Where to pay your Central Maine Power bill
Central Maine Power (CMP) gives you four main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the CMP website or mobile app, which processes immediately and costs nothing extra.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call CMP's payment line at 1-800-696-1000. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments also process right away, though some card companies may charge a convenience fee — CMP itself does not.
Mailing a check or money order takes 7 to 10 business days to reach CMP and post to your account. Include your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. Paying in person at a CMP office or authorized payment location is an option if you live near one, though this method is less common than it once was.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through CMP's website or app is free, immediate, and requires no phone call or trip to an office.
- Phone payments work 24/7 at 1-800-696-1000, but some credit card companies charge a convenience fee that you pay, not CMP.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method except online account login.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date and save you time each month. CMP allows you to set up recurring payments through their website by linking a bank account or providing a debit card. You choose the payment date — many people pick a date shortly after they receive their paycheck.
To enroll, log into your CMP account online, go to the payment or billing section, and select the automatic payment option. You will need your bank routing number and account number, or your debit card information. CMP will process the payment on the date you choose, every month until you cancel.
Automatic payments do not lock you into a fixed amount. If your bill changes month to month (as most residential bills do), CMP will charge whatever your current balance is on the date you selected. You can pause or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss your due date, contact CMP before the bill is late. Call 1-800-696-1000 and explain your situation. CMP may be able to extend your due date by a few days or set up a payment plan that breaks your balance into smaller installments over several weeks.
CMP also offers hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may pause late fees, lower your monthly payment temporarily, or connect you with local assistance resources. You do not need to wait until your power is shut off to ask — calling ahead gives CMP time to work with you.
If your account has already been disconnected, you will need to pay the full balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment, though it may take longer during high-demand periods.
Understanding your bill and account number
Your CMP bill shows your account number in the upper right corner or near the top of the first page. This 10-digit number is what you need for any payment method except logging into your online account. Write it down and keep it handy — you will use it every time you pay by phone, mail, or in person.
The bill also shows your due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. Payments received by 5 p.m. on the due date are considered on time. If you pay after that time or after the due date, CMP may charge a late fee, which appears on your next bill.
Your bill includes your meter number as well, which is different from your account number. The meter number identifies the physical device at your home; the account number identifies your customer record with CMP. Both appear on your bill, but you only need the account number to pay.
Online account login and payment history
Creating an online account with CMP lets you see your payment history, current balance, and due date without opening the paper bill. Go to CMP's website, click "Log In" or "Create Account," and follow the prompts. You will need your account number and the zip code associated with your service address.
Once logged in, you can view your past 24 months of bills and payments, see when your last payment posted, and check whether automatic payments are active. This is useful if you are unsure whether a payment went through or want to confirm the exact amount you owe before paying.
The online portal also shows your usage history month by month, which helps you spot unusual spikes in your bill. If you see a sudden jump in charges, you can review the details and contact CMP if something looks wrong.
Payment timing and posting
Online and phone payments post to your account within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment will show in your account by Monday. Mailed payments take longer — typically 7 to 10 business days from the time CMP receives them, depending on mail delivery and processing speed.
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, CMP extends the deadline to the next business day. Payments received after 5 p.m. on the due date are considered late, even if you submitted them online earlier that day — the time of posting matters, not the time you clicked "submit."
Keep a record of your payment confirmation number if you pay online or by phone. If a payment does not appear in your account within the expected timeframe, you can use that number to trace it. Contact CMP at 1-800-696-1000 if a payment is missing.
Avoiding common payment mistakes
The most common mistake is mailing a check too close to the due date. Mail can take 7 to 10 days, so if your due date is in 5 days, a mailed check will arrive late. Use online or phone payment instead if you are cutting it close.
Another mistake is forgetting to include your account number on a mailed check. Without it, CMP cannot match the payment to your account and may not post it correctly. Write your account number clearly on the memo line of the check.
Some people set up automatic payments but forget to cancel them when they move or close their account. If you are leaving CMP service, log into your account and turn off automatic payments before your final bill is due. Otherwise, CMP may attempt to charge a closed account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my CMP bill online?
No. CMP does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their website or customer service line. Some credit card companies charge their own convenience fee if you use a credit card instead of a debit card or bank account, but that fee goes to the card company, not CMP.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online or by phone. However, credit card companies often charge a convenience fee for utility payments — typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount. Using a debit card or bank account avoids this fee. Check your card's terms if you are unsure.
What happens if I miss my due date?
CMP charges a late fee, usually around 1.5 percent of your balance, which appears on your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, CMP may send a disconnection notice. You can still avoid disconnection by paying the full balance plus any late fees before the date shown on the notice.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and phone payments show a confirmation number immediately after you submit them. Log into your CMP account the next business day to see the payment posted to your balance. If you mailed a check, allow 7 to 10 business days before contacting CMP to ask about it.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes. Log into your CMP account, find the automatic payment settings, and update the date. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment. If you need to stop automatic payments entirely, you can cancel them the same way.