About Payments
How can I make payments to Vital Power?
Choose one of our convenient payment methods.
- Online Account Management: Login to My Account and select, PAY MY BILL. Online payments can be made using an electronic check (ACH) or with a credit/debit card.
- By Mail: Submit your payment with the detachable payment coupon on your printed bill. Please include your account number on your check made payable to VITAL POWER and allow 7-10 days for delivery. Lost the Vital Power envelope? Mail payments to Vital Power: PO BOX 722434, Houston, TX 77272.
- At a Payment Center: Browse our payment center locations using your zip code. Cash, check, and credit card payments are accepted at all payment centers. View payment locations near you.
- By Phone: Call (844) 227-2672 to make an electronic funds transfer (EFT).
How much time do I need for posting payments?
Payment speeds range from same-day credit to several days, depending on the method you select.
- Payments made via My Account, Ace Cash Express payment centers, and phone transfers provide same-day payments.
- Payments made to Fidelity & Softgate payment centers can take up to 48hrs to post to your account. If you are submitting payments via these locations you can submit evidence of payment to help confirm payments to Vital Power, but there is no guarantee for same-day postings using Fidelity or Softgate payment centers.
- Banking Bill Pay services may charge a fee for expedited payments, typically less than 3 business days. Check with your bank for details.
- Standard mail (United States Postal Service) may take up to 7-10 days for delivery of your payment.
What happens if the bank returns my payment?
If your bank returns a payment for any reason, a nominal fee will be assessed to the customer. For a declined payment fee for credit cards, a $1.95 fee will be assessed. For an insufficient funds or returned payment, a $25.00 fee will be assessed. Please refer to Vital Power’s Terms of Service for exact fees.
What if I don’t receive a bill?
Don’t worry. There are several ways to get a duplicate bill. If you haven’t already, you can register for Online Account Management, where you can view your account balance, payment due date, and usage. You can also make a payment or print a bill to submit payment by mail.
You can even call Vital Power Customer Service to request a duplicate bill. We will ask you to verify your address and account number.
About Outages
How do I report a power outage?
Report outages to your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), which owns and maintains the power lines. Find the phone number for your area here. Your bill also lists TDU contact information under the “Power Outage” heading on page 1.
When calling, please have your meter number, address, phone number or ESI ID number for your account handy. Your bill lists most of that information.
What safety measures should I take during a power outage?
Stay safe during power outages by treating all electrical sources as live. As power returns after an outage, people are at risk of electrical and equipment-related injury. Follow these safety precautions:
- Unplug machinery.
- Don’t touch exposed cables or electrical wires.
- Stay away from downed or sagging electrical lines outdoors.
- Don’t use electrical equipment in wet conditions, including generators.
- Stay out of standing water.
Be prepared for emergencies by planning ahead. Your plan should include how you’ll get access to food, water, medications, batteries, cash, and gas for your car.
For more information about safety precautions, visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/power-outage.
About My Usage
How can I lower my home’s electricity bill?
Are you using power when you don’t need to? Even small changes to your habits can add up to savings on your electric bill. For more ways to save, visit our Saving Energy Center.
- Turn off lights when rooms are unoccupied.
- Unplug electronics or use their sleep mode. Use smart power strips for computer and home theater components.
- Make sure windows and doors are tightly shut during heating and cooling seasons.
- If you have an electric water heater, wash most items in cold water and avoid washing small loads.
- If you have an electric clothes dryer, clean the lint trap after each use.
- Wash full loads in the dishwasher. Use the light wash cycle and turn off the high temperature option.
- For lighting, use energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) rather than incandescent light bulbs.
About My Account History
How do I get my account history (billing and payments) for my residence?
To access your account history, as well as other important information, register for Online Account Management [LINK]. This Vital Power service also lets you view your current account balance, payment due date, and usage.
What are TDU Delivery Charges?
TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) charges come from the company that owns and maintains the electricity poles, wires, and meters. That company is responsible for restoring power after outages. Vital Power forwards your payment to the TDU and does not receive any of those fees.
How do I find my TDU?
Your TDU is listed on your Vital Power bill. Look for the Contact Information and Service Address sections.
How are the TDU Delivery Charges calculated? Do they change from month to month?
Because one portion of TDU charges is based on usage, your charges will vary. The other portion of TDU charges is billed monthly.
