How to Pay Your South Alabama Electric Bill

Having reliable electric service is something we often take for granted – until the power goes out! That’s why it’s important to pay your South Alabama Electric Cooperative (SAEC) bill on time each month. SAEC offers several convenient ways to pay your electric bill to suit your needs and schedule.

Overview of South Alabama Electric

South Alabama Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility providing electric service to over 16000 homes and businesses across south central Alabama. Their service area spans over 2000 miles across Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Pike and Coffee counties.

As a co-op, SAEC is owned by the members they serve. Members elect fellow consumers to the Board of Trustees to provide oversight. Any profits are returned to members in the form of capital credits.

SAEC bills members monthly for electric usage based on meter readings. Payments are due by the 25th of each month to avoid late fees. Read on to learn the various payment options available.

Ways to Pay Your South Alabama Electric Bill

SAEC offers several ways for members to pay their electric bill conveniently:

Pay Online

The easiest option is to pay online through SAEC’s online bill pay portal. You can make secure payments by credit/debit card or electronic check 24/7.

First-time users will need to register for an account. Once registered, simply log in anytime to view your balance and submit payment.

Pay via Mobile App

For added convenience SAEC offers a free mobile app called SAEC Connect. The app allows you to check your balance, make payments view usage and more anytime, anywhere from your iOS or Android device.

Pay by Phone

To pay over the phone, call SAEC’s automated payment line at (877) 566-0611. This system is available 24/7 and allows you to pay by credit/debit card using your account information.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer sending a check, be sure to allow 7-10 days for delivery before the due date. Mail your payment to:

South Alabama Electric Cooperative
PO Box 449
Troy, AL 36081

Detach and include the payment stub from your paper bill.

Pay in Person

You can pay by cash, check or money order in person at SAEC’s office at:

13192 US-231
Troy, AL 36081

Their office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm, excluding holidays. A drive-thru window is available for quick service.

Bank Draft Payments

For automatic payments, SAEC offers bank drafts directly from your checking or savings account. Payments are deducted on the due date each month, ensuring your bill is always paid on time.

Visit the office or download the authorization form to enroll.

Prepaid Billing

SAEC’s Prepaid billing program allows you to pay for electricity in advance, eliminating large monthly bills. It’s an excellent option for budgeting your power usage.

With Prepaid billing, you pay what you want, when you want. Your account balance decreases daily based on usage. Get started for just a $5 membership fee.

Budget Billing

To even out seasonal spikes in your electric bill, SAEC offers Budget Billing. With this program, you pay the average of your previous 12 months of electric bills each month. It helps avoid extremely high bills in summer and winter.

When is My South Alabama Electric Bill Due?

SAEC bills members monthly for electric usage. Meters are read around the 25th of each month, and bills are mailed shortly after.

Payments are due by the 25th of the following month to avoid late fees. For example:

• Meter read on January 25th
• Bill mailed around February 1st
• Payment due by February 25th

Review your monthly bill carefully as soon as you receive it to avoid surprises on your due date.

Avoid Late Fees on Your SAEC Bill

A late fee of 5% is applied to SAEC electric bills not paid by the due date on the 25th. To avoid fees:

• Pay online before the due date to process instantly
• Use automatic bank drafts or budget billing
• Mail payment 7-10 days early
• Visit office or pay stations in person before 25th

With multiple ways to pay, there’s no reason to incur late fees on your SAEC electric bill!

Understanding Your South Alabama Electric Bill

When you receive your SAEC bill each month, take a moment to review the key details:

• Account number, meter number, bill date and due date

• Previous balance, payments and credits applied

• Electric usage and delivery fees

• Applicable surcharges and taxes

• Total current charges and account balance due

Checking your usage each month can help you identify issues like failing appliances, power leaks or other problems. Monitoring your usage patterns can also help you practice energy conservation.

Compare South Alabama Electric Rates

As a cooperative, SAEC’s electric rates are established by the Board of Trustees to provide reliable service at the lowest practical cost. Rates vary based on your electric usage and applicable fees.

SAEC offers residential rates like:

• General Power Rate: For standard residential service. Fixed monthly charge plus usage rate per kWh that decreases as usage increases in tiers.

• Prepaid Rate: Pay-as-you-go electric service. Slightly higher kWh usage rates but no monthly fees or deposits.

• Outdoor Lighting Rate: For street and security lighting. Monthly kWh allowance plus fixed monthly charge per light.

Rates are reviewed annually and published on SAEC’s website. Compare your options to find the right rate plan for your home and usage.

Get Payment Assistance for Your SAEC Bill

If you’re struggling to pay your South Alabama Electric bill, payment assistance may be available:

• LIHEAP – Provides federal energy assistance funds for low income households.

• Project Share – Funded by SAEC employees and others to help members in need.

• Spread the Warmth – Helps supply heating units and funds for members.

Contact SAEC to learn qualification requirements and apply for these programs if needed. Their team can also arrange flexible payment plans for your situation.

SAEC Provides Payment Options for Members

As a local co-op, South Alabama Electric aims to provide friendly, helpful service tailored to members’ needs. Their various billing and payment options give you flexibility to pay your electric bill with ease and convenience each month.

If you have questions about your bill, rates, payment assistance or other services, SAEC’s team is ready to help at (334) 566-2060. Reach out to them anytime you need support as an SAEC member.