Are you a PEC member in Ada Oklahoma looking for the easiest way to pay your electric bill? I totally get it – nobody enjoys paying bills but at least Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) offers several convenient options to make the process as painless as possible. As someone who’s dealt with utility payments for years, I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate all your payment choices.
Quick Ways to Pay Your PEC Bill
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of all your options for paying your PEC bill in Ada, OK:
- Online payments through SmartHub (save $1.50 monthly with auto-pay)
- Phone payments available 24/7 at 855-938-3589
- In-person cash payments at PEC Secure Pay Stations
- Mail payments via check or money order
- Third-party locations like Western Union, MoneyGram, or VanillaDirect
- Payment plans to help manage your monthly costs
Now let’s explore each option in more detail so you can choose what works best for you!
Online Bill Payment Options
The internet makes everything easier, including bill payment. PEC offers several digital options that let you pay anytime, anywhere.
SmartHub Online Account
The most convenient way to pay your PEC bill is through your online account Here’s what you can do
- Make one-time payments using credit card or bank draft
- Set up automatic recurring payments (and save $1.50 monthly!)
- View your payment history
- Monitor your energy usage
- Sign up for paperless billing (save an additional $1 monthly)
To get started, simply log in to your account on the PEC website. If you haven’t created an account yet, you’ll need your account number to register.
Pay Now Option (No Login Required)
Don’t want to log in or create an account? No problem! PEC offers a quick “Pay Now” option where you can:
- Enter your account number
- View your current balance
- Make a payment immediately with credit card or e-check
This is perfect for one-time payments when you’re in a hurry or away from home.
Phone Payment System
If you prefer talking to a real person or using an automated system, PEC’s phone payment option is available 24/7.
Simply call 855-938-3589 and follow the voice prompts to:
- Pay with credit card
- Pay with e-check
- Check your balance
- Get payment confirmation
The automated system is super easy to use, but if you need help, you can always request to speak with a customer service representative during business hours.
In-Person Payment Options
Sometimes nothing beats the peace of mind of making a payment in person and getting that receipt in your hand.
PEC Secure Pay Stations
PEC offices have self-service kiosks called Secure Pay Stations where you can make immediate payments using:
- Cash (exact amount – no change given)
- Credit cards
- E-checks
These stations are available 24/7 at PEC offices, so you can stop by anytime that works for your schedule. Just remember to bring your account number!
Third-Party Payment Locations
Need to pay your bill with cash but can’t make it to a PEC office? Several third-party services accept PEC payments:
Western Union
- $1.50 processing fee
- Find a participating location near you
- Payments post immediately
MoneyGram
- $1.50 merchant fee
- Reference PEC receiver #15898 when making payment
- Convenient locations throughout the service area
VanillaDirect
- $1.50 fee
- Requires your unique barcode (available in your online account)
- Multiple retail locations available
These options are great if you’re paying with cash or if you’re closer to one of these locations than to a PEC office.
Mail Payment Option
If you’re old school and prefer sending checks, you can still pay your PEC bill by mail:
- Detach the bottom portion of your bill
- Include your check or money order (never send cash!)
- Mail to:
Pedernales Electric CooperativeP.O. Box 660069Dallas, Texas 75266-0069
Important note: PEC no longer accepts single checks for multiple accounts from residential members, so you’ll need separate payments for each account.
Payment Plans to Manage Your Budget
Electric bills can vary dramatically with the seasons in Oklahoma. To help manage these fluctuations, PEC offers two payment plans for members with good payment history:
Fixed Payment Plan
With this plan:
- You pay the same amount every month
- Amount is based on your previous 12 months of usage
- PEC periodically reviews to prevent excessive corrections
- Annual correction applied for any difference
This is perfect if you prefer consistent payments for budgeting purposes.
Average Payment Plan
With this option:
- Your payment varies month to month
- Based on rolling 12-month usage average
- No annual correction needed
- Smooths out seasonal highs and lows
This plan helps reduce the shock of high summer cooling or winter heating bills while still adjusting gradually each month.
Prepaid Option: Pay As You Go
If you prefer to pay for electricity before you use it (like prepaid cell phone plans), PEC offers a prepaid payment option:
- Pay for service before charges occur
- Eliminate late fees and reconnection charges
- Refill your balance online, by phone, or at a pay station
- Monitor your usage and balance in real time
Contact PEC directly to see if you meet the eligibility requirements for this program.
Member Assistance Program
If you’re struggling to pay your electric bill, don’t worry! PEC partners with local agencies through their Member Assistance Program to help members in need. These programs provide financial assistance to eligible households facing difficulties.
Saving Money on Your PEC Bill
Beyond just paying your bill, here are some ways to potentially reduce it:
- Auto-pay discount: Save $1.50 monthly by enrolling in automatic bank draft
- Paperless billing: Save an additional $1 monthly by going paperless
- Energy-saving tips: Check the PEC website for ways to reduce usage
- Time-of-Use Rate: Consider if this alternative rate structure could save you money
Important Contact Information
Need help with your PEC bill? Here’s how to reach them:
- Customer Service: 888-554-4732
- Payment Line: 855-938-3589
- Power Outage Line: 888-883-3379
- Email: For invoice billing questions – [email protected]
Final Thoughts
Paying your PEC bill in Ada, OK doesn’t have to be a hassle with so many convenient options. I personally prefer the automatic payment option – setting it up once and never worrying about due dates again is worth the small effort of initial setup.
Whatever method you choose, just remember to keep your account number handy and allow enough time for processing, especially if you’re mailing a payment. And if you’re ever facing financial difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask about the Member Assistance Program – that’s what cooperative membership is all about!
Have you tried any of these payment methods? Which one works best for your lifestyle? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PEC bill with a credit card?
Yes! You can pay with credit cards online, by phone, or at PEC Secure Pay Stations.
Is there a fee for paying my bill online?
There’s no fee for standard online payments. In fact, you can save $1.50 monthly by enrolling in automatic payments.
What happens if I miss my payment deadline?
Late payments may incur fees and potentially lead to service disconnection. If you’re having trouble, contact PEC before your due date to discuss options.
Can I pay for multiple accounts with one check?
No, PEC no longer accepts single checks for multiple accounts from residential members.
How can I get help if I can’t pay my electric bill?
Contact PEC about their Member Assistance Program, which partners with local agencies to provide help to qualifying members.
What’s the fastest way to pay my bill?
Online payments through your account or the Pay Now option are processed immediately, as are payments made by phone or at a Secure Pay Station.
High-Volume Call Answering System
- Our high-volume automated call answering system helps relay problems to our staff quickly and effectively and tracks restoration efforts, even during major interruptions.
- When you call, text, or report your outage via SmartHub, the system pinpoints the problem based on your PEC account number or the telephone number you have on file with us.
- If your phone number has changed, please contact us.
