The digital age of communication and automation has provided some opportunities for all of us to simplify some of the routine and ordinary tasks that we perform on a monthly basis.  One example of this is the various methods that are available for members to pay their monthly electric bill.  Your Cooperative offers a variety of options that you can select that best suits your preferences, lifestyle and your needs.  In this article, I would like to briefly explain the various options that are available for members to pay their bill.

SEIEC offers an automated payment plan that automatically draws the necessary funds from your checking or savings account to pay your monthly electric bill.  With this option, you will still receive a statement in the mail that is virtually identical to the invoice you receive now but the funds necessary to pay the total amount due will automatically be withdrawn from your checking or savings account on the due date.  Please contact the office if you would like an enrollment form for this option.

SEIEC also offers on-line payments thru SmartHub.  SmartHub offers members quick and easy access to perform functions including view their bill, pay their bill, schedule a future payment, review past payments, receive bill reminders, update your account and view daily and monthly electric use. Please visit our website www.seiec.com to see how you can sign up for SmartHub. 

SEIEC also offers a pay by phone option.  This option allows you to make your payment by calling the toll-free number (800)-833-2611.  Once you have dialed this number, select the menu option for account information, then select the pay by phone option to make a payment using your debit card or credit card.

SEIEC also offers reoccurring credit card payments which will automatically charge your credit card to pay your monthly electric bill.  With this option, you will still receive a statement in the mail that is virtually identical to the invoice you receive now but the funds will be automatically charged to the credit card on the due date.  Please contact the office if you would like to receive an enrollment form for this option. 

These automated options were implemented to give members a choice in selecting the most appropriate and convenient way to pay their bill.  It is great to see that members are taking advantage of these automated options.  In fact, SEIEC currently receives approximately 11,000 payments per month thru these additional options.

In addition to these automated payment options, your Cooperative offers budget billing.Budget Billing, also known as “Levelized” billing, allows eligible members to pay the same or slightly varied amount each month so that you know exactly how much your monthly payment will be regardless of the current month’s actual usage and charges.  This plan provides 11 “Fixed” budget months with one “Settlement” month each year.  Budget Billing does not reduce your overall energy expense; it simply allows you to spread out your annual energy expense over a 12-month period.

Last but certainly not least, your Cooperative still offers the traditional methods of paying invoices including receiving your checks in the mail, at the front counter of the headquarters facility and with our new facility you are conveniently able to make your payment through our drive thru.  We certainly understand that these automated options for paying invoices may not be appropriate for everyone but they are available so that members can select the option that best suits their needs.

See you next month and as always, “We’ll keep the lights on for you.”