Keeping the lights on and the heat running in your home requires reliable energy service from your provider. For most Michigan residents, that company is Consumers Energy delivering natural gas and electricity statewide If you ever need to pay someone else’s Consumers Energy bill, you have options to take care of it quickly either online or in-person.
Paying utility bills for elderly parents, friends or others who need assistance is a kind gesture. This guide will explain the easiest ways to pay a Consumers Energy bill for another person whether you do it electronically or at an authorized location.
Overview of Paying Consumers Energy Bills
Let’s start with some key facts about paying Consumers Energy bills
- 1.8 million electric customers and 1.3 million natural gas customers
- Service area covers 68 counties in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula
- Accepts various payment methods including paper, electronic and auto-debit
- Offers online account management and bill pay for customers
- Network of authorized third-party payment locations
Below we’ll outline the steps to pay someone else’s Consumers Energy bill through the online guest pay system or in-person.
Pay Someone Else’s Bill Online Through Guest Pay
The convenient Guest Pay system at ConsumersEnergy.com allows anyone to quickly pay a Consumers Energy bill online without having to login or create an account.
Follow these simple steps:
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Enter the Consumers Energy account number for the bill you want to pay
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Enter the account service address zip code
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Select whether it’s an electric or gas account
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Input your payment amount
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Provide your payment details (credit/debit card or bank account)
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Review payment summary and submit
Once submitted, the payment will be applied immediately to the designated account. You’ll receive a confirmation email for your records. Paying for someone else is quick and easy online.
Online Guest Pay Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about paying other accounts online:
Is there a fee to use Guest Pay?
Yes, a $2.99 service fee applies to each Guest Pay transaction, regardless of payment method.
Can I use a credit, debit card or bank account?
Yes, you can pay with any major credit card, debit card or checking/savings account.
Is there a payment limit?
Yes, each individual card payment must be $1,000 or less. You can make multiple smaller payments if needed.
How do I get the account number to pay?
Ask the account holder to provide their Consumers Energy account number. It’s printed on their monthly bill.
When will the payment reach the account?
Online payments are applied to the account on the same business day.
Paying a Consumers Energy Bill In-Person
If you prefer to pay someone else’s bill in-person, Consumers Energy has over 200 authorized walk-in payment locations statewide. These third-party retailers accept cash, check or debit card payments.
Here’s how to pay another Consumers Energy bill at an in-person location:
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Ask the account holder for their account number. This is needed to identify the account.
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Visit ConsumersEnergy.com/WaystoPay and find payment locations near you.
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Select a location and confirm accepted payment types before visiting.
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Bring the 10-digit account number and your chosen payment method.
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Pay the agent the amount due, keeping the receipt for your records.
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Payment will typically reach the account within 1-2 business days.
Always verify the account number before paying an in-person bill for someone else and keep the receipt as proof. It’s a convenient option for those who prefer face-to-face customer service.
Other Ways to Pay a Consumers Energy Bill for Someone Else
In addition to online and in-person, Consumers Energy offers these alternate ways to pay someone else’s energy bill:
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By phone – Call 866-329-9593 and use automated system to pay with card or bank account
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Mail a check – Send via US Mail to payment center address on account statement
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Money transfer apps – Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Zelle allow peer-to-peer payments
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Purchase energy gift certificate – Give as gift to recipient who can apply to their account
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Bank bill pay – Schedule one-time or recurring payments through your bank
Consider the most convenient option for the situation when paying a bill for friends, seniors or those needing assistance.
Tips for Paying Someone Else’s Consumers Energy Bill
Follow these tips for a smooth experience when paying a Consumers Energy bill on behalf of someone else:
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Confirm you have the correct 10-digit Consumers Energy account number for the account you want to pay
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Double check the payment amount before submitting to avoid underpaying their bill
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Save payment confirmations and receipts for your records
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If the payment is a gift, let the recipient know to expect the payment on their account
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For recurring help, set up regular automated payments on their behalf
Paying utility bills for others can be complicated. Hopefully this guide has made the process of paying a Consumers Energy bill for someone else much easier. Now you can lend a hand to friends or loved ones in just minutes online or at a nearby payment location.
Creating an Online Account
Creating an online account gives you convenient options for paying your bill without added fees.
How to Use Your Checking Account to Pay
Have a check handy so you can enter your account number and routing number. It’s that easy. If you’re still unsure about your account information, check with your bank or credit union.
Details of Each Way to Pay
Select the payment option below for complete information, including when you will pay a fee.
Conveniently pay your bills right through our mobile app. You can pay with your checking or savings account, or your Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, AMEX® credit or debit card. Fees may apply.
To get the mobile app, please visit this link: http://onelink.to/ay7v72. Log into or create your account to begin making easy payments.
Paying with ACH (Fee-free)
Make a one-time payment with a checking or savings account.
