Cleco offers three main ways to pay your bill: online through their website or mobile app, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations
Cleco (Cleco Corporation) serves customers across central Louisiana. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments. Each method has different timing and fees, so knowing your options helps you avoid late charges and keep your account in good standing.
The fastest and most flexible route is online payment through Cleco's website or mobile app. You can pay immediately without leaving home, see your payment post within one business day, and choose the exact date you want to pay. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can mail a check or visit an authorized payment location, though these take longer to process.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through Cleco's website or app are the fastest option and let you choose your payment date without extra fees.
- Automatic payments (autopay) remove the risk of forgetting a due date and work whether you pay online, by mail, or through your bank.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach Cleco and post to your account, so send them well before your due date.
- Late payments trigger a late fee and may result in service disconnection if your account falls 30 days past due.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Cleco about payment plans or hardship programs before your account becomes delinquent.
Paying online through Cleco's website or app
Go to Cleco's website (cleco.com) and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a bank account or debit/credit card. Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want the payment to go through. Cleco processes online payments the same business day if you submit before their cutoff time, usually around 5 p.m. Central Time on weekdays.
The Cleco mobile app offers the same features as the website. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, log in with your account number and password, and follow the same steps. One-time online payments have no fee. If you use a credit card instead of a bank account or debit card, Cleco may charge a processing fee — check the payment screen before you confirm.
Online payments show as pending immediately but typically post to your account within one business day. This means your payment counts toward your due date right away, even if the money has not yet left your bank. If you are cutting it close to your due date, online payment is your safest option because you control the exact timing.
Setting up automatic payments (autopay)
Autopay removes the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your Cleco account online or through the app, find the autopay or recurring payment section, and choose your payment method (bank account, debit card, or credit card). Select the amount — you can pay your full bill or a fixed amount each month — and the day you want it to come out.
Most customers set autopay for the due date shown on their bill or a few days before. Cleco will deduct the payment automatically each month on that date. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account, and you will receive a confirmation email each time a payment processes. There is no fee for autopay if you use a bank account or debit card.
If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for heating or cooling seasons), you can set autopay to pay your full bill amount rather than a fixed dollar amount. Cleco will charge whatever the bill is each month. This prevents you from underpaying during high-usage months.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Cleco. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address changes depending on which Cleco office handles your account, so always use the one printed on your statement, not a general company address.
Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. This means if your due date is 10 days away, a check you mail today may not post until after the due date has passed, triggering a late fee. To avoid this, mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date. Keep a copy of the check or take a photo of it for your records.
Do not mail cash. If you do not have a checking account, use a money order from a grocery store, pharmacy, or bank. Money orders cost a small fee (usually $1 to $2) but are safer than cash and provide a receipt.
Paying in person at authorized locations
Cleco has authorized payment locations throughout its service area where you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. These include some grocery stores, pharmacies, and utility payment centers. Call Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 to find the nearest location to you, or check their website for a location finder.
In-person payments are processed the same day you make them if you pay before the location's closing time. However, the payment may take one to two business days to post to your Cleco account. If you are paying close to your due date, ask the payment location staff to confirm when Cleco will receive it.
Paying in person works well if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle bills face-to-face. Bring your account number or bill statement so the payment location can apply the money to the correct account.
What happens if you miss your due date
Cleco bills are due by the date printed on your statement. If your payment does not post by that date, Cleco charges a late fee (the amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee). Late fees appear on your next bill.
If your account is 30 days past due, Cleco may disconnect your service without further notice. Before disconnection happens, you will receive a disconnect notice in the mail. If you receive one, contact Cleco immediately at 1-800-622-6537 to discuss your options. You may be able to set up a payment plan, request a brief extension, or learn about hardship programs if you are facing financial difficulty.
Once your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore power. Reconnection can take several business days. It is much easier to contact Cleco before you fall behind than to recover from disconnection.
Payment plans and hardship assistance
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Cleco before your account becomes late. Cleco offers payment plans that let you spread the balance over several months. The terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history, but most plans require you to pay part of the current month's bill plus a portion of the past-due amount each month.
Cleco also administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other hardship programs for customers who meet income requirements. These programs may help pay part of your bill or provide emergency assistance if you are at risk of disconnection. Call 1-800-622-6537 and ask about hardship programs, or visit your local community action agency to learn what you may be may be able to access for.
The key is to reach out early. Cleco is more willing to work with you before you miss a payment than after your account is already delinquent. If you know a bill will be hard to pay, call and explain your situation — you may have more options than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my Cleco bill online?
No fee if you pay from a bank account or debit card. Credit card payments may include a processing fee, which Cleco will show you before you confirm the payment. The fee is typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount you are paying.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and in-person payments show a confirmation number or receipt immediately. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to post. Log into your Cleco account online or call 1-800-622-6537 to check your account balance and see which payments have posted.
Can I pay someone else's Cleco bill?
Yes. You can pay online or in person using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. If you are mailing a check, write the account number clearly on the check so Cleco applies it to the correct account.
What if I set up autopay but my bill amount is wrong?
Contact Cleco to dispute the bill amount before the autopay date. If autopay has already deducted money, you can request a refund or credit to your account. Cleco will investigate billing errors and adjust your account if they find a mistake.
Can I change my autopay date if it does not work with my paycheck?
Yes. Log into your account online or call 1-800-622-6537 to change the autopay date anytime. Most customers set it for a few days after they get paid so the money is available when Cleco deducts it.