Central Hudson Online Bill Pay: A Complete Guide

Paying your utility bills on time each month is essential to maintaining good credit and avoiding late fees. For Central Hudson customers, online bill pay provides a fast, easy way to stay on top of your payments. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about paying your Central Hudson bill online.

Benefits of Paying Online

Central Hudson offers several options for online payments through their website or mobile app. Here are some key advantages:

• Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. Avoid mailing checks or visiting payment centers.

• Payment Tracking – View payment history and confirm when payments are processed No more wondering if your check arrived

• Paperless Billing – Go green by opting into paperless eBills. Access billing statements digitally.

• Automatic Payments – Set up recurring payments from a bank account or credit card so bills are paid on time without effort.

• Account Management – Monitor usage, update account info, and manage notifications all through your online account.

• Rewards – Earn bill pay rewards and enter contests through the online payment portal.

Paying online helps simplify bill management and gives you more control over your account.

Ways To Pay Your Bill Online

Central Hudson offers three main options for paying your bill digitally:

My Account

This personalized online account management portal allows you to

• View current and past billing statements
• Make one-time payments on current or past due balances
• Set up automatic recurring payments
• Update payment methods
• Manage paperless eBills
• Monitor energy use
• Update account and contact information

To use My Account, you must first create a login. Have your account number handy when registering.

Pay As Guest

Don’t want to deal with registering an account? The Pay As Guest option allows you to make one-time payments as needed.

You’ll need your Central Hudson account number and the amount due. There is a $3.95 convenience fee per transaction when paying as a guest.

Pay By Text

For quick on-the-go payments, register your account to pay bills via text message. You’ll receive a payment link with each billing alert that lets you pay in just seconds right from your smartphone.

Standard text messaging rates and a $1.99 fee per transaction apply. You can also opt-in to receive payment receipts and account alerts by text.

Payment Methods Accepted

Central Hudson offers flexibility in how you fund online payments:

• Credit/Debit Card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards are accepted. A 2.95% convenience fee applies.

• Electronic Funds Transfer – Connect directly to your checking or savings account. No convenience fees.

• Digital Wallets – Platforms like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal can be used to pay.

• Cash – Take cash payments into physical retail locations like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Western Union. Fees vary.

• Money Order – Mail-in money orders are still accepted. Allow 5-7 days for processing.

For automatic payments, electronic funds transfers or credit cards are most convenient.

When To Pay Your Bill

Central Hudson bills monthly, with meters read around the same date each month. Bills are issued within a few days and are due upon receipt. However, the due date is typically 21 days after the billing date.

For the best credit impact, pay bills in full by the due date. If paying mid-cycle, you can log in anytime to see your current balance. Late fees apply if full payment is not received within 28 days after the billing date.

With automatic payments, your bill is deducted from your chosen account within 4 days after the billing date each month. Sign up via My Account for worry-free payments.

Getting Account Alerts

Along with online bill access, Central Hudson’s website and mobile app allow you to manage notifications about your account. Helpful alerts available include:

• Payment received confirmations
• Due date reminders
• Past due alerts
• Usage and billing threshold alerts
• Payment failure notices
• Outage updates and restoration ETAs

Customize alerts to fit your needs by logging into My Account on centralhudson.com or in the mobile app. Opt-in to text, email, and push notifications.

Ways To Go Paperless

To go green and reduce clutter, Central Hudson makes it easy to go paperless with online-only billing:

• Sign up for eBills through My Account to stop mailed paper statements.

• Access current and past eBills anytime through your online account portal or mobile app.

• Enable paperlessPayment receipts, outage alerts, and account notices.

• Download and print any statements if needed for records.

• Reduce waste while saving time and hassle.

You can switch back to paper billing at any time through Manage Notifications in your online account.

Seeking Bill Pay Assistance

If you are struggling to pay your Central Hudson bill, help is available:

• Apply for HEAP financial assistance for heating and cooling bills.

• Enroll in Budget Billing to spread costs evenly over the year.

• Request a Deferred Payment Agreement if you cannot pay in full.

• Payment extensions and flexible due dates may be available upon request.

• Discuss ways to reduce usage and save on bills.

Contact Central Hudson customer service to learn about bill pay assistance options or credit counseling referrals. Don’t let past due bills pile up before seeking help.

Avoiding Bill Pay Scams

With online payments, also be vigilant about potential scams and fraud:

• Never pay with prepaid gift cards, Bitcoin, or unusual forms of payment. These are red flags.

• Do not trust callers demanding immediate payment by wire transfer or cash card. Hang up and call the utility directly.

• Double check links and emails to ensure they genuinely come from Central Hudson before entering account details.

• If something seems suspicious, contact Central Hudson to verify before providing payment or account access.

• Sign up for account alerts to monitor payment and billing activity closely.

Paying Other Utility Bills Online

Along with Central Hudson, most other major utility providers allow online payments through their websites or apps:

• Electric – Con Edison, NYSEG, Orange & Rockland, PSEG Long Island

• Gas – National Grid, Con Edison

• Water – NYC DEP, United Water

• Cable/Internet – Spectrum, Optimum, Verizon Fios

• Phone – AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless

Take advantage of the speed and simplicity of online payments to manage all your monthly utility bills. Avoid late fees and free up your time by going paperless.

With online bill pay, managing Central Hudson payments is secure, straightforward, and stress-free every month. Payments can be made anywhere in just minutes via desktop, smartphone, or tablet for ultimate convenience.