How to Pay Your East Central Electric Bill: A Complete Guide

Paying your electric bill on time every month is crucial to maintaining service with your electric provider For East Central Electric Cooperative (ECEC) members, there are multiple convenient bill pay options to choose from This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the various ways to pay your East Central Electric bill.

Understanding Your ECEC Bill

Before paying your bill, it’s important to understand what’s on it Your ECEC bill will include the following key details

• Service Address The physical location receiving electric service. Verify this is correct.

• Account Number: Your unique account number for referencing your account. Have this handy when paying.

• Billing Date & Due Date: The bill issue date and date payment is due. Pay by the due date to avoid late fees.

• Previous Balance: Any past due balance from prior bills. Pay this ASAP if applicable.

• Current Charges: Charges for your current monthly electric usage and any applicable fees.

• Total Amount Due: The total payment due for that billing period.

• Meter Readings: Your meter readings showing usage since the last bill.

• Messages: Any important notices from ECEC regarding your account or services.

• Payment Stub: The payment coupon to return with mailed check payments.

Carefully reviewing your bill ensures you pay the correct amount by the due date. Contact ECEC with any bill questions.

SmartHub

The easiest way to pay your East Central Electric bill is through SmartHub, the online account management system. SmartHub offers bill pay through the website or mobile app.

To use SmartHub:

• Visit ecoec.com/smarthub or download the app
• Register your account with your account number, name, and email address
• A temporary password will be emailed to you for login
• Login and click “Pay My Bill” to make a payment via bank account or debit/credit card

SmartHub allows 24/7 account access to view bills, see payment history, check energy use, update notifications, and more. Payments can be made in just a few clicks either as one-time payments or by enrolling in AutoPay recurring payments. It’s the most convenient way for ECEC members to manage their account and pay bills online.

Pay Now Online

For those who prefer not to login to SmartHub, ECEC offers Pay Now online bill pay directly through their website:

• Visit eastcentralenergy.com/payment-options
• Click the “Pay Now” button
• Enter your account number and name
• Choose bank account or debit/credit card for payment

This option allows fast bill payment without registration. However, Pay Now does not offer the full account management features of SmartHub.

AutoPay

Sign up for AutoPay through SmartHub to have payments automatically drafted from your bank account or charged to a credit card each month.

• AutoPay deducts the amount owed on your due date
• You still receive a bill to review prior to payment
• Enrollment offers entry into a $50 bill credit drawing

AutoPay ensures your bill gets paid on time every month, avoiding late fees. It offers a convenient “set it and forget it” payment option.

Budget Billing

To make bill payments more predictable, ECEC offers Budget Billing:

• Your payment stays the same each month based on past average usage
• Your actual balance is shown on bill but you pay the budget amount
• Budget re-evaluated annually and adjusted if needed
• No fees to enroll and can cancel anytime

Budget Billing helps cushion seasonal usage spikes so the amount due is consistent. This simplifies financial planning for utility bills.

Payment by Mail

To pay your East Central Electric bill by mail, send a check or money order to:

East Central Electric Cooperative
PO Box 39
Okmulgee, OK 74447

Use the payment coupon from your bill. Record your account number and service address on the check memo line. Mail 5-7 days before the due date to ensure timely delivery. Do not send cash by mail.

Payment in Person

You can pay your ECEC bill in person at:

East Central Electric Cooperative
2001 S Wood Dr.
Okmulgee, OK 74447

Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card at the office during regular business hours. A drive-thru payment drop box is also available 24/7.

MoneyGram

ECEC bills can be paid at MoneyGram locations including Walmart, CVS, and other retailers. Bring your account number, name, and payment amount in cash to make a payment. Fees may apply.

Phone Payments

Call 1-800-782-9283 to pay your East Central Electric bill by phone using an automated payment system. You will need your account number, name, and card details to process the payment by phone.

Payment Arrangements

If you need help paying your electric bill on time, call ECEC at 918-756-0833 to explain your situation and request payment arrangements or an extension. Avoid service disruption by proactively communicating about your payment challenges.

Financial Assistance

For low-income members struggling to pay bills, ECEC partners with LIHEAP, Operation Round Up, Salvation Army, local churches, and other groups to provide bill payment assistance. Visit ecoec.com to learn about available assistance programs.

Summary

• Pay online 24/7 using SmartHub or Pay Now
• Enroll in AutoPay or Budget Billing for easier bill management
• Mail a check or pay in person at the office
• Use MoneyGram at retailers or call and pay by phone
• Seek assistance if needed

Review your options and select the payment method that best fits your needs to pay your ECEC bill. Paying on time every month ensures uninterrupted electric service. Contact ECEC if you have any other bill pay questions.