Contact LES before your bill is due to discuss payment options
If you cannot pay your Lincoln Electric System (LES) bill, call LES directly at 402-475-1111 before the due date. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have. LES staff can discuss payment arrangements, budget billing, or hardship programs without penalty — but only if you contact them first.
Do not wait until after the due date or after a disconnect notice arrives. Once a bill is past due, your account enters a collection process that is harder to reverse. A single phone call can prevent that.
Have your account number ready when you call. You can find it on your bill or in your online account at leslighting.com. Be prepared to explain why you cannot pay — whether it is a temporary shortage, job loss, medical expense, or another reason. LES uses this information to match you with the right option.
Key Takeaways
- Call LES at 402-475-1111 before your due date to discuss payment plans or hardship programs; waiting until after the due date limits your options.
- LES offers budget billing to spread costs evenly across twelve months, which can make bills more predictable if your income is steady.
- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services administers the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which may pay part or all of your bill if you meet income limits.
- If you receive a disconnect notice, you have a grace period to contact LES and arrange payment before service is cut off.
- Community action agencies in Lancaster County can connect you to energy assistance and help you understand your bill.
Payment plans and budget billing through LES
LES offers payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay the full amount by the due date. An arrangement spreads what you owe across multiple months, usually two to four, depending on the amount and your situation. You pay part of the current bill plus part of the past-due amount each month.
LES also offers budget billing, which averages your annual energy costs and divides them into twelve equal monthly payments. This works best if your income is stable and you want to avoid large winter or summer bills. Budget billing does not reduce what you owe overall — it just smooths out the payment schedule. Ask whether you are may be able to access when you call.
Both options require you to stay current on the new payment schedule. If you miss a payment under an arrangement, LES can resume the disconnect process. If you think you will struggle to make even a reduced payment, mention that when you call so LES can discuss other paths.
LIHEAP: Nebraska's energy assistance program for low-income households
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program run by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. It pays part or all of your heating or cooling bill if your household income is below a certain level. The income limit changes each year and depends on household size.
LIHEAP covers both electric and gas bills. You do not have to be behind on your bill to apply — in fact, applying before you fall behind is often easier. The program pays LES directly, so the money goes straight to your account.
To apply, contact Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County at 402-471-7007 or visit their office at 2201 O Street in Lincoln. They handle LIHEAP intake for the Lincoln area. Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letter), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. The process usually takes two to four weeks.
If your income is too high for LIHEAP, ask the Community Action Partnership about other local energy assistance programs. Some are funded by LES itself or by local nonprofits and have different income rules.
What happens if you receive a disconnect notice
A disconnect notice means LES intends to cut off your service. The notice states a specific date by which you must pay or contact LES. You have a grace period — usually at least ten business days — between the notice date and the disconnect date.
Use that time to call LES at 402-475-1111 and arrange a payment plan or discuss hardship options. Tell LES you received the notice and ask what amount they need by what date to stop the disconnect. Even a partial payment plus a commitment to a plan can pause the process.
If you cannot reach LES by phone, visit their office at 1040 O Street in Lincoln during business hours. Bring your disconnect notice and account number. Speaking to someone in person can sometimes move faster than a phone call.
Understanding your LES bill and finding billing errors
Before you assume you cannot pay, check whether your bill is correct. Review the usage shown on your bill and compare it to previous months. A sudden spike might mean a meter error, a leak, or an appliance failure — not a rate increase.
Your bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, past-due balance (if any), and the due date. It also shows your usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and the rate per kWh. If the numbers do not match what you expect, call LES billing at 402-475-4900 to ask questions.
LES can review your meter and bill history at no charge. If they find an error, they will correct it and adjust your account. If you dispute a charge, put your concern in writing and send it to LES before the due date. This does not stop the disconnect process, but it creates a record.
Community action agencies and local nonprofits
Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County offers more than just LIHEAP. They provide energy counseling, help you understand your bill, and connect you to other resources. Call 402-471-7007 or visit their office at 2201 O Street.
The Salvation Army in Lincoln also administers emergency utility assistance in some cases. Contact them at 402-475-1306 to ask whether they have funds available and what the process is.
If you are a senior or person with a disability, ask about additional programs. Some are age- or disability-specific and have higher income limits than LIHEAP.
Preventing future payment problems
Once you have resolved the immediate bill, think about what caused the problem. If it was a one-time emergency, budget billing might help you avoid a spike next time. If your income is irregular, ask LES whether they offer a lower deposit or a grace period for customers with variable pay.
Keep a small emergency fund for utilities if you can. Even $50 or $100 set aside each month can prevent a crisis if an unexpected bill arrives. If that is not possible, write down the phone numbers for LES, Community Action Partnership, and the Salvation Army so you know who to call if you fall behind again.
Check your bill every month, even if you pay on time. Catching an error early is much easier than disputing a large past-due balance later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LES disconnect my service in winter?
Nebraska has a winter moratorium that limits disconnections from November 15 to March 15 for customers with a past-due balance. However, this does not mean you can ignore the bill. LES can still disconnect after March 15 if you have not paid or arranged a plan. Contact LES before winter ends to set up a payment arrangement.
What if I cannot afford even a payment plan?
Tell LES that when you call. Ask about hardship programs, LIHEAP, or other assistance. If you are elderly, disabled, or a veteran, mention that — some programs prioritize these groups. Community Action Partnership can also help you explore all available options.
Does LES charge a fee to set up a payment plan?
LES does not charge a fee for a payment arrangement. However, if your account goes to a collection agency, you may face collection costs. This is another reason to call LES before the bill is past due.
Can I dispute a bill and delay payment?
You can dispute a charge, but disputing it does not stop the disconnect process. Pay what you believe is correct or contact LES to arrange a plan while the dispute is being reviewed. LES will adjust your account if they find an error.
Where do I find my LES account number?
Your account number is printed on your bill, usually near the top. You can also find it by logging into your account at leslighting.com or by calling LES at 402-475-1111.