Are you tired of rushing to pay your Central Electric Power Association (CEPA) bill at the last minute? Do you sometimes forget your due date and end up paying late fees? We’ve all been there! As someone who’s dealt with these headaches firsthand I wanted to share everything I’ve learned about CEPA bill pay options to make your life easier.
CEPA offers several convenient ways to pay your monthly electric bill, and I’m gonna walk you through each one so you can pick what works best for your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the simplicity of automatic payments or like keeping control with manual payments, CEPA has got you covered
The 6 Ways to Pay Your CEPA Bill
Let’s dive right into the payment methods available to all CEPA members
- Bank Draft (Automatic Payment)
- Online Payments through OrbitONE
- Phone Payments
- Check or Money Order by Mail
- In-person Payments at CEPA Offices
- Levelized Billing (for consistent monthly amounts)
I’ve tried most of these methods myself, and each has its own pros and cons. Let’s explore them in detail!
Bank Draft: The “Set It and Forget It” Option
If you’re like me and hate worrying about due dates, bank draft might be your new best friend. This is CEPA’s automatic payment option where your bill gets paid directly from your bank account on the due date each month.
How it works:
- You’ll still receive your monthly bill statement
- The amount is automatically withdrawn on the due date
- No fees! (unlike credit card payments)
- No more late payments or forgotten bills
To set up bank draft, you’ll need to complete a Bank Draft Authorization Form, which you can get from CEPA’s website. This option has saved me so many times from forgetting to pay my bill!
Online Bill Pay: For the Digital-Savvy Folks
In today’s world, who doesn’t appreciate the convenience of online payments? CEPA partners with OrbitONE to provide 24/7 online bill payment services. This is perfect for night owls like me who remember to pay bills at 11 PM!
What you need to know:
- Access through https://centralepa.utilitynexus.com/
- Pay with credit card, debit card, or eCheck
- Maximum payment amount is $1,500 per transaction
- You’ll need your six-digit location number and six-digit customer number from your bill
- Convenience fees apply: $3.95 for credit/debit cards and $2.35 for eChecks
The online system works with most major browsers including Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Just make sure your cookies are enabled or the payment link might not work properly.
I usually pay online when I’m traveling and can’t make it to an office or mail a check.
Phone Payment: The “On-the-Go” Solution
Sometimes I’m driving when I suddenly remember my bill is due TODAY. That’s when phone payments come in handy! CEPA lets you pay by phone using their partnership with OrbitONE.
How to do it:
- Call 1-800-470-6507
- Have your six-digit location number and customer number ready
- Choose payment via credit card, debit card, or eCheck
- Maximum payment amount is $1,500 per transaction
- Same convenience fees apply: $3.95 for cards and $2.35 for eChecks
This option is super convenient when you’re away from your computer but need to make a payment asap!
Old-School but Reliable: Mail-In Payments
If you’re not comfortable with online payments or prefer the traditional route, sending your payment by mail is still a solid option. Many of my older relatives prefer this method.
How to pay by mail:
- Include your payment (check or money order only) with your bill statement
- Mail it early enough to arrive before the due date
- Never send cash through mail (CEPA won’t take responsibility if it gets lost)
While this method takes longer and requires postage, some people appreciate having a paper trail for their records.
In-Person Payments: When You Want Face-to-Face Service
Sometimes I just like getting out of the house and speaking to a real person! CEPA has four office locations where you can pay your bill in person:
- Carthage
- Philadelphia
- Sebastopol
- Rankin
What to expect:
- All offices are open Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm
- Convenient drive-thru windows available
- Pay with cash, check, or money order
- Get a receipt immediately
I’ve used the drive-thru option several times when I was running errands nearby, and it’s super quick!
Levelized Billing: For Those Who Hate Bill Surprises
Do your summer cooling bills give you a heart attack? Mine sure did until I discovered levelized billing! This payment option helps smooth out those seasonal highs and lows by averaging your usage over 12 months.
