If you’re a Broad River Electric Cooperative customer, you likely receive a monthly electric bill that you need to pay to keep your lights on. Paying your electric bill is an essential task, but one that many homeowners find frustrating and time-consuming. Luckily, Broad River Electric offers numerous quick and easy ways to pay your bill online, by phone, in person, or automatically each month.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain all the payment options Broad River Electric provides, tips for understanding your bill, setting up autopay, going paperless, and more. Paying your Broad River Electric bill can be fast and painless by taking advantage of the cooperative’s modern payment services.
Why It’s Important to Pay Your Bill on Time
Before getting into the available payment methods let’s review why it’s crucial to pay your Broad River Electric bill by the due date each month
- Avoid late fees – Broad River charges late fees if payment is not received on time
- Prevent disconnection – Overdue accounts may have electricity disconnected
- Maintain good credit – Not paying bills hurts your credit score
- Keep the lights on – Your electric service relies on paying your bill on time
Avoid headaches down the road by carefully reviewing your electric bill each month and paying the amount due by the listed due date. Mark your calendar with a monthly reminder if that helps.
Understanding Your Broad River Electric Bill
When your new bill arrives, take a few minutes to review the various charges and ensure you understand what you’re being billed for. Key sections include:
- Account number
- Service address
- Billing dates
- Meter readings
- Electricity usage
- Fixed charges
- Fuel cost adjustment
- Taxes and fees
- Billing total
Contact Broad River Electric at 1-866-687-2667 if you have any questions about specific charges or calculations on your bill Understanding the various costs and fees will help you budget and make payments on time,
Ways to Pay Your Broad River Electric Bill
Broad River Electric offers several convenient payment options including
Pay Online
The fastest way to pay is through SmartHub at broadriverelectric.smarthub.coop. Log in to your account to view your balance and make a payment by credit/debit card or electronic check. A $3.95 convenience fee applies to card payments.
Pay by Phone
Call 1-866-687-2667 to make a payment over the phone using your checking account number. Have your account number ready.
Pay In-Person
Visit one of Broad River Electric’s pay stations located throughout their service area to pay by cash, check, or money order.
Pay by Mail
Mail a check or money order to:
Broad River Electric Cooperative
PO Box 1509
Gaffney, SC 29342
Allow 5-7 days for mailed payments to process. Include payment stub or write your account number on the check.
Bank Draft (AutoPay)
Authorize Broad River Electric to automatically withdraw the amount due each month from your bank account. Sign up online through SmartHub or by calling customer service.
Budget Billing
Pay a fixed amount each month based on your prior 12 months average usage. Call Broad River Electric to enroll.
Prepay Billing
Pay for electricity ahead of time and your service disconnects if your account reaches a negative balance. Enroll by calling customer service.
Pay at Official Payment Outlets
Pay your bill at local retailers like Dollar General, CVS, Walgreens and more. Bring your bill or find pay locations on SmartHub. A small fee may apply.
Payment Arrangements
If you’re struggling to pay, call Broad River Electric to explain your situation and request a payment plan that spreads out your balance over multiple months. Documentation of hardship may be required.
Tips for Managing Your Electric Account
Here are some tips for effectively managing your Broad River Electric account and ensuring on-time payments:
- Sign up for paperless billing via SmartHub to receive bills electronically
- Enroll in autopay or budget billing for predictable payments
- Update contact information to receive important notices
- Monitor your usage through SmartHub and adopt energy efficiency
- Schedule monthly bill pay reminders on your calendar
- Take advantage of energy assistance programs if eligible
- Compare electric plans if you have deregulated service
Staying on top of your electric account with Broad River Electric ensures you avoid unnecessary fees and keep the power flowing into your home.
Can’t Pay Your Bill? Resources Are Available
If you’re ever unable to pay your full Broad River Electric bill on time, don’t panic. Reach out to the cooperative’s friendly customer service team at 1-866-687-2667 to explain your situation and see what assistance options you may qualify for, including:
- Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan to pay the past due balance over 3-6 months
- Payment assistance – LIHEAP and other programs help cover bill for low income households
- Budget billing – Pay a fixed monthly amount based on average usage
Being proactive and communicating early about your inability to pay can help avoid disconnection of your electric service. Broad River Electric wants to keep you connected and work with you during financial hardships.
FAQs About Paying Your Broad River Electric Bill
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about paying Broad River Electric bills:
What are the payment methods accepted by Broad River Electric?
You can pay online, by phone, mail, auto draft, at payment kiosks, and more. Cash, check, debit and major credit cards are accepted.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online?
Yes, a $3.95 convenience fee is charged for online payments made by credit/debit card. Payments from a bank account are free.
When is my Broad River Electric bill due?
Your electric bill is due by the due date printed on your monthly statement, typically around the 20th of each month.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
Broad River Electric charges a late fee of 1.5% on unpaid balances after the due date. Overdue accounts may be disconnected.
Can I set up autopay or budget billing?
Yes! Call 1-866-687-2667 to enroll in auto draft from your bank account or budgeted monthly payments.
How do I apply for bill payment assistance?
Contact Broad River Electric about enrolling in programs like LIHEAP and payment arrangements if you are struggling to pay your bill.
IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- The convenience fee for one-time remote card payments (over the phone, online) will be $3.95 per transaction (limit $500 per transaction).
- To avoid the convenience fee
- Set up reoccurring card payments through SmartHub (credit or debit)
- Use an electronic check with our Pay Now feature.
- To avoid the convenience fee
- Mailing address for payments is now P.O. Box 2269, Gaffney, SC 29342. Please make this change with your bank or online payment service.
- PrePay members are required to register for SmartHub. Members participating in the PrePay program must register for SmartHub to pay their bills and receive notification about their accounts. Read more here.
What is SmartHub?
SmartHub is a web and mobile app that allows you to take control of all aspects of your energy account. Pay your bill, manage your use and contact us with service issues quickly and easily online or on your mobile device.
SmartHub is a free download
- Manage your account
- View and pay your bill
- Monitor usage 24/7
- Report service issues
- Receive important updates
Smart Communication — You have something to share?
SmartHub goes beyond bill payments and usage tracking. This online and mobile app is also a powerful communication tool. Report service 
interruptions and route account inquiries on the go. Be in the know with alerts for service work, news, promotions, and events.
Smart Usage — Saving money just got easier.
Track your usage and take the guesswork out of your bill with SmartHub. Through detailed graphs, youll be able to monitor usage 24/7 and track your consumption, finding ways to reduce and save.
Smart Payments — Save time. Avoid Service interruptions. Eliminate late fees.
With SmartHub, youll be notified when your bill is due and can pay securely online or in the app, anytime, anywhere.
Sign up for auto payments, set up your secure preferred payment method and let account management go into autopilot.
Smart Environment — It is even easier to be green.
Going paperless with SmartHub is easy. With convenient access to your bill anytime, anywhere, you are doing your part to save the environment.
For more information or assistance, contact Broad River Electric at 1-866-687-2667