Ultimate Guide to Upshur Rural Electric Bill Pay Options: Simple, Fast & Convenient

Are you tired of scrambling to pay your Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative (URECC) bill at the last minute? Maybe you’ve forgotten a payment or two and faced those pesky late fees? I get it – managing bills can be a hassle, especially with our busy lives As someone who’s been an Upshur Rural member for years, I’ve explored every payment option they offer, and I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide to make your bill payments easier than ever

What is Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative?

Before diving into payment methods let’s take a quick look at what URECC is all about. Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (URECC) is a member-owned electric cooperative serving East Texas since 1937. With over 51000 meters covering a ten-county area, URECC provides reliable electric service to homes and businesses across the region. Their mission is to provide affordable, reliable electric energy consistent with sound economy, safety, and quality management.

Multiple Ways to Pay Your Upshur Rural Bill

URECC understands that members have different preferences when it comes to paying bills, which is why they offer numerous payment options:

1. SmartHub App (The Most Convenient Option)

SmartHub is URECC’s free mobile app that gives you full control over your account. It’s available on both Android and iOS devices.

Benefits of using SmartHub

• Pay bills anytime, anywhere
• Monitor your energy usage
• Report outages easily
• Receive bill reminders
• Contact Member Services
• View payment history

To get started with SmartHub:

1. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
2. Create an account using your URECC account information
3. Set up payment methods and preferences

2. Online Payment via Website

If you prefer using a computer rather than a mobile app, you can pay through URECC’s website:

• Visit https://urecc.smarthub.coop/ui/
• Log in with your SmartHub credentials
• Select the “Pay Now” option
• Enter your payment information

3. Automatic Bank Draft (No Fees!)

Let URECC handle the remembering part with automatic drafts:

• Your payment is automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date
• No fees for this service
• Never worry about late payments again
• Set up through the SmartHub app or by contacting Member Services

4. Pay by Phone

Need to make a quick payment? Call URECC’s dedicated payment line:

• Call 855-939-3744
• Have your account number and payment method ready
• Accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) and e-checks

5. In-Person at URECC Office

If you prefer face-to-face transactions, visit the URECC office:

• Located at 1200 W. Tyler Street, Gilmer, TX 75644
• Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Payment kiosks are available 24/7 outside the office

6. Payment Drop Box

In a hurry? Use the convenient drop box:

• Located in the drive-thru at the URECC office
• Available 24/7
• Ensure your account number is included with payment

7. Mail-In Payments

The traditional way is still available:

• Send payment with the return envelope included with your bill
• Remember to include a stamp
• Mail to: P.O. Box 70, Gilmer, Texas 75644
• Allow sufficient time for delivery before the due date

8. Third-Party Payment Options

URECC also offers alternative payment methods:

• MoneyGram: Use code 15153 and the blue form at MoneyGram locations
• VanillaDirect Pay: Use the barcode at participating retailers like Dollar General and Walgreens

Power2Go: Prepaid Billing Option

For those who prefer more control over their electricity costs, URECC offers Power2Go prepaid metering:

• Pay for electricity as you go
• No monthly bills
• No security deposits
• No reconnect fees
• No late fees
• Daily updates on usage and balance through the SmartHub app

With Power2Go, your account is billed daily based on actual meter readings. Each day’s usage is deducted from your account balance, giving you real-time visibility into your energy consumption and costs.

Paperless Billing: Save Money and Help the Environment

Going paperless with URECC offers several advantages:

• $5 credit for newly enrolled accounts
• Increased security for personal information
• Consistent delivery of your bill each month
• Quicker operations and payments
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Access to previous bills at your fingertips

To enroll in paperless billing:

• From the Website: Sign in to SmartHub, go to “My Profile,” then “Update My Printed Bill Settings,” and toggle to the right
• From the App: Go to “My Account,” then “Paperless Billing,” and toggle to the right

What About Late Payments?

Life happens, and sometimes bills get overlooked. If you’re worried about a late payment:

1. Log into your SmartHub account to check your due date
2. Call Member Services at 903-843-2536 to discuss options if you’re running late
3. Consider setting up automatic payments to avoid future issues

For those experiencing financial hardship, URECC offers several assistance programs. The “Members Helping Members” program and partnerships with local assistance agencies can provide support to eligible members.

Changing Your Due Date

Did you know you can request a different billing cycle? If your current due date doesn’t align well with your payday or other financial obligations, call Member Services at 903-843-2536 to request a cycle change.

Tips for Managing Your URECC Bill

1. Monitor your usage: Use SmartHub to track your daily electricity consumption and identify patterns.

2. Consider Power2Go: If you prefer more control and flexibility, switch to prepaid metering.

3. Sign up for alerts: Set up notifications in SmartHub to alert you when bills are due or when usage exceeds a certain threshold.

4. Energy efficiency: Implement energy-saving practices to reduce your overall consumption.

5. Beat the peak: Shift high-energy activities to off-peak hours when electricity costs less to produce.

Common Questions About URECC Bill Payment

Q: Can seniors get special consideration for deposits?
A: Yes! Members who are 65 years or older with no outstanding balance with URECC or another utility for the same service during the past two years do NOT have to pay deposits on new or existing accounts.

Q: What if I have multiple meters on my property?
A: Your bill will include charges for all meters associated with your account. You can view detailed information for each meter in SmartHub.

Q: How do I report an outage?
A: You can report outages through the SmartHub app, by texting “OUT” to 855-939-3744 (for single-meter accounts), or by calling 903-680-2100.

Final Thoughts

Managing your Upshur Rural Electric bill doesn’t have to be complicated. With so many payment options available, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and preferences. The SmartHub app stands out as the most versatile option, giving you complete control over your account while making payments quick and easy.

We’ve been members of URECC for over a decade, and I can honestly say their commitment to member service is outstanding. They’ve continually improved their payment systems to make them more user-friendly and accessible.

Don’t let bill payment be a source of stress in your life. Take advantage of these convenient options and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with staying on top of your URECC bill.

Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for your household? Feel free to share your experiences!