Requirements for levelized billing:
- Your account must be in good standing
- You need at least 12 months of billing history
- The amount changes slightly each month based on your rolling average
This has been a lifesaver for my budgeting since I know roughly what to expect each month instead of dreading those summer bills that used to be double or triple my winter ones.
Important Things to Remember When Paying Your CEPA Bill
No matter which payment method you choose, here are some tips to avoid problems:
- Always have your account info ready: Both online and phone payments require your six-digit location number and six-digit customer number
- Be aware of convenience fees: Online and phone payments have additional fees ($3.95 for cards, $2.35 for eChecks)
- Watch the transaction limit: The maximum payment amount is $1,500 per transaction
- Check your due date: Payments made after the due date may incur late fees
- Keep receipts: Especially for cash payments made in person
Which CEPA Payment Method Is Best for You?
I’ve tried most of these payment options over the years, and here’s my honest take on when each one makes the most sense:
- Bank Draft: Best for busy people who want to automate payments without fees
- Online Payment: Perfect for tech-savvy folks who prefer digital transactions
- Phone Payment: Great for last-minute payments when you’re away from home
- Mail: Good option if you don’t mind planning ahead and prefer paper records
- In-Person: Ideal if you live near a CEPA office and prefer cash payments
- Levelized Billing: Best for budgeters who want consistent monthly bills
Frequently Asked Questions About CEPA Bill Pay
Can I pay my CEPA bill with a credit card?
Yes! You can pay with credit or debit cards either online or by phone, but there’s a $3.95 convenience fee per transaction.
Is there a fee to pay my CEPA bill?
It depends on the payment method. Bank draft, mail, and in-person payments have no additional fees. Online and phone payments have convenience fees ($3.95 for cards, $2.35 for eChecks).
What’s the maximum amount I can pay online?
OrbitONE limits transactions to $1,500. If your bill exceeds this amount, you’ll need to make multiple payments or choose another payment method.
Where can I find my location and customer numbers?
Both six-digit numbers appear on your monthly bill statement. You’ll need them for online and phone payments.
What browsers work with the online payment system?
OrbitONE supports Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. Make sure cookies are enabled!
Can I set up automatic payments with my credit card?
No, CEPA’s automatic payment option (bank draft) only works with bank accounts, not credit cards.
How do I enroll in levelized billing?
Contact CEPA customer service to request levelized billing. Remember that you need 12 months of history and your account must be in good standing.
My Personal Experience with CEPA Bill Pay
When I first moved into CEPA’s service area, I used to pay in person every month. It was kind of a pain to drive to the office during business hours! Then I switched to online payments, which were super convenient but those fees started adding up.
Finally, I settled on bank draft, and I’ve been using it for the past three years. It’s honestly the best option for me – no fees, no remembering due dates, and I still get my statement so I can track my usage. During the summer months when my bill is higher, I appreciate knowing exactly when the money will be withdrawn so I can plan accordingly.
One time, I did have an issue where my payment didn’t process properly. I called CEPA’s customer service, and they were really helpful in resolving the problem. Their staff walked me through what happened and helped me avoid late fees.
Final Thoughts on Managing Your CEPA Payments
Paying your electric bill doesn’t have to be a monthly headache! By choosing the right payment method for your lifestyle, you can streamline this necessary task and avoid late fees or disconnection notices.
I recommend trying different methods until you find what works best for you. And don’t forget to keep your account information handy – those six-digit numbers are essential for most payment options!
Whether you prefer the hands-off approach of bank draft or like the control of manual payments, CEPA’s variety of payment options means there’s something for everyone. The most important thing is finding a system that helps you pay on time consistently.
Have you tried any of these CEPA payment methods? Which one works best for your household? Whatever you choose, here’s to hassle-free bill payments in your future!
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Payments can be made in person at our service centers located in Clanton, Prattville and Wetumpka, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The Clanton, Rockford and Wetumpka service centers open at 7:30 a.m., close from noon to 1 p.m. and close for business at 4:30 p.m. The Prattville office is open from 7:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.
