Designated as a 501(c)(12) Benevolent life insurance associations, irrigation companies, telephone companies, etc., which have a mutually beneficial nature.
According to its Dec. 2023 tax filing, this nonprofit: Reported conflict of interest transactions Organizations must report loans, grants or business transactions with interested parties, which may include key employees and officers, their family members and any businesses in which they hold a controlling interest. These transactions must be reported on Schedule L.
Are you tired of scrambling to pay your Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative (GCEC) bill at the last minute? I know how frustrating it can be to navigate utility payments, especially when you’re busy with life As someone who’s been a GCEC member for years, I’ve figured out all the tricks to make bill payment as painless as possible
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paying your GCEC bill – from online options to payment locations and even how to understand those sometimes confusing charges on your statement.
What is Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative?
Before diving into payment methods, let’s take a quick look at who GCEC actually is. Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative has been serving members in Grayson and Collin counties since 1937! That’s over 85 years of keeping the lights on for local homes and businesses.
As a cooperative, GCEC is actually owned by its members – that means you! This isn’t just another big corporation; it’s a community-based organization that returns profits to members through capital credits.
Online Bill Pay Options: The Easiest Way to Pay
The most convenient way to pay your GCEC bill is definitely online GCEC offers several digital payment options
1. MyGCEC Mobile App
The MyGCEC app is available for both iOS and Android devices, making it super easy to manage your account from anywhere. With the app you can
- Pay your bill with just a few taps
- View your usage history
- Report outages (which is currently showing 0 outages as of November 12, 2025)
- Receive alerts about your account
I personally love using the app because it sends me notifications when my bill is ready, which has saved me from late payments more times than I care to admit!
2. SmartHub Online Portal
If you prefer using a computer, GCEC’s SmartHub portal at graysoncollin.smarthub.coop is your go-to option. The portal provides all the same features as the mobile app, plus some additional account management tools.
To use SmartHub:
- Visit graysoncollin.smarthub.coop
- Log in with your account credentials
- Select the “Pay Bill” option
- Enter your payment information
- Confirm and submit your payment
The SmartHub system accepts credit/debit cards and electronic checks, making it flexible for whatever payment method you prefer.
Automatic Payments: Never Miss a Due Date Again
If you’re like me and sometimes forget about bills until the last minute, automatic payments might be your best friend. GCEC offers automatic payment options through both bank drafts and credit card payments.
Setting up auto-pay is super easy:
- Log into your account on SmartHub
- Navigate to “Billing & Payments”
- Select “Auto Pay Accounts”
- Choose your preferred payment method
- Set your payment preferences
Once you’ve set this up, your bill will be automatically paid on the due date each month. No more late fees! I switched to auto-pay last year and honestly, it’s been life-changing not having to remember this bill every month.
In-Person Payment Options
While online payments are convenient, some folks still prefer to pay in person. GCEC understands this and offers several payment locations throughout their service area.
The website doesn’t list all payment locations on the main page, but you can find this information under the “Support” section by clicking on “Payment Locations.” Typically, these include the main GCEC office and various authorized payment centers throughout Grayson and Collin counties.
Pay by Phone
Don’t have internet access or prefer to pay by phone? GCEC offers phone payment options too. You can call their customer service number to make a payment using your credit card or checking account information.
Understanding Your GCEC Bill
One thing that really confused me when I first became a GCEC member was understanding my bill. If you’re in the same boat, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might see on your statement:
- Base charge: This is the fixed amount you pay just to be connected to service
- Energy charge: This varies based on how much electricity you used
- Power cost adjustment: This reflects changes in the cost of generating power
- Taxes and fees: Various required government taxes and regulatory fees
If you need help understanding your bill, GCEC has a specific section on their website called “Understanding My Bill” under the Support menu. This resource can help clarify any confusing charges.
What If I Can’t Pay My Bill?
We all go through tough times. If you’re struggling to pay your GCEC bill, it’s best to contact them directly before your due date. In my experience, they’re willing to work with members on payment arrangements rather than simply disconnecting service.
Based on the information from their website, you can reach out through:
- The “Contact Us” section on gcec.net
- Calling their main office
- Visiting in person
Tips for Lowering Your Electric Bill
Why pay more for electricity than you have to? Here are some ways to reduce your GCEC bill:
Energy Efficiency Programs
GCEC offers energy efficiency information on their website under “Learn” > “Energy Efficiency.” These resources provide tips for reducing your energy consumption, which directly impacts your monthly bill.
Some quick tips include:
- Adjust your thermostat (78°F in summer, 68°F in winter)
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air
- Replace air filters regularly
- Seal leaks around windows and doors
- Unplug electronics when not in use
Solar & Renewable Options
If you’re interested in renewable energy, GCEC provides information about solar and wind power options. While there’s an initial investment, these alternatives can significantly reduce your bills over time.
