How to Pay Your Bill with Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative

Paying your monthly electric bill to Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative is easy and convenient with several options to choose from. This article will outline the payment methods available, provide tips for hassle-free bill pay, and explain what to do if you cannot pay on time

Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC) serves residents and businesses in parts of southern Virginia. They offer reliable electric service with a focus on excellent customer service. When it comes time to pay your MEC bill each month, you want a payment option that fits your lifestyle.

Payment Options from Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative

MEC offers their members various ways to pay electric bills

• SmartHub App – Pay online 24/7 through the SmartHub web portal or mobile app. You can also view billing history and account details.

• Credit/Debit Card – Call anytime to pay by Visa, Mastercard, or debit card. A small fee applies to credit card payments.

• Automatic Withdrawal – Setup recurring monthly payments from a bank account or credit card.

• Payment Kiosks – Visit any MEC office to use a self-serve payment kiosk with cash, check, or card.

• By Mail – Send a check or money order using the return envelope included with bills.

• In Person – Stop by any MEC district office during business hours to pay by cash, check, or card.

• Quick Pay – Make one-time payments by phone without having to set up an account.

With so many options, you can choose the bill payment method that works best for your needs each month.

Tips for Paying Your MEC Electric Bill

To make paying your MEC bill fast and headache-free every month, keep these tips in mind:

• Set up automatic withdrawals from your bank account to ensure on-time payment.

• Use SmartHub to receive bill notifications and monitor your balance due.

• Pay early in the billing cycle to avoid late fees.

• Contact MEC immediately if your financial situation changes and you cannot pay.

• Setup text/email reminders to pay your bill before the due date.

• Provide updated contact information so MEC can reach you about bills.

• Consider paperless billing to receive and pay bills online.

• Know your specific bill due date which prints on statements.

• Pay around the same time each month to establish a routine.

Advance planning and organization will help you maintain a good payment history with MEC.

What to Do If You Cannot Pay Your MEC Bill

If an unexpected financial hardship prevents you from paying your MEC electric bill on time, take these steps:

• Contact MEC – Call right away to discuss options and make payment arrangements. Avoiding them could lead to additional fees.

• Request an Extension – You may qualify for a few extra days to pay without late fees if you have a good history.

• Apply for Assistance – Programs like EnergyShare may provide bill payment help if you meet low-income requirements.

• Defer a Payment – In special cases, MEC may allow you to defer a month and add it to your next bill.

• Partial Payment Plan – Making regular payments could stop disconnection even if you cannot pay the full amount.

• Payment Arrangement – Based on your situation, MEC can setup scheduled installments to catch up.

• Negotiate Due Date – Ask if you can push back your due date each month to better align with your pay schedule.

MEC has options to help avoid disconnection. Contact them early to discuss your situation and next steps.

Late Payments and Disconnection Policies

If your MEC bill is past due, you will be subject to additional fees and potential disconnection:

• A late fee of 1.5% is applied to past due account balances.

• After 10 days overdue, a disconnection notice is issued with 10 more days to pay before disconnection.

• Accounts 30 days past due are eligible for disconnection without any additional notice.

• A $30 reconnect fee is charged if power is disconnected for nonpayment.

Avoid these extra costs and headaches by paying on time each month or communicating with MEC immediately if you anticipate a late payment.

Can You Make a Partial Payment?

MEC does allow members to make partial payments on their electric bill prior to the due date. However, the full balance must be paid by the due date to avoid late fees. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact them to discuss payment plan options.

Save Time with Automatic Payments

The most convenient way to pay your MEC electric bill is by enrolling in automatic payments. This securely deducts your balance from a bank account or credit card each month. To enroll:

• Log into SmartHub and select “AutoPay Program”.
• Choose the date you want payments withdrawn each month.
• Enter your payment information and preferred method.
• Review and submit the enrollment form.

Now your bill will be paid automatically each month!

Special Payment Assistance Programs

MEC partners with various organizations to offer bill payment assistance if you are struggling financially. Some options include:

• EnergyShare – Provides up to $300 in bill credits for those facing disconnection who meet low-income requirements.

• Local Social Services – Organizations like Salvation Army may offer one-time assistance.

• Fuel Assistance – Programs help pay winter heating bills for qualified households.

• Budget Billing – MEC averages costs over 12 months for predictable monthly payments.

Check with MEC to see if you might qualify for one of these special payment assistance programs.

Can You Pay at Multiple MEC Locations?

Yes, MEC has three district offices where you can pay your electric bill in Chase City, Emporia, and Gretna. Visit or mail payments to the office for your service area. You can also use any payment kiosk regardless of your district. Paying by SmartHub, phone, or mail lets you handle your bill from anywhere.

Avoid Late Fees with Reminders

It’s easy to forget your exact MEC due date each month. Set up reminders with SmartHub to receive emails or text alerts when your bill is ready and the due date approaches. You can also call MEC to confirm your individual due date. Marking it on your calendar and setting phone alerts can prevent costly late payments.

In Summary

With convenient options like SmartHub, automatic payments, kiosks, mail, and district offices, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative offers flexible ways to pay your electric bill each month. Pay early to avoid late fees, enroll in paperless billing, and set payment reminders. If you anticipate difficulty paying on time, call MEC right away to make arrangements and discuss bill assistance programs you may qualify for. Keeping your MEC account in good standing ensures uninterrupted electric service.