Easy Ways to Pay Your Laclede Electric Bill: A Complete Guide

Let’s face it – nobody likes paying bills, but we all gotta do it As a customer of Laclede Electric Cooperative myself, I’ve tried pretty much all their payment options over the years Sometimes I’m organized and set up automatic payments, other times I’m rushing to pay before the due date! In this article, I’ll break down all the different ways you can pay your Laclede electric bill, so you can choose what works best for you.

Online Bill Pay – The Most Convenient Option

The easiest way to pay your Laclede bill is definitely online through their SmartHub portal I’ve been using this method for the past year and it’s super convenient

To pay your Laclede bill online

1. Visit the SmartHub login page at lacledeelectric.smarthub.coop/Login.html
2. Log into your registered account
3. Follow the prompts to make your payment

The SmartHub system lets you do more than just pay bills – you can view your usage history, see past payments, and manage your account all in one place. It’s pretty handy, especially when you wanna check if you already paid this month’s bill (happens to me more than I’d like to admit).

Mobile App Payment Option

If your like me and do everything on your phone, you’ll be happy to know Laclede Electric offers a mobile app payment option. I personally love this because I can pay my bill while waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting on my couch watching TV.

Here’s how to use the mobile app:

1. Download the SmartHub app on your mobile device
2. Log in to your account
3. Tap on “Bill & Pay”
4. Make your payment

The app has most of the same features as the online portal, just sized down for your phone screen. Definitely worth downloading if you’re always on the go.

AutoPay: Set It and Forget It

I used AutoPay for several years and it was a real life-saver during busy months. With AutoPay, your bill gets paid automatically each month from either your bank account or card.

To set up AutoPay online:

1. Log in to SmartHub online
2. Click on the “Billing & Payments” tab
3. Select “AutoPay Program”
4. Enter either your credit/debit card or bank account information

To set up AutoPay on the mobile app:

1. Log in to SmartHub mobile app
2. Tap “Bill & Pay”
3. Tap “AutoPay Program”
4. Enter your payment information

The best thing about AutoPay is you never have to worry about due dates or late fees again. The system just handles it all for you!

Pay By Phone

Sometimes technology just isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just prefer talking to someone. That’s when paying by phone comes in handy.

To pay your Laclede bill by phone:

1. Call 1-844-262-2439
2. Have your account number ready
3. Follow the prompts to complete your payment

I’ve used this method a few times when my internet was down, and it’s pretty straightforward. Just make sure you have your account number handy before you call.

Traditional Payment Methods

Not everyone’s into digital payments, and Laclede Electric understands that. They still offer several traditional ways to pay your bill.

By Mail

You can mail your payment to:
Laclede Electric Cooperative
P.O. Box M
Lebanon, MO 65536

Just remember to allow enough time for mail delivery so your payment arrives before the due date. I learned this the hard way once when I mailed a payment too late and got hit with a late fee!

In-Person Payments

Laclede has several office locations where you can pay in person:

• Camdenton: 370 Old South 5, Camdenton, MO 65020
• Hartville: 5900 Hwy 5, Hartville, MO 65667
• Lebanon: 1400 E, Route 66, Lebanon, MO 65536
• Waynesville: 24450 Southside Road, Waynesville, MO 65583

You can use either the drive-thru or lobby to make your payment. Just note that credit card payments can’t be accepted at the drive-thru due to security standards.

Office Drop Box

All LEC offices have drop boxes where you can drop off your payment 24/7. This is super convenient if you need to pay after hours or on weekends. I’ve used this a bunch of times when I realized my bill was due on a Sunday!

Other Billing Options

Laclede Electric also offers some specialized billing programs that might work better for certain situations.

Budget Level Pay

If you hate the surprise of varying bill amounts each month, Budget Level Pay could be a good option. This program averages your usage so you pay roughly the same amount each month. I haven’t tried this myself, but my neighbor swears by it for her household budgeting.

Pre-Paid Billing

Laclede also offers a Pre-Paid Billing option. This works kind of like a pre-paid phone – you put money into your account before using electricity. This can be helpful for budgeting or for rental properties.

What Makes Laclede Different from Other Utilities

I’ve dealt with several utility companies over the years (like Spire for natural gas), and I’ve noticed some differences in how they handle bill payments. Unlike some utilities, Laclede Electric is actually a cooperative, which means it’s owned by the members (that’s us!). This seems to translate into more flexible payment options and better customer service in my experience.

For example, Spire Energy also offers online payments and AutoPay similar to Laclede, but their system feels a bit different to navigate. Both are good, but I find the Laclede SmartHub interface more user-friendly.

Tips for Managing Your Laclede Electric Bill

After years of paying my Laclede bill, I’ve learned a few tricks:

1. Set reminders – If you’re not using AutoPay, put a reminder on your calendar a few days before the due date.

2. Check for errors – Always review your bill for unusual spikes in usage that might indicate a problem.

3. Consider paperless billing – It’s better for the environment and keeps your desk free from clutter!

4. Keep your account number handy – Write it down somewhere secure so you always have it when needed.

5. Plan ahead for seasonal changes – Electric bills often increase during extreme weather, so budget accordingly.

What To Do If You’re Having Trouble Paying

We’ve all been there – sometimes money gets tight. If you’re struggling to pay your Laclede electric bill, don’t just ignore it. Laclede offers payment assistance options, and it’s always better to contact them before your bill is late.

You might also want to look into Operation Round-Up, which is mentioned on their website. This program helps community members in need, and you might qualify for assistance.

Final Thoughts on Laclede Bill Pay

Paying your Laclede electric bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With so many options available, you can choose what works best for your lifestyle and preferences. I’ve personally found that the online payment through SmartHub is the most convenient for me, but I appreciate having backup options for those “oops, I almost forgot” moments.

The most important thing is to find a system that helps you pay on time consistently. Whether that’s AutoPay, a monthly reminder on your phone, or a good old-fashioned note on your refrigerator, staying on top of your Laclede bill will help you avoid late fees and keep your electricity flowing without interruption.

What’s your preferred method for paying your Laclede electric bill? Have you tried their SmartHub app yet? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Remember, keeping the lights on doesn’t have to be complicated – Laclede Electric has made sure of that with their various payment options. Now if only they could make the bill amount smaller too… a person can dream, right?