Vectren is now part of CenterPoint Energy, so your bill payment options depend on which state you're in

Vectren stopped operating as a standalone company in 2019 when CenterPoint Energy acquired it. If you receive a bill with the Vectren name, you're a CenterPoint customer in either Indiana or Ohio. Your payment methods and account management portal are now handled through CenterPoint's systems, though the Vectren name may still appear on your statement for a transition period.

The fastest way to pay is through CenterPoint's online portal or mobile app. You can also pay by phone, automatic bank draft, or mail. Each method has different timing — online and phone payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days. Knowing which method works for your situation helps you avoid late fees and keeps your account current.

Key Takeaways

  • Vectren customers now pay through CenterPoint Energy's website or mobile app by logging in with your account number and creating an online account if you haven't already.
  • Online and phone payments post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days, so mail your payment at least 10 days before the due date.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments through bank draft to avoid missing due dates, and you can change or cancel the arrangement anytime.
  • If you're having trouble paying, CenterPoint offers budget billing and hardship programs that may lower your monthly payment or give you more time to pay arrears.

Paying online through CenterPoint's website or app

Go to CenterPoint Energy's website (centerpoint energy.com) and select your state — Indiana or Ohio. Look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Manage My Account" link. If you don't already have an online account, you'll need to create one using your account number (found on your bill) and your service address.

Once logged in, you can make a one-time payment immediately. The system accepts bank account transfers and debit or credit cards. Bank transfers are free; credit card payments usually carry a fee of 2 to 3 percent. The payment posts within one business day on weekdays. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it may not post until the next business day.

CenterPoint also has a mobile app available on iOS and Android. The app works the same way as the website and lets you check your balance, view your usage, and set up payment reminders. You can download it from your phone's app store by searching "CenterPoint Energy."

Paying by phone or automatic bank draft

Call CenterPoint Energy's customer service line for your state. For Indiana, call 1-888-VECTREN (1-888-832-8736). For Ohio, call 1-888-CenterPoint (1-888-223-6837). A representative can take a one-time payment over the phone using your bank account or debit card. Phone payments also post within one business day.

To set up automatic monthly payments, you can do this online during account setup or by calling customer service. Automatic payments draft from your bank account on a date you choose — usually around your bill's due date. There is no fee for bank draft payments. You can change the payment date or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging into your account or calling customer service.

Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees without thinking about it each month. However, make sure your account has enough funds on the payment date, because a failed draft can result in a returned-payment fee.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to CenterPoint Energy. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is specific to your state and payment processing center, so always use the one on your statement rather than a general company address.

Mail your payment at least 10 days before the due date to account for postal delivery time. Payments received after the due date may be marked late even if you mailed them on time. If you're cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead — both post the same day.

Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If you need proof of payment, you can log into your online account and view your payment history.

Understanding your bill due date and late fees

Your bill due date is printed on the front of your statement, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. If you pay after this date, CenterPoint may charge a late fee — typically 1.5 percent of your unpaid balance or a flat amount, depending on your state and rate class. Late fees add up quickly, so paying on time is cheaper than paying late.

If you miss a payment, CenterPoint will send you a notice. You usually have 10 to 15 days after the notice to pay before the company can disconnect your service. If you're unable to pay the full amount, contact customer service immediately — waiting until disconnection is imminent makes it harder to work out a payment plan.

Budget billing and hardship programs if you're struggling to pay

CenterPoint offers budget billing, which spreads your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments. This smooths out seasonal spikes — your winter heating bill won't spike as high, and your summer cooling bill won't either. You still owe the full amount at the end of the year, but the monthly predictability helps with cash flow. You can request budget billing through your online account or by calling customer service.

If you're behind on payments or facing disconnection, CenterPoint has hardship programs that may allow you to set up a payment plan, defer part of your arrears, or receive bill assistance through community agencies. Call customer service and ask about hardship options. They can discuss your situation and explain what programs may be available in your area. Some states also have utility assistance programs run by local nonprofits or government agencies — customer service can refer you to these as well.

What to do if your payment doesn't post or you have a billing question

If you paid online or by phone and the payment doesn't show in your account within two business days, log back into your account and check the payment history. The payment may still be processing. If it shows as "pending," wait another business day.

If the payment shows as "failed" or doesn't appear at all, contact customer service immediately. Have your confirmation number ready if you have one. For Indiana, call 1-888-832-8736. For Ohio, call 1-888-223-6837. The representative can look up the transaction and resubmit the payment if needed.

If you have a question about a charge on your bill or think there's an error, you can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service. CenterPoint will investigate and send you a written response within 30 days. Keep copies of any documentation — meter readings, photos, or correspondence — that supports your dispute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Vectren bill at a store or payment center?

CenterPoint does not currently offer in-store payment at retail locations. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank draft. If you don't have internet access, calling customer service is your fastest option — payments posted by phone go through the same day.

What happens if I pay late?

A late fee (usually 1.5 percent of your balance or a flat amount) is added to your next bill. If you're more than 10 to 15 days late, CenterPoint sends a disconnection notice. You then have another 10 to 15 days to pay before service can be shut off. Contact customer service before disconnection to discuss a payment plan.

Can I change my payment due date?

Your due date is set by CenterPoint based on your billing cycle and cannot be changed. However, you can choose the date your automatic payment drafts from your bank account, which gives you some flexibility in managing cash flow.

Is there a fee for paying online?

No fee if you pay by bank account transfer. Credit or debit card payments usually cost 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid. Automatic bank draft payments are always free. Phone and mail payments have no fee.

How do I know if my check arrived and was processed?

Log into your online account and check your payment history. Mailed checks typically appear in your account 7 to 10 days after you mail them. If your check doesn't show up after 12 days, call customer service with the check number and amount.