Paying with a debit or credit card ($2.99 per transaction fee for residential accounts) Make a one-time card payment with a $2.99 per transaction fee. Multiple payments are allowed. Each card payment must be $1,000 or less. Fee is collected by our secure third-party payment processor to offset the processing charges. Consumers Energy does not benefit from this fee.
2 Options:
- Auto-Pay (Fee-Free) – Checking or Savings Account
auto-pay, you can pay your monthly bill from your checking or savings account automatically without transaction fees.
Setting up Auto-Pay (Fee-F) 1. Visit our auto-pay enrollment page to log in and get started. You can also enroll through our mobile app or phone. 2. Add your checking and saving account details to your account information, then start your auto-pay.
- Easy Pay – Credit or Debit Card
Easy Pay allows you to make secure, automatic monthly payments using a credit or debit card. The standard card transaction fee applies to all Easy Pay card payments, including from a banking account. For fee-free automatic payments with a banking account, select our auto-pay option.
Transaction Fees
A transaction fee of $2.99 (residential customers) or $9.99 (non-residential customers) will be applied to each monthly payment. You will be notified before each payment is processed and can cancel Easy Pay any time before your next due date.
Payment Alerts
additional text reminders and notices, sign up for billing and payment alerts.
Setting up Easy Pay 1. Visit our automatic payments enrollment page to log in and get started. You can also enroll through our mobile app. 2. Add your credit or debit card details to your account profile, then start your Easy
It’s easy to make a one-time payment. You can use your checking or savings account, Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover®, AMEX® credit or debit card.
Making One-Time Online Payment (Fees May Apply – See Below) Online Account Payment: Login to your account and go to your Account Details. If you don’t have an account yet, please make one through the Create a Profile page.
Paying with ACH (Fee-free)
Make a one-time payment with a checking or savings account.
Paying with a debit or credit card($2.99 per transaction fee for residential accounts)
Make a one-time card payment with a $2.99 per transaction fee. Multiple payments are allowed. Each card payment must be $1,000 or less.
Please note: Credit and debit card payments and ACH payments made through our website’s Guest Pay option (where no login is required) will include a $2.99 transaction fee. Multiple payments are allowed. Each card payment must be $1,000 or less. Fee is collected by our secure third-party payment processor to offset the processing charges. Consumers Energy does not benefit from this fee.
Use web banking to pay with no transaction fee. Set up automatic payments directly from your banking or checking account through your bank or credit union’s bill pay tool. To set up Consumers Energy as the payee, please use the following address: Consumers Energy Payment Center PO Box 740309 Cincinnati, OH 45274-0309
Contact your bank or credit union for help.
You can pay in person at authorized locations, including third-party payment locations and Consumers Energy payment offices.
You can pay with cash, check, money order, your checking or savings account, or with a Visa®, MasterCard®, Discover® credit or debit card at one of our Consumers Energy payment office locations.
To make a payment at an approved third-party payment location, bring your energy bill or account number. Accepted payment methods and fees vary by location. A $1.50 fee will apply per transaction at third party payment locations.
Find an in-person location near you using the map below, then select a location to view accepted payment options.
Make a same-day, one-time payment by calling us at 800-371-9811.
ACH Payments by Phone: Payments made from a checking or savings account are fee-free by phone with two options:
- Speak with an agent to start your request, then complete your payment through our secure Payment phone system.
- If you have a checking or savings account payment method stored to your online account, you can follow the prompts to pay your bill without speaking with an agent. Verify your payment method is stored before calling by reviewing your account wallet details at ConsumersEnergy.com/MyLogin.
Please note: If you make an ACH payment by phone using our automated system without using a stored bank account, our secure third-party payment vendor will charge a $2.99 flat transaction fee. To avoid transaction fees for ACH payments, please ensure your bank details are saved to your account by reviewing your account wallet details at ConsumersEnergy.com/MyLogin.
Pay your bill online (or someone elses) without logging in. A $2.99 service fee applies regardless of payment type or channel. Multiple payments are allowed. Each card payment must be $1,000 or less.
Making a Payment Through Guest Pay
Visit our Guest Pay page and enter the energy account details for the bill you are paying. Then enter the appropriate payment method details. Or you can pay someone else’s bill by phone by calling 866-329-9593. A $2.99 per transaction fee will apply. Fee is collected by our secure third-party payment processor to offset the processing charges. Consumers Energy does not benefit from this fee.
Enroll in Billing and Payment text alerts via Alert Preferences within Account Details and have the option to make a fee-free payment via text when your bill is ready. Simply reply PAY to your monthly notice and enter your checking or savings account details when prompted.
- Available in amounts of $10, $20, $25, $50
- Gift certificates do not have the name of the buyer on them, so if you prefer you can give them anonymously