How to Pay Your French Broad Electric Bill

French Broad Electric Membership Corporation (FBEMC) provides reliable electric service to homes and businesses across western North Carolina. As a customer of this electric cooperative, you have several options to pay your monthly electric bill conveniently and on time. This article will outline the various payment methods available and provide tips for paying your French Broad Electric bill.

Online Bill Pay

The easiest way to pay your FBEMC bill is online through their billing website or mobile app.

To pay online:

• Go to frenchbroademc.com/billing and click on “Online Billing Center”.

• If it’s your first time, click “Register Now” to create an account. You’ll need your account number and an email address.

• Once registered login and select your account. Click “Pay Now” to make a one-time payment.

• Choose a payment method – you can pay by credit card debit card, or eCheck.

• Enter payment info and submit. Your payment will process immediately.

The FBEMC app offers the same functionality. Search “French Broad Electric” on the App Store or Google Play to download it.

Paying online allows you to:

• View usage information and billing statements
• Go paperless with eBills
• Set up recurring payments
• Pay anytime, anywhere

Online payments post to your account the next business day.

Pay by Phone

To pay your French Broad Electric bill by phone:

• Call 1-844-294-5697, FBEMC’s automated pay-by-phone line

• Enter your 10-digit account number

• Choose credit card or eCheck as your payment method

• Enter payment information using your phone keypad

• Payment will process immediately

The phone payment system is available 24/7 for your convenience. Keep your account number handy to easily pay on the go.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer to mail in a payment, you can send a check or money order to:

French Broad EMC
PO Box 9
Marshall, NC 28753

Please include your payment stub or write your FBEMC account number on the check. Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process.

Pay in Person

To make a payment in person, visit any of FBEMC’s office locations:

Marshall Office
3043 NC 213
Marshall, NC 28753

Burnsville Office
650 W Main St
Burnsville, NC 28714

Bakersville Office
381 Crimson Laurel Wy
Bakersville, NC 28715

Offices are open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card. The minimum credit card payment is $15.

Bank Draft

For automatic bill payment, sign up for monthly bank drafts from your checking or savings account. This deducts your bill amount each month so you don’t have to remember to pay.

To enroll:

• Download the ACH authorization form

• Fill out your FBEMC account number, bank account details, and sign

• Attach a voided check

• Mail to FBEMC or drop off at a local office

Processing takes 1-2 billing cycles. You can cancel bank drafts anytime by notifying FBEMC in writing.

FlexPay Program

FBEMC offers a FlexPay program where you prepay for electricity as you use it. With FlexPay:

• No deposit or monthly bills
• Payments post immediately when you add money to your account
• Monitor usage daily and add funds when low
• Get text or email alerts when your balance is low

To start FlexPay, sign up through your online account or at a local FBEMC office. A minimum $50 credit is required to activate FlexPay.

Payment Extensions and Assistance

If you’re having trouble paying your French Broad Electric bill, contact their office right away to ask about possible payment extensions or assistance programs:

• Payment arrangements – Set up a payment plan to pay your past due balance over time.

• Energy assistance – Local energy assistance programs may be able to help with a portion of your bill.

• Budget billing – Levels out payments so you pay the same amount each month.

FBEMC wants to work with members facing financial hardship. Call early to avoid late fees or disruption of service. Make sure your contact information is up to date so they can reach you.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

FBEMC bills are due by the 25th of each month. After that, a 5% late penalty applies. If your bill remains unpaid, your power could be disconnected around the 15th of the following month.

To avoid fees and potential disconnection:

• Pay your bill on time each month
• Enroll in autopay or calendar reminders
• Contact FBEMC before the due date if you need help paying
• Keep your contact info current so they can reach you

Disconnection may happen with no further notice once the disconnect date passes. Reconnection fees will apply if your power is disconnected. Stay on top of payments to prevent expensive fees.

Understand Your French Broad Electric Bill

Your FBEMC electric bill has useful information to help you manage costs:

• Electric usage – Your kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage that billing cycle. Monitor for wasting energy.

• Meter readings – Compare previous and current readings to track usage.

• Account number – Needed for phone/online payments.

• Due date – When payment must be received to avoid late fees.

• Amount due – Total payment for that billing period.

Compare usage month-to-month or use FBEMC’s online tools to track daily use. Contact FBEMC if your bill seems abnormal.

Ways to Save on Your Electric Bill

To reduce your monthly power bill:

• Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use
• Use energy efficient LED light bulbs
• Seal air leaks and insulate your home
• Maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency
• Use cold water for laundry
• Open windows for natural light and fresh air
• Keep your thermostat a few degrees warmer in summer and cooler in winter
• Limit use of large appliances in peak hours
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat

Even small changes add up in big savings. FBEMC also offers rebates on efficiency upgrades like HVAC tune-ups, lighting, appliances, weatherization and more.

Contact French Broad Electric

For billing questions, to start new service, get rebates, or report outages, contact your local FBEMC office:

Phone:

• Marshall Office: 828-649-2051
• Burnsville Office: 828-682-6121
• Bakersville Office: 828-688-4815

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.frenchbroademc.com

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

FBEMC provides reliable power to make life better in western NC. Keep your account in good standing by paying on time, monitoring usage, and contacting them for assistance if needed. Their online billing and mobile apps offer convenient bill pay options to members.