The “Solar & Renewables” section on their website provides details about:
- Solar panel installation
- Wind power options
- Net metering programs
- Renewable energy credits
I’ve been considering solar panels myself, and the resources GCEC provides have been really helpful in understanding my options.
Special Programs for Members
One of the benefits of being part of a cooperative is access to special programs. GCEC offers several member benefits, including:
Capital Credits
As a member of the cooperative, you’re entitled to capital credits when GCEC has excess revenue. These credits represent your share of the cooperative’s margins and are eventually returned to you.
Member Benefits
Under the “Learn” > “Member Benefits” section, you can discover additional perks of your GCEC membership.
High School Student Opportunities
I noticed on their website that GCEC currently has a program where high school students can win a free trip to Washington D.C. If you have teenagers, this might be worth checking out!
When You Need Help: Outage Reporting
While not directly related to bill payment, it’s worth noting that GCEC makes it easy to report power outages. You can report outages through:
- The MyGCEC mobile app
- The outage map on their website
- Calling their outage reporting line
As of the current date (November 12, 2025), their website shows 0 outages, but it’s always good to know how to report problems when they occur.
Starting or Stopping Service
If you’re moving within the GCEC service area or leaving it entirely, you’ll need to know how to start or stop your electric service. The good news is that GCEC has made this process easy through their online portal.
On their homepage, there’s a direct link to “Start or Stop Service” where you can submit your request electronically. This is much more convenient than having to call or visit in person!
The Connection Between Grayson College and GCEC
It’s worth noting that despite the similar names, Grayson College and Grayson Collin Electric Cooperative are separate entities. Grayson College is an educational institution serving the same general area as GCEC, but they don’t handle your electric bills!
Grayson College does, however, offer educational opportunities that might be of interest to GCEC members. Some programs at the college focus on industrial technologies and STEM fields, which could lead to career opportunities in the energy sector.
Final Thoughts: Why I Appreciate GCEC’s Payment Options
As someone who’s lived in the service area for years, I’ve come to really appreciate the variety of payment options GCEC offers. The flexibility to pay online, through an app, in person, or automatically gives everyone a chance to find what works best for their situation.
I especially love how the cooperative structure means they’re focused on serving members rather than maximizing profits. This community-based approach is reflected in everything from their billing practices to their member benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is my GCEC bill due?
A: Due dates can vary based on your billing cycle. The exact date should be listed on your bill, or you can check your SmartHub account.
Q: Can I pay my GCEC bill with a credit card?
A: Yes! GCEC accepts credit and debit cards through their SmartHub portal, mobile app, and by phone.
Q: Is there a fee for paying online?
A: This information isn’t specified on the main page, but typically, most utilities charge a small convenience fee for credit card payments but not for bank drafts or electronic checks.
Q: What happens if I pay my bill late?
A: Late payments typically incur a fee and, if left unpaid for too long, could result in service disconnection. It’s always best to contact GCEC directly if you’re going to be late with a payment.
Q: Can someone else pay my bill for me?
A: Yes, GCEC offers a “Pay on Behalf of Another Person” option, which can be helpful for family members assisting elderly parents or similar situations.
Fiscal Year Ending Dec. 2018
| Notable Sources of Revenue | Percent of Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | $0 | |
| Program Services | $132,311,762 | 98.5% |
| Investment Income | $627,031 | 0.5% |
| Bond Proceeds | $0 | |
| Royalties | $0 | |
| Rental Property Income | $147,369 | 0.1% |
| Net Fundraising | $0 | |
| Sales of Assets | $853,460 | 0.6% |
| Net Inventory Sales | $0 | |
| Other Revenue | $373,812 | 0.3% |
| Notable Expenses | Percent of Total Expenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Compensation | $1,301,676 | 1.0% |
| Professional Fundraising Fees | $0 | |
| Other Salaries and Wages | $5,067,021 | 3.8% |
| Assets/Debt | |
|---|---|
| Total Assets | $381,734,801 |
| Total Liabilities | $250,047,485 |
| Club or Co-Op Income | |
|---|---|
| Income From Members | $129,954,010 |
| Income From Other Sources | $3,554,294 |
| Key Employees and Officers | Compensation | Related | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Mcginnis (General Manager/Ceo) | $307,831 | $0 | $57,724 |
| Kevin Stevens (Mgr Of Maintenance And Operations) | $163,967 | $0 | $48,036 |
| Chris Offill (Ceo/Cfo Grayson Collin Communication) | $154,128 | $0 | $47,352 |
Fiscal Year Ending Dec. 2008
Extracted financial data is not available for the forms filed in this tax period, but Form 990 documents are available for download.
