How to Pay Your Chicopee Electric Light Bill

Chicopee Electric Light (CEL) provides essential electric and fiber optic services to homes and businesses across Chicopee, Massachusetts Paying your CEL bill on time each month ensures continuous power and internet access CEL offers flexible payment options to make it easy to pay your bill by the due date. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of CEL billing and account management along with tips to avoid late fees.

Overview of Chicopee Electric Light

Chicopee Electric Light is the municipal electric utility owned by the City of Chicopee. CEL was established in 1896 and now serves over 16,500 customers. Key services include:

• Electric – Provides reliable electricity through an extensive distribution network across Chicopee

• Fiber Internet – Offers high-speed fiber optic internet under the Crossroads Fiber brand launched in 2019.

CEL is governed by the Chicopee Municipal Lighting Plant Board. As a public utility profits are reinvested back into the system and community.

Understanding Your CEL Bill

CEL electric bills contain detailed information to help you manage your account. Key sections include:

• Account Summary – Overview of previous balance, payments received, current charges and total amount due.

• Usage History – Shows electricity usage in kWh with comparison to previous month and year.

• Meter Readings – Lists meter number, service period dates, and current and previous meter readings.

• Message Board – Important notifications like rate changes posted by CEL.

• Billing History – Summary of your account balance and payments over the past 6 months.

Review your CEL electric bill closely each month to check for accuracy and monitor usage.

Ways to Pay Your CEL Bill

CEL offers multiple payment options to provide flexibility:

• Online – Pay via CEL’s online portal 24/7 using credit/debit card or e-check.

• Phone – Call the toll-free automated pay-by-phone line anytime.

• Mail – Send a check or money order with your bill payment stub.

• In Person – Pay with cash, check or money order at CEL’s office.

• Drop Box – Place your bill payment in the drop box at CEL’s parking lot.

• AutoPay – Enroll to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account.

Select the most convenient payment method for you to pay by the due date and avoid late fees.

Paying Online Through the Customer Portal

The easiest way to pay your CEL bill is online through the customer portal:

1. Go to celd.com and click on “Pay Electric Bill”.

2. Enter your 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN.

3. Select a payment amount and choose payment method.

4. Provide credit/debit card or e-check details and submit payment.

The online portal lets you pay anytime 24/7. You’ll receive an email confirmation with your payment receipt.

Avoid Late Payment Penalties

To avoid late fees, your CEL bill must be paid by the due date printed on your statement, typically 20 days from the billing date. Here are key deadlines:

• Due Date – Full payment must be received by the due date on your bill.

• Late Fee – A 0.83% late charge is applied to overdue accounts.

• Shut Off Notice – If a bill is 25+ days past due, a shut off notice is mailed.

• Service Disconnection – Electric service is physically disconnected for bills 60+ days overdue.

• Reconnection Fee – A $25 charge to restore service if disconnected for nonpayment.

Pay on time to avoid late penalties and power disconnection. Contact CEL immediately if you anticipate issues paying a bill.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling financially and unable to pay your CEL bill, payment assistance options are available:

• Payment Plan – CEL may approve a payment arrangement to pay past due balances over time.

• Good Neighbor Energy Fund – Provides grants to households in temporary crisis to help pay energy bills.

• Fuel Assistance Program – Delivers discounts on heating bills for qualified low-income households.

Check if you qualify for utility financial assistance. CEL also accepts contributions to their Operation HELP fund providing bill payment assistance.

Tips for Managing Your CEL Account

Here are some tips for staying on track with your CEL utility account:

• Provide accurate contact information so you receive billing statements and shut off notices.

• Review statements closely each month and report any suspicious charges.

• Monitor your electric usage regularly for abnormal spikes that could indicate issues.

• Sign up for paperless billing and automatic payments to simplify payment.

• Leverage CEL’s online portal to check your balance and make payments.

• Contact CEL immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying a bill by the due date.

Proactive account management prevents surprise late fees and ensures continuous electrical service.

Paying your Chicopee Electric Light bill is quick and easy through their online portal or via the automated pay-by-phone line. Avoid late charges and disconnection by paying on time. Seek bill assistance if needed. Keeping your account in good standing is simple when you understand your statement, payment options, and account resources.