The fastest way to pay CMP is online through their website or by phone, and you can choose to pay in full or set up automatic payments
Central Maine Power (CMP) gives you several ways to pay your bill, and the method you choose depends on what works best for your schedule and preferences. You can pay online at cmpco.com, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. Most people find online payment the quickest option because it takes a few minutes and you see confirmation immediately.
If you want to avoid thinking about your bill each month, you can set up automatic payments so CMP withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose. This works whether you pay the full amount or a partial payment. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at cmpco.com using your account number, or call 1-800-696-1000 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card.
- Automatic payments let you choose the withdrawal date each month and work from a checking or savings account.
- Mail payments to the address on your bill, but allow 7 to 10 days for the payment to reach CMP and post to your account.
- If your bill is due soon and you cannot pay the full amount, contact CMP about a payment plan before the due date.
- CMP does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website, but third-party payment services may charge a convenience fee.
Paying online through CMP's website
Go to cmpco.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually near the top of the page. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. You can pay as a guest without logging in, or you can create an online account to see your payment history and manage your service.
When you pay online through CMP's own website, there is no convenience fee. The payment processes immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number. CMP typically posts the payment to your account the same day or the next business day. If you need to pay before your due date to avoid a late fee, online payment is the safest choice because you have proof right away.
Paying by phone or automatic withdrawal
Call CMP at 1-800-696-1000 to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. A representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments work during business hours and also through an automated system outside those hours.
To set up automatic payments, log into your account at cmpco.com or call the same number. You choose the day of the month when CMP withdraws the payment from your bank account. Automatic payments come from a checking or savings account, not a credit card. You can change the amount or the date anytime, and you can stop automatic payments without penalty.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to mail your payment, the address is on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and post to your account, so send your payment early if your due date is coming up soon.
Mailing is slower than other methods, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer not to use a card. Keep a copy of your check or the envelope for your records. If your payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, contact CMP to confirm they received it.
What to do if you cannot pay the full bill
If your bill is due and you do not have the full amount, contact CMP before the due date. Call 1-800-696-1000 and ask about a payment plan or extension. CMP may allow you to split the payment across two or more months, depending on your account history and the amount owed.
Paying something before the due date, even a partial payment, shows CMP you are working on it and can prevent a late fee or service disconnection. If you are having trouble paying because of a hardship, ask about CMP's low-income programs or bill assistance. Some communities also have local agencies that help with utility bills.
Using third-party payment services
You can pay CMP through third-party services like PayPal, Google Pay, or other online payment platforms. These services are convenient if you already use them, but they often charge a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent of your bill amount. That fee goes to the payment service, not to CMP.
Before you use a third-party service, check whether the fee is worth it for you. If your bill is small, the fee might be a few dollars. If your bill is large, the fee could be $10 or more. CMP's website does not charge a fee, so compare the cost before you choose a third-party option.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after that date, CMP charges a late fee. The late fee is a percentage of your bill, and the exact amount depends on your bill size. Paying on time avoids this extra charge.
If your payment arrives after the due date but before CMP sends a disconnection notice, you may still avoid a late fee if you contact them and explain the delay. Late fees add up quickly, so paying early or setting up automatic payments keeps your account in good standing and saves money over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my CMP bill with a credit card online without a fee?
CMP's website accepts debit cards and bank account transfers without a fee, but does not accept credit cards directly. If you use a third-party payment service to pay with a credit card, that service will charge a convenience fee. Paying by phone with a credit card also may incur a fee depending on the payment method.
What happens if I set up automatic payments and then move?
Automatic payments continue until you cancel them. When you move, contact CMP to close your old account and open a new one. You can set up automatic payments for your new address at the same time. If you forget to cancel automatic payments on the old account, contact CMP to request a refund.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?
Online payments through cmpco.com usually post the same day or the next business day. If you pay after business hours, it may take until the next day. Always keep your confirmation number in case you need to prove you paid on time.
Can I pay someone else's CMP bill if I have their account number?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder. This works for family members, roommates, or anyone you want to help. The payment will post to that account number regardless of who makes the payment.
What should I do if my online payment fails?
If your payment does not go through, you will see an error message. Try again with the same payment method, or use a different method like phone or mail. Contact CMP at 1-800-696-1000 if the problem continues. Do not assume the payment went through if you did not receive a confirmation number.