Electric does not receive any portion of the Bill2Pay service fee. Accepted Forms of Payment Payment Thresholds and Service Fees Required Information Payment Information Payments are posted within minutes of completing the transaction.
Does El Paso Electric have a bill payment app?
But now, El Paso Electric is making it easier than ever to pay your electric bill. The company recently launched a new website and bill payment app. Not only do these new features take the stress out of remembering to pay your bill, but they also make it simple to learn how to save money on your energy bills and to access your account.
Will El Paso Electric close its payment centers?
El Paso Electric will close its payment centers. Here’s how to pay your bill LAS CRUCES – For El Paso Electric utility customers who rely on in-person payment centers in New Mexico and Texas to pay their bills, big changes are coming.
Does El Paso Electric pay a billmatrix service fee?
The payments are processed by BillMatrix. There is a service fee of $2.35 for all forms of payment made using this service. El Paso Electric does not receive any portion of the BillMatrix service fee.
Are there alternatives to paying a utility bill in El Paso?
For the 5 percent of in-person payers, EPE has a few alternatives for bill payment. Via EPE’s website, utility customers can pay via credit card, ATM/debit card, or electronic check. For every bill, this option tacks on a $1.50 to $2.35 fee. Another option includes using payment kiosks in El Paso, Van Horn and Las Cruces.
How do I pay my El Paso Electric bill?
- By Phone. Place bill and security deposit payments over the phone toll-free, with service available 24/7. …
- In Person. Make your bill payments in person through authorized agencies, payment kiosks, or our 24-hour drop box. …
- By Mail. You can mail your bill payment using a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
What is the phone number for El Paso Electric bill?
Payment Information
If you have received a disconnection notice or are paying to have your service restored, please contact El Paso Electric Customer Service in Texas at (915) 543-5970 or in New Mexico at (575) 526-5555 with your confirmation number to advise us of your payment and/or to schedule a re-connection.
What does El Paso Electric do?
El Paso Electric is an energy provider that is engaged in generation, transmission and distribution service to power approximately 460,000 customers in a 10,000 square mile area from Hatch, New Mexico to Van Horn, Texas. Major cities in the service region include El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.
How do I set up an electric account in El Paso?
New to El Paso Electric? Need to start service for the first time, please call (915) 543-5970 or toll free 1-800-351-1621 for assistance.