Additional payment options, however, can offer even more convenience:
Bank/Credit Card Draft
With draft, your bill is automatically deducted from your bank or credit card account. It is the most convenient payment method we offer, and you never have to worry about being late with a payment.
You can sign up for bank or credit card draft by logging onto your account at www.caec.coop. Select the Billing & Payments Tab and then find the Draft Payments option.You receive a bill as you normally would, and the amount is deducted from your bank account on the due date shown on your bill. If you have questions concerning your bill, you can call the office at (800) 545-5735 prior to the withdrawal.
Online
Click here to pay your bill online 24-hours a day with an E-Check or Debit/Credit card.
Mobile App 
Keep track of your account, pay or view your bill and much more with the CAEC App for Android and Apple devices.
Text
When your cell phone number is linked to your account, you can text the code PAY to 352667 and select a valid CAEC account number associated with that cell number. Also, there’s a whole list of other features available for your account via text.
E-Bill
Go paperless with the convenience of E-Bill. Instead of receiving a paper statement, you’ll receive your bill by e-mail at the same time of the month as you presently receive your bill by mail. With E-Bill, you can immediately pay by clicking on the link included and pay online. Multiple accounts can be set up as long as all bills are emailed to the same address.
Enroll for E-Bill through our online account access at www.caec.coop. Select the Billing & Payments tab and then Bill Notification.
By Phone
CAEC gives you the option to pay by telephone anytime – even without the assistance of a Customer Service Representative. Easy-to-follow instructions guide you through the process. Simply have your CAEC member account number available as well as your credit/debit card information when you dial 1-800-545-5735 or locally at (334) 365-6762. Once the greeting message begins, you may press 2 for the Bill Payment option.
Payment Kiosks
Located at our Clanton, Prattville and Wetumpka locations as well as in Jemison at the Exxon fuel station off I-65 exit 219 and the Maplesville Supermarket, these automatic payment machines allow you to make payments to your account, 24-hours a day with cash, check or credit card.
Prepay
CAEC members who are looking for another way to manage and pay for electricity usage have a unique option—prepay. Prepay is just what it sounds like. As a CAEC member, you can have the opportunity to pay for electricity prior to its consumption. The prepay program provides a great deal of flexibility. New members can have the option to sign up for Prepay instead of having to pay a deposit, while existing members can use Prepay to efficiently manage energy consumption. Prepay participants can make payments at any of CAEC’s service centers, by phone or through the Web.
Payments are automatically applied and notifications for daily and low balances can be sent a number of ways—phone call, text message or email—and you can check your prepay account balance 24/7 via the web. If you’re interested in CAEC’s prepay service or have further questions, call us at (800) 545-5735 or send us an e-mail.
CheckOut by PayGo Another convenient payment option is available at local retailers. CheckOut allows you to generate a barcode on your phone (or print it from your computer) and take the barcode to a participating retailer, such as Dollar General, Family Dollar and CVS, to scan it and make your cash payment.
Payments made through CheckOut post immediately to your CAEC account, making it a great option for PrePay members. Best of all, there are no additional fees for members using this method. The only requirement is the minimum cash payment amount must meet or exceed $5.
Getting started is easy! Visit http://caec.sedccheckout.com and enter your account number. You will need a separate barcode for each account if you have multiple CAEC accounts. Then select “Find Locations” to find the nearest participating retailer.
Levelized Billing
Want to make your electric bill fit your monthly budget? CAEC’s levelized billing program prevents drastic changes in your bill, even in the coldest or hottest months of the year. There are no surprises with levelized billing. A levelized bill is based on the average usage for 12 months so the levelized amount will change slightly each month. If CAEC has been providing electricity to your home for at least six months, you are eligible to participate in levelized billing.
You can sign up for levelized billing by logging on to our online account access and selecting the Service Tab and then Levelized Billing. Other options, such as bank draft or e-bill, can also be combined with levelized billing. For more information, call us at (800) 545-5735.
