Exploring Payment Options for Garland Power and Light Bills

Paying your electricity bill doesn’t have to be a chore. Garland Power and Light (GPL) offers residents multiple convenient ways to pay their utility bills each month. In this article we’ll explore the various payment options available and outline the benefits and drawbacks of each, so Garland residents can choose the best payment method for their needs.

Online Bill Pay

You can pay your GPL bill most quickly and easily by going to GPL’s website. You have to make an account on the GPL website before you can use online bill pay. Setting up an account is easy; all you need is an email address and your account number.

Once your account is created you can log in anytime and make a payment by credit card or electronic check. You’ll also be able to view past bills and payment history. Online payments are posted to your account immediately so you don’t have to worry about late fees if you pay on the due date.

Key Benefits:

• Fast and convenient payment 24/7
• Payment posted immediately
• View account history and billing information
• Schedule recurring payments

Potential Drawbacks:

• Transaction fees applied to credit card payments
• Need to have internet access and provide personal information

Bank Bill Pay

If you do online banking through your bank or credit union, consider setting up bill pay through them to pay your GPL bill. This service allows you to schedule one-time or recurring payments to merchants or service providers.

First, go to your bank account and look for the option to add a new payee. Type in your GPL account number and search for “Garland Power and Light.” Once you’re set up, you can make a payment at any time or set up payments to happen automatically every month.

Most banks withdraw the money from your account a few days before the due date and mail a paper check to GPL on your behalf. Payments made through your bank’s online bill pay are usually free, making this a cost-effective option.

Key Benefits:

• Integrates with your existing online banking
• Payments handled automatically
• No transaction fees

Potential Drawbacks:

• Can take several days for payments to reach GPL
• Need an active bank account

Mail

People who don’t want to pay their bills online can still send a payment through the mail. On a check or money order, write your GPL account number. Then, send it to:

Garland Power & Light
P.O. Box 461597
Garland, TX 75046

Do not send your payment until 7 to 10 business days after the date you sent it. If you don’t, you may be charged late fees. Sending cash through the mail is not recommended.

While not as fast as electronic payments, paying by mail gives you hard copy proof of payment. It also avoids online transaction fees.

Key Benefits:

• No online access required
• Physical proof of payment

Potential Drawbacks:

• Slowest processing time
• Postage cost to mail payment
• Late fees if payment delayed

Automatic Bank Draft

If you want to set it and forget it when paying your GPL bill each month, automatic bank draft may be the ideal option. With bank draft, you authorize GPL to withdraw the payment amount directly from your bank account each month.

To enroll, complete the authorization form on the GPL website and submit a voided check. Payments will be drafted from your account on the due date each month going forward. You’ll still receive a paper bill for your records.

The convenience of automatic payments makes this a great choice if you have a tendency to forget due dates. It also ensures your payment arrives on time every month, avoiding any late fees.

Key Benefits:

• Totally hands-off payments
• Never miss a due date
• Avoid late fees

Potential Drawbacks:

• Charges deducted from bank account automatically
• Need to monitor account balance for drafts

In-Person Payments

For those who prefer to pay in cash or require same day payment posting, GPL offers several in-person payment options:

Drive-Thru Kiosk

GPL’s office has a 24-hour drive-thru payment kiosk where you can pay by credit card, debit card, check or cash. Payments made at the kiosk will post to your account immediately.

Drop Box

A secure drop box is located in the drive-thru lane at GPL’s office. You can leave a check or money order payment in the drop box 24/7. Payments are collected daily.

Inside Office

You can visit the GPL office Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm to make a payment at the front desk by cash, check, money order or credit/debit card. Same day posting.

Authorized Payment Centers

GPL has partnered with authorized retail payment centers such as H-E-B, Fiesta Mart and Walmart where you can pay your GPL bill in person. Locations and hours vary.

Paying in person ensures your payment is credited ASAP. It also gives you the flexibility to pay in multiple forms like cash. The downside is locations are only open during limited hours.

Key Benefits:

• Accepts multiple payment forms
• Post payments same day
• Staff can answer questions

Potential Drawbacks:

• Locations have limited hours
• Additional drive time

Choosing the Best Option

When deciding how to pay your GPL electricity bill each month, consider which option best aligns with your needs and preferences:

• If you want the fastest and most convenient payment method, online bill pay is tough to beat.
• If you prefer automation, bank bill pay or auto draft get the job done without the hassle.
• For those less tech-savvy, tried and true mail or in-person payments may be preferable.

Ultimately, GPL offers enough flexibility that Garland residents should have no problem finding a payment method that works for their unique situation. Take some time to review the benefits and potential drawbacks outlined above to determine the optimal approach. And don’t hesitate to reach out to GPL’s customer service team with any questions.