How to Pay Your Central Texas Electric Coop Bill

Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC) provides reliable electric service to over 36,000 members across nine counties in the Texas Hill Country. As a CTEC member, understanding your monthly electric bill and payment options is important. This article will cover everything you need to know to easily pay your CTEC electric bill each month.

About Central Texas Electric Cooperative

CTEC is a member-owned electric utility cooperative founded in 1938 to bring electricity to rural Central Texas. They are headquartered in Fredericksburg and maintain local offices in Llano, Kingsland and Mason.

As a cooperative, CTEC is owned by its members and focuses on providing affordable electric service rather than making profits. Members elect fellow members to the CTEC Board of Directors to represent their interests.

Your CTEC Electric Bill

CTEC bills members monthly for electric usage and any applicable fees. Residential bills have a due date of either the 5th or 20th of each month.

Your CTEC bill will include:

• Account number
• Service address
• Previous and current meter readings
• Billing period dates
• Total electric usage in kWh
• Base charge
• Energy charge per kWh
• Taxes and fees
• Account balance
• Due date
• Payment options

Usage and rates determine your total electric charges each month. Review your bill carefully and contact CTEC immediately regarding any errors or questions.

Ways to Pay Your CTEC Bill

For your convenience, CTEC offers multiple payment options:

Online

• Pay via SmartHub account
• One-time online payment without account
• Recurring bank draft authorization

By Phone

• Call toll-free 24/7 pay-by-phone line at 1-855-939-3623

By Mail

• Send check or money order to:

  CTEC
  PO Box 553
  Fredericksburg, TX 78624

In Person

• Pay at any CTEC local office during business hours
• Pay with cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order

Authorized Payment Locations

• Pay in cash at thousands of retail locations using barcode on bill or in SmartHub app

Drop Box

• Drop off check or money order at secure drop boxes 24/7 at CTEC offices

Automatic Bank Draft

• Sign up to have bill paid automatically each month from your bank account

Pay early to avoid late fees and ensure uninterrupted electrical service

CTEC Online Account Access

The easiest way to manage payments, monitor usage, report outages, and more is by setting up a free SmartHub online account at ctec.smarthub.coop.

SmartHub offers web and mobile access to

• Pay bills online 24/7
• View billing history
• Sign up for recurring payments
• Monitor daily electric use
• Set up paperless billing
• Request email/text alerts
• Report outages

You can also call or visit a CTEC office to make account updates and inquiries.

Billing Programs from CTEC

CTEC offers special billing programs to ease budgeting and provide savings:

Level Pay – Pay the same amount every month to help budget bills rather than paying actual usage each month.

Paperless Billing – Save time and money by going paperless. View and pay bills electronically.

Payment Arrangements – Request a payment extension if you need extra time beyond the due date.

Energy Efficiency Rebates – Get cash back when you install qualifying energy efficient appliances and systems. Lower usage saves you money on electric bills.

Inquire about these money-saving programs by calling CTEC or chatting with an agent on SmartHub.

Avoid Electric Service Disconnection

It is important to pay your CTEC electric bill in full by the due date each month. Failure to pay on time can result in late fees, disconnection/reconnection fees, and service interruption.

To avoid potential disconnection:

• Pay bill online, by phone, or at authorized payment locations by due date
• Sign up for recurring auto-pay to ensure on-time payments
• Enroll in budget billing to spread costs evenly
• Request a payment extension if needed
• Apply for bill payment assistance if eligible
• Notify CTEC immediately if you do not receive bill

Keeping your CTEC account current is vital for uninterrupted electric service to your home or business.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are experiencing financial hardship and inability to pay your CTEC electric bill, check if you qualify for these assistance programs:

• LIHEAP – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides federal bill payment assistance for qualifying low income households. Apply through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

• Operation Round Up – CTEC members can opt to round up bills to the next dollar amount. Proceeds fund Operation Round Up to assist members in need with utility bills.

• Payment Arrangements – CTEC may provide flexible payment plans to avoid disconnection.

Contact CTEC for details on eligibility requirements and application process for these programs. Help is available for those struggling to pay electric bills.

As a CTEC member, you have many options to securely pay your electric coop bill on time each month. Sign up for SmartHub access to easily manage payments and account online or on your phone. Consider convenient auto-pay programs to ensure bills are always paid by the due date. Monitor usage closely and leverage CTEC rebates and programs to maximize energy efficiency and savings. Maintaining a current account balance avoids disconnection and disrupted service. CTEC strives to provide affordable, reliable electric service to enhance quality of life across the communities they serve.