Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative serving the counties of Towns, Union and Fannin of North Georgia; and Clay and Cherokee of Western North Carolina.
Are you tired of stressing over your Mountain Electric Cooperative bill payments? Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the cooperative, understanding your payment options can save you time, money, and headaches We’ve gathered all the information you need about Mountain Electric Coop bill pay in one convenient place!
Why Choosing the Right Payment Method Matters
As a member of Mountain Electric Cooperative (MEC), you have several ways to pay your electric bill. Each option offers different benefits depending on your situation. Some methods help you avoid late fees, while others save you trips to the office or postage costs
I’ve been a MEC customer for years, and I’ve tried most of these payment methods myself. Let me share what I’ve learned to make your life easier!
Mountain Electric Cooperative: Who They Are
Before diving into payment options, let’s quickly understand who provides your electricity:
Mountain Electric Cooperative (MEC) serves northeast Tennessee and northwest North Carolina. Founded on April 1, 1941, MEC distributes electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority to approximately 34,600 members across a 700 square mile service area.
MEC maintains three offices:
- Mountain City Office (Corporate): 604 S Church St, Mountain City, TN
- Newland Office: 1373 Elk Park Hwy, Newland, NC
- Roan Mountain Office: 8477 Hwy 19E, Roan Mountain, TN
8 Ways to Pay Your Mountain Electric Bill
1. Online Bill Pay Through Customer Portal
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through MEC’s online customer portal.
How to use the online portal:
- Visit https://billview.mountain.coop/onlineportal
- Sign in with your account information
- Select “Billing & Payments”
- Choose “Pay My Bill”
- Follow the prompts to complete payment
The portal accepts credit/debit cards or E-Checks. Credit card payments include a 2.45% convenience fee, while E-Checks have a $1.00 fee per transaction.
Pro tip: You can also use “Quick Pay” without logging in if you’re in a hurry!
2. Auto-Pay Options
Never miss a payment again with these automatic options:
Bank Draft
This is probably the easiest way to pay your bill. The amount is automatically deducted from your checking account on the due date. You’ll still receive your bill for your records, but never worry about deadlines again.
Credit Card Draft
Similar to bank draft, but uses your credit card instead. The transaction will appear on your statement as “SEDC, Atlanta, GA” or “Southeastern Data Cooperative.”
Auto-Pay through Portal
Set up automatic payments using your credit card or e-check when logged into your account. Can be cancelled anytime by selecting ‘Delete’ on your Auto-pay page.
3. Pay By Phone
Can’t access the internet? No problem! Call the toll-free number at (833) 399-0814 and follow the automated system instructions to pay your bill. This service is available 24/7.
4. Pay in Person
If you prefer the personal touch or need to pay with cash, you can visit any MEC office:
- Mountain City: (423) 727-1800
- Newland: (828) 733-0159
- Roan Mountain: (423) 772-3521
Additionally, MEC accepts payments at these partner locations (note: they don’t accept delinquent payments):
- Farmers Exchange in Roan Mountain
- Farmers State Bank in Butler
- Pleasant’s Store in Butler
5. Pre-Pay Plan
The Pre-Pay Plan gives you more control over your energy costs. This option allows you to:
- Skip the deposit
- Pay as you go
- Avoid a large monthly payment
This is perfect for members who want flexibility in managing their electricity budget!
6. Mail-In Payments
The traditional method still works! Just mail your check to your local MEC office. Be sure to allow enough time for delivery before the due date to avoid late fees.
7. Levelized Billing
Want more predictable bills? Levelized billing lets you pay the average of your previous 12-month usage each month. This smooths out seasonal highs and lows, making budgeting easier.
Important: Open enrollment for levelized billing runs from April 1st to December 31st.
8. E-Billing
Environmentally conscious? Sign up for E-billing to receive your bill by email each month. You’ll get your bill like clockwork and can pay online with just a few clicks.
Avoiding Scams and Protecting Your Account
SCAMMER ALERT
We’ve noticed an increase in scam attempts targeting electric cooperative members. Remember:
- MEC never calls to collect payments over the phone
- They don’t request personal financial information by phone
- If someone calls demanding immediate payment, it’s a scam!
If you receive a suspicious call, gather as much information as possible and contact MEC immediately.
Special Programs and Features
Operation Pocket Change
Want to help your community? Operation Pocket Change is a voluntary program where your bill is rounded up to the next dollar. The extra cents go to a fund that helps local organizations and fellow members facing hardship.
For example, if your bill is $85.73, it would be rounded to $86, with 27 cents going to Operation Pocket Change.
To sign up, call your local office or email [email protected].
Quick Pay Feature
In a hurry? MEC now offers Quick Pay, allowing you to make payments without logging into the portal. This is perfect for those times when you need to pay quickly!
Tips for Managing Your Electric Account
Beyond just paying your bill, MEC offers several ways to manage your account:
- Usage History: Track your electricity consumption through the customer portal
- Account Alerts: Set up notifications for due dates, high usage, or outages
- Mobile Apps: Access your account on the go
- Outage Reporting: Quickly report and check the status of power outages
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a fee for paying online?
A: Yes, there’s a 2.45% convenience fee for credit card payments and a $1.00 fee for E-Check payments.
Q: Can I pay multiple accounts at once?
A: Yes! The customer portal has a “Pay Multiple Accounts” feature for members with several service locations.
Q: What happens if I miss a payment?
A: Late payments may incur penalties. Contact MEC immediately if you’re having difficulty making a payment.
Q: How do I set up auto-payments?
A: Log into the customer portal, select “Auto Payments” under the Billing & Payments menu, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, you can complete a Bank Draft or Credit Card Draft form.
Q: Is there a mobile app for bill payments?
A: Yes, MEC offers mobile apps for smartphones and smart devices, making it easier to manage your account on the go.
Making the Right Choice for Your Needs
The best payment method depends on your personal preferences and habits:
| If you want to… | Consider using… |
|---|---|
| Never miss a payment | Bank Draft or Auto-Pay |
| Pay the same amount each month | Levelized Billing |
| Avoid trips to the office | Online Portal or Phone Payments |
| Control your usage more closely | Pre-Pay Plan |
| Save paper | E-Billing |
| Pay with cash | In-Person Payments |
Conclusion
Mountain Electric Cooperative offers numerous convenient ways to pay your bill, ensuring there’s an option that fits your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the convenience of automatic payments, the flexibility of online options, or the personal touch of visiting an office, MEC has you covered.
We recommend setting up auto-pay or using the online portal for most members, as these options save time and help avoid late fees. However, the best payment method is ultimately the one that works reliably for your specific situation.
Remember that MEC is a member-owned cooperative, meaning they work with you, for you. If you have any questions about billing or payment options, don’t hesitate to contact your local office for personalized assistance.
By understanding all your payment options, you can choose the method that makes managing your electric service as simple and stress-free as possible!
Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for your household? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Water Heater Protection Program
Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative serving the counties of Towns, Union and Fannin of North Georgia; and Clay and Cherokee of Western North Carolina.
Establishing Electric Service
There are several options when establishing electric service with Blue Ridge Mountain EMC. Each option has a checklist that will ensure you get the necessary paperwork to BRMEMC and your job stays on track.
