New account number: Use your new account number to register for SmartHub. You can find your new account number on your new bill.
Re-register for your online account: We recently had a system upgrade that requires all of our members who have online accounts to register again. The new system greatly increases the amount of information you have access to with regards to your account, including your energy daily, and hourly energy usage.
Update your online payment options: If you previously were using automatic payments with us you will need to re-enter your payment information. You can do this once you register for your online account.
SmartHub has several features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Whether through the web, or your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS), you’ll be able to pay your bill, view your usage, contact customer service and get the latest news.
As soon as you log in, you’ll be able to view your billing history and make a payment with just a couple of clicks. You’ll be able to see your current bill, along with bills from the previous month or even the previous seasons, if you want to compare costs. Not only will you see your billing history, but you’ll be able to view your actual use. You can see how your use is trending over time, which will allow you to take steps to lower your bill.
Making payments through SmartHub is fast and easy. The first time you make a payment either through the web or through your mobile device, you’ll be able to securely store your payment information for future transactions. The next time you need to pay your bill, it will only take a couple of clicks.
You’ll also be able to see important notices with SmartHub. You’ll be able to select how you want to be notified about your bill, including email and text messaging. You’ll even be able to set usage thresholds so that you’ll know when you’re using more than you’d like which will help you keep your electricity bill as low as possible.
Reporting a service issue is a snap with the SmartHub mobile app. There’s no need to call the office, just let us know about the issue with a few clicks. You can also contact us for customer service requests or with any questions you may have. You can now contact us at any time from anywhere.
Are you tired of driving to the Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative office every month just to pay your electric bill? Or maybe you’ve been hit with those annoying 10% late fees because your mailed payment didn’t arrive on time? I’ve been there too, and it’s frustrating! That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide on all the ways you can pay your Buckeye REC bill – from the convenience of your smartphone to local payment stations.
Why Paying Your Buckeye REC Bill On Time Matters
Before diving into payment methods, let’s talk about something important timing. Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative applies a 10% penalty on payments not received by the due date. And here’s the catch – a postmark date doesn’t count as the received date! You need to allow 4-5 days for your payment to reach them if you’re using a pay station or mailing it.
I learned this lesson the hard way last winter when my payment arrived two days late and I got hit with that extra fee. Not fun!
The Easiest Ways to Pay Your Buckeye Rural Electric Bill
1. SmartHub App – The Modern Solution
This is my personal favorite method! Buckeye REC’s SmartHub app makes managing your account super simple You can
- Pay your bill with just a few taps
- View your electricity usage
- Contact member services
- Get the latest news and updates
To get started
- Download the app from your app store (works for Android or iOS)
- Create an account
- Link your Buckeye REC account
The app is totally free to use, and there’s no service fee for making payments through it. I’ve been using it for about a year now, and it’s saved me so much time!
2. Automated Pay-By-Phone System
Not a smartphone person? No problem! Buckeye REC has a super easy phone payment system:
- Call (833) 539-9655
- Press Option 1 if you’ve already created a PIN
- Follow the prompts to pay with your credit card or e-check
You can also use this system to:
- Check your account balance
- Sign up for or update autopay
- Create or update your PIN
- Update your phone number
I’ve used this a couple times when my internet was down, and it worked perfectly!
3. Automatic Bill Payment – Set It and Forget It
If you’re like me and sometimes forget due dates, automatic bill payment is your best friend. You can set up funds to automatically deduct from your:
- Checking account
- Savings account
- Credit card
The payment processes on your due date, so you’ll never pay late fees again! You’ll still receive your bill either electronically or by mail, so you can review it before payment.
To sign up, you can:
- Use the SmartHub app
- Call the automated pay-by-phone system at (833) 539-9655
4. Online Bill Payment System – Quick Pay
Don’t want to create a SmartHub account? No worries! Buckeye REC offers a “Pay Now” option on their website where you can quickly pay without creating an account. Just visit the website and look for the “Pay Now” option.
5. Mail Payment – The Traditional Method
For those who prefer the traditional route:
- Include your statement stub with payment
- Mail to: BUCKEYE REC, PO BOX 200, RIO GRANDE, OH 45674
Remember to allow plenty of time for mail delivery! At least 4-5 days before the due date is recommended.
6. Visit the Office in Person
You can always pay in person at:
- Rio Grande Office: 4848 St. Rt. 325 South, Patriot, Ohio
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except holidays)
They also have a night deposit drop-box at the drive-through for after-hours payments.
Local Payment Stations – Pay Where You Shop
Bank Payment Options
Buckeye REC has partnered with several local banks where you can pay your bill:
Hocking Valley Bank locations:
- All Athens locations
- East Washington St. in Albany
- North Plains in The Plains
Other Banks:
- Peoples Bank in Middleport and Pomeroy
- Liberty Federal Savings Bank in Proctorville (7510 County Road 107)
- Liberty Federal Savings Bank in Ironton (314 Park Ave)
Cash-Only Payment Options
VanillaDirect Pay (NEW!)
