What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your CMS Energy Bill
CMS Energy of Consumers Energy is an electric company serving the Lansing, Michigan area. The official website offers a multitude of options for customers who wish to make bill payments or learn how to reduce energy consumption to relieve the burden of high energy bills.
How to Pay the Bill
If you wish to pay your CMS Energy bill immediately, it is best to contact the customer service department before making payment. Some payment options, like pay by mail, take time to process and the payment may not be delivered before your due date if the due date is within a few days.
Pay by mail: Customers can mail payments for CMS Energy bills to:
Consumers Energy
Lansing, MI 48937-0001
Pay with recurring card payments: If you wish to use a debit or credit card for recurring payments, you can sign up for this service from your online account with CMS Energy. Your card will be charged for the full amount on the due date.
Pay over the Internet: You can register for online account access to pay your CMS Energy bill online at http://www.consumersenergy.com/content.aspx?id=1140. There is no fee for this service.
Pay one-time: If you don’t wish to register for an online account, you can make a one-time payment by calling 1-866-329-9593. Visa, Mastercard, debit cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo and checking account payments are accepted through the HP bill pay service for a few of $6.25 per payment. You can also may an HP one-time payment through your eServices account with CMS Energy.
Questions About Your Billing Statement or Account?
If you have questions about your billing statement, including questions about service fees or late payment procedures, contact the billing department at 1-800-477-5050. You can also view more information on rates associated with your CMS Energy bill on the Rates and Rules page.
How the Penalty Fees Work
CMS Energy charges several fees if customers cannot make payments on-time.
- Late payment fees: Customers are charged 2% of the past due balance each month. If a past due balance rolls over, the customer will be charged more than one late payment fee.
- Returned payment fee: $15 per returned check or other form of payment.
- Reconnect fee: If your service must be reconnected after disconnection via non-payment, you will pay a reconnect charge between $50 and $80.
I Can’t Make a Payment
There are various options for customers who have financial trouble and cannot make bill payment by the due date.
Payment arrangements: From your online account you can sign-up for a payment arrangement. Register for online account access, using your account number as printed on your CMS Energy bill, and click on the tab that reads My Account. From there, find the Payment Arrangements tab and follow the instructions.
Home heating credit: In the state of Michigan, consumers can apply for a Home Heating Credit due to the long, cold winters. Contact the customer service department at 1-800-477-5050 for more information on the Home Heating Credit. The service application due date is before September 30th each year.
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