Speedpay FAQ

The Speedpay service is offered by Western Union. This company specializes in automated payments using telephone and internet options. They process credit, debit and ATM card payments, and check-by-phone payments, for a fee paid by those who make payments using their service.

Why is AEL&P using this service?

Many customers have wanted the option of paying with a credit, debit or ATM card, and want to pay by phone or via the internet. The Speedpay service is the most comprehensive and cost-effective approach AEL&P has found. It is used by many other utilities and is highly recommended.

What is the fee for using the Speedpay service?

You are charged a separate convenience fee for using the Speedpay service. For each account you pay, and for a maximum payment of $500.00 per session, you will be charged $5.95. This charge is the same regardless of whether you are using the phone or AEL&P’s website, and whether you are paying by check or savings account or are using a credit, debit or ATM account.

Example: Your total bill is $55.00. Your bank or bankcard account will reflect a charge for your AEL&P payment of $55.00 and a Speedpay charge of $5.95.

Example: Your total bill is $750.00. You will make a $500.00 payment and will be charged $5.95. You can hang up or logout and go back into the SpeedPay system to make an additional payment of $250.00 to completely pay the balance. Another $5.95 fee will be charged.

Why am I being charged a convenience fee for using the Speedpay service?

The Speedpay service is provided by Western Union. This fee covers the development and operating costs associated with their computer and telephone payment systems and the banking and credit/debit card company costs for processing these payments.

While these types of payments are more expensive than sending AEL&P a check, or by using AEL&P’s Easy Pay or eCheck options, the Speedpay service provides a convenient way for customers to make payments by phone or by using the internet. Their system allows you to pay 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. You may find this service to be a better option than paying late fees and other collection fees. It also saves you time and gas associated with making payments in person.

Does AEL&P make any money from this fee?

No. AEL&P does not collect or receive the convenience fee. The fee is charged and collected by the Speedpay service. AEL&P cannot waive this fee.

How secure are internet payments using this system?

AEL&P and the Speedpay service use the latest encryption technology. You’ll see the lock at the bottom of the page to show that the part of our website devoted to your private account details and financial transactions is secure. Security is further enhanced since you use the secure side of AEL&P’s site via the “My Account” or the "SpeedPay" links to access this option. This means that only you can initiate the transaction, since your account number and password are required.

Consider this: when you write a check or use a bank card at your grocery store, anyone in contact with your check or bank card has the potential for using this information. The banking and credit card information you release electronically is usually more secure than when you make payments personally.

If I can’t remember my password, how can I pay over the internet?

When you go to the My Account section, you’ll be asked for your password. You have received a password by mail, but if you have misplaced or forgotten it, one will be issued to you, either using your email for delivery, or through the US mail. If you have already provided AEL&P an email address, your new password to be issued to you immediately. If you are giving your email address for the first time, your password will be sent by mail the first business day following your request.

What forms of plastic are accepted?

Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Your bank’s debit or ATM card are also accepted.

When will AEL&P credit my payment to my account?

If your payment is made by 2 p.m., the payment will most likely post to your account later in the afternoon, assuming payment is made on an AEL&P business day. Payments made after 2 p.m. will post to accounts the following business day. Payments made after the due date are subject to late fees.

What information is needed when I make a payment by credit or debit/ATM card?

Your AEL&P account number and the amount you want to pay.
The credit/debit/ATM card account information.
Expiration date of your card.
The zip code of the address where your credit card statement is mailed.

What can cause my card to be denied?

Your payment may result in you exceeding the daily dollar limit on your bankcard.
Your payment may result in you exceeding the total dollar limit set for your bankcard.
Bank/credit card funds must be available 24 hours prior to a Speedpay transaction.
You may have entered information incorrectly – like your credit card number, expiration date or zip code.
The zip code you enter must match the mailing address zip code used for mailing statements for the card you are using.

What information is needed when I make a payment using my checking or savings account?

Your AEL&P account number and the amount you want to pay.
The bank routing number and account number located at the bottom of the check. Note that the account number may include leading zeros, which you will want to include.

If you are using a savings account, make sure debit transactions are allowed.

What can cause my checking or savings account payment to be denied?

You may have entered your account number incorrectly. Double check the information that explains how to find the routing and account number. Enter all leading zeros.
Your account balance within the 24 hours prior to when you entered your transaction might have been insufficient to cover the value of your transaction.
You may be trying to use an account that you’ve closed.
Your savings account may not allow payments to be made from it, or you may have exceeded the number of payments allowed in a given period of time.

How will I know my payment was successfully made?

You’ll receive a confirmation number at the conclusion of your phone call or internet session. You’ll want to write down or print out this number and save it until you know your payment has been correctly applied to your account.

What happens if AEL&P requires a deposit?

The Speedpay service will know your current account balance as well as the required deposit amount for the account number you enter into that system. The payment you make will pay the deposit first, and any remaining payment will be applied to your electric account.

Will AEL&P know I’ve made a payment if I’m due to be disconnected?

If your disconnection is imminent, contact our office and let us know your confirmation number and the amount you paid. If you have questions about the minimum amount to pay to avoid disconnection, also call our office before making your payment. If AEL&P doesn't hear directly from you, we may not be notified in time by the Speedpay system in order to credit your account and keep your service from being interrupted.

Can I use the Speedpay service if I’ve been disconnected?

You can, however you won’t be reconnected without contacting our office. We need to know the amount of your payment and your confirmation number. You also want to call AEL&P first, if you are unsure of the payment amount required to assure your reconnection. Otherwise you may need to make an extra payment, and pay an additional convenience fee.

Why doesn’t AEL&P offer credit/debit/ATM payments for free?

The cost associated with this type of transaction is much higher than those transactions made “the old fashioned way” or by using our Easy Pay or eCheck options. We looked into bank card fees and the computer enhancements required to make these transactions secure, and found them to be extremely expensive, particularly for the size of our company. The Speedpay service also offers a pay-by-phone approach that would require costly equipment AEL&P would not otherwise use.

AEL&P is regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. The RCA has jurisdiction over what costs are covered within our rates. They have determined that credit and debit-type transaction charges are not allowable business expenses. We agree with this decision. We believe that those who use inexpensive forms of payments should not subsidize the high-transaction costs associated with the type of payment options the Speedpay service offers. Such convenience comes at a disproportionately high cost and needs to be paid by those customers who want to make credit, debit and ATM card and check-by-phone payments. AEL&P supports these options by providing updated account information daily to the Speedpay service.