This is a recent addition to Buckeye’s payment options, and it’s perfect if you prefer paying with cash! You can pay at popular retailers like:
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- CVS Pharmacy
- Speedway
- 7-Eleven
Just show the barcode from your paper bill or SmartHub account, and the cashier will process your payment. The best part? Your payment is credited to your account IMMEDIATELY!
To find more locations, visit www.vanilladirect.com.
CheckFreePay
Another cash option is CheckFreePay, available at:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Many other locations
To find CheckFreePay locations near you, visit www.checkfreepay.com and use their “Find a Payment Location” tool.
Important note: Do NOT use pay stations for delinquent bills or mail payments if you’re close to disconnection. Your payment might not reach the office in time to prevent disconnection fees.
Payment Types Accepted by Buckeye REC
Buckeye Rural Electric accepts multiple payment types:
- Cash: Accepted at their office
- E-check: Accepted online, at their office, through mailed payments, or the pay-by-phone system
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted online, through the pay-by-phone service, and at their office
Warning: Avoid Third-Party Payment Websites!
Here’s something really important I learned recently – be careful of third-party payment websites! Some sites use Buckeye REC’s name and logo but aren’t affiliated with the cooperative at all. These sites charge extra service fees that you don’t need to pay.
Remember: The official Buckeye REC website (buckeyerec.coop) doesn’t charge any fees for online payments.
My Personal Experience with Buckeye REC Bill Pay
When I first moved to southeastern Ohio three years ago, I was mailing all my payments. After getting hit with a couple late fees (because I mailed them too close to the deadline), I switched to SmartHub. The difference has been amazing!
The app sends me reminders when my bill is due, shows me how my electricity usage changes month to month, and lets me pay with just a few clicks. I’ve even set up autopay for the winter months when bills are higher so I don’t accidentally forget.
For my elderly neighbor who doesn’t use smartphones, I showed her how to use the VanillaDirect Pay option at our local Dollar General. Now she can pay while doing her regular shopping, and she loves that her payment is credited instantly.
Common Questions About Paying Your Buckeye REC Bill
When is my payment due?
Your specific due date is shown on your monthly bill. Always try to pay a few days before this date to avoid penalties.
What happens if I pay late?
A 10% penalty is added to your bill if payment isn’t received by the due date. If payment remains outstanding, you could face disconnection and additional fees.
Is there a fee to pay online?
No! Buckeye REC does not charge any fees for using their official online payment options.
Can I set up budget billing?
Contact Buckeye REC directly to ask about budget billing options that might be available.
Final Thoughts
Paying your Buckeye Rural Electric bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With so many convenient options available, you can choose the method that works best for your lifestyle and schedule.
I’ve found that setting up autopay through SmartHub has been a game-changer for me – no more late fees and one less bill to worry about each month. But whatever method you choose, just remember to allow enough time for your payment to process before the due date!
Have you tried any of these payment methods for your Buckeye REC bill? Which one works best for you? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
This article was last updated in October 2025 with the latest information from Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative. For the most current information, always check the official Buckeye REC website or contact their customer service.
Getting started with SmartHub is as easy as 1-2-3!
As you work down this page, you’ll complete the following checklist and be on your way to managing your account like never before! Make payments, report service interruptions, monitor usage, and save the planet.
Locate your new account number (instructions below) and get registered!
Manage your account on the go from anywhere at any time!
Serving Southeastern Ohio Since 1938
What changes can you expect when we launch SmartHub?
New account number: Use your new account number to register for SmartHub. You can find your new account number on your new bill.
Re-register for your online account: We recently had a system upgrade that requires all of our members who have online accounts to register again. The new system greatly increases the amount of information you have access to with regards to your account, including your energy daily, and hourly energy usage.
Update your online payment options: If you previously were using automatic payments with us you will need to re-enter your payment information. You can do this once you register for your online account.
On the go and in control. Now you can manage your account like never before!
SmartHub has several features that make managing your account as easy as possible. Whether through the web, or your smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS), you’ll be able to pay your bill, view your usage, contact customer service and get the latest news.
As soon as you log in, you’ll be able to view your billing history and make a payment with just a couple of clicks. You’ll be able to see your current bill, along with bills from the previous month or even the previous seasons, if you want to compare costs. Not only will you see your billing history, but you’ll be able to view your actual use. You can see how your use is trending over time, which will allow you to take steps to lower your bill.
Making payments through SmartHub is fast and easy. The first time you make a payment either through the web or through your mobile device, you’ll be able to securely store your payment information for future transactions. The next time you need to pay your bill, it will only take a couple of clicks.
You’ll also be able to see important notices with SmartHub. You’ll be able to select how you want to be notified about your bill, including email and text messaging. You’ll even be able to set usage thresholds so that you’ll know when you’re using more than you’d like which will help you keep your electricity bill as low as possible.
Reporting a service issue is a snap with the SmartHub mobile app. There’s no need to call the office, just let us know about the issue with a few clicks. You can also contact us for customer service requests or with any questions you may have. You can now contact us at any time from anywhere.
