How to pay your LCEC bill online, by phone, or in person
Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) offers four main ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient method is online payment through your LCEC account, which processes immediately and requires no phone call or trip. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call LCEC's payment line, mail a check, or visit their office in person during business hours.
Each payment method has different timing and requirements. Online and phone payments post to your account the same day you make them. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so you need to mail them well before your due date to avoid a late fee. In-person payments at the LCEC office are processed immediately, and you receive a receipt on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your LCEC account is the fastest method and posts the same day you submit it.
- Phone payments work the same day but require you to call LCEC's payment line and have your account number ready.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to clear, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- In-person payments at the LCEC office are processed immediately and give you a receipt as proof of payment.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person visits.
Paying online through your LCEC account
Log into your LCEC account on the cooperative's website using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by visiting the LCEC website and selecting the option to register. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and your service address to set up an account.
Once you are logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in your account dashboard. Enter the amount you want to pay—you can pay the full balance or a partial amount. Choose your payment date (same-day or a future date if you want to schedule the payment in advance). Review the details and confirm the payment. The transaction posts immediately if you pay the same day, and you will receive an email confirmation.
Online payment is free and does not require a credit card; you can pay directly from a checking or savings account. If you do use a credit card, LCEC may charge a convenience fee, so check the payment screen before you confirm.
Paying by phone
Call LCEC's automated payment line or speak with a representative to pay over the phone. Have your account number and the amount you want to pay ready before you call. The payment posts the same day you call, and you will receive a confirmation number that serves as your receipt.
Phone payments are free when you pay from a bank account. If you use a credit or debit card, LCEC charges a convenience fee. Ask about the fee amount before you complete the transaction so there are no surprises on your next bill.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Lee County Electric Cooperative and include your account number on the check. Place the check in an envelope with the payment stub from your bill (the stub has your account number printed on it). Mail it to the address listed on your bill—this address is specifically for payments and is different from the main office address.
Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date. If you mail a check fewer than 14 days before the due date, you risk a late fee even if you mailed it on time. Keep a copy of your check or note the check number for your records in case you need to trace the payment later.
Paying in person at the LCEC office
Visit the LCEC office during business hours with your bill or account number and your payment method (cash, check, or debit card). The staff will process your payment immediately and give you a receipt. In-person payments do not incur convenience fees regardless of your payment method.
Call LCEC ahead of time to confirm the office hours and location, especially if you are visiting for the first time. Some offices may have limited hours on certain days or may close for holidays.
Setting up automatic payments
LCEC allows you to set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember. Log into your online account and look for an option to enroll in autopay or automatic billing. You will need to provide your bank account information and choose the date each month when you want the payment to be deducted.
Automatic payments are free and reduce the risk of paying late by accident. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account, and you will still receive your bill each month so you can verify the amount before it is deducted.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you paid online or by phone and do not see the payment in your account within one business day, log back into your account to check the status. Online and phone payments usually show as "pending" for a few hours before they post. If more than one business day has passed and the payment still does not appear, contact LCEC directly with your confirmation number.
If you mailed a check and your bill still shows as unpaid after 12 business days, call LCEC to confirm they received it. Provide the date you mailed it and the check number. If the check was lost in the mail, LCEC can help you stop payment on the original check and issue a new one.
Avoiding late fees and service interruption
Your due date appears on your bill. If you do not pay by that date, LCEC charges a late fee on your next bill. If you do not pay within a certain number of days after the due date (usually 20 to 30 days, depending on your account), LCEC may disconnect your service without further notice.
If you are unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact LCEC before the due date to discuss a payment plan or other options. Many cooperatives offer extended payment arrangements for customers facing temporary hardship. Calling before you miss a payment is much easier than trying to restore service after disconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my LCEC bill with a credit card?
Yes, but LCEC charges a convenience fee when you pay with a credit or debit card. The fee amount varies depending on your payment method and is shown on the payment screen before you confirm. Paying directly from a checking or savings account is free.
What is my LCEC account number and where do I find it?
Your account number is a unique identifier for your service address and appears on your bill, usually near the top or in the billing section. You need it to pay by phone, mail, or online. If you cannot find it, call LCEC and have your service address ready.
How long does it take for a mailed check to post to my account?
Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.
What happens if I miss my due date?
LCEC charges a late fee on your next bill. If you do not pay within 20 to 30 days after the due date, your service may be disconnected. Contact LCEC before the due date if you cannot pay in full to discuss a payment arrangement.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Yes. Call LCEC before your due date to discuss your situation. Many cooperatives offer extended payment plans for customers facing temporary hardship. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have.