Are you tired of scrambling to pay your electric bill at the last minute? Maybe you’ve misplaced your statement or forgotten the due date. We’ve all been there! As a member of Central Electric Cooperative, you have several convenient ways to pay your monthly bill that can make life a whole lot easier.
I’ve been researching the various payment methods offered by Central Electric Cooperative, and I’m excited to share these options with you. Whether you prefer paying online, through automatic drafts, or in person, Central Electric has created flexible solutions to fit your lifestyle.
Smart Ways to Pay Your Central Electric Bill
SmartHub: The All-in-One Solution
SmartHub is probably the most versatile option for managing your Central Electric account. It’s not just for bill payments – it’s a complete account management system that lets you:
- View and update your account information
- Check current and previous energy usage patterns
- Make one-time payments using Visa, Mastercard, Discover or e-check
- Set up recurring payments so you never miss a due date
- Update your payment information whenever needed
- View and print your electric bills
- Receive monthly email notifications when your bill is ready
To get started with SmartHub, you’ll need your email address and electric account number. Once registered you can access your account anytime day or night, even on weekends!
One-Time Online Payment
Don’t want to register for an account? No problem! Central Electric offers a quick one-time payment option that doesn’t require registration. You’ll just need
- Your billing account number
- Your last name or business name
This is perfect for those months when you’re in a hurry or if you prefer not to create an online account,
Bank Draft or Recurring Credit/Debit Card Payments
For the ultimate “set it and forget it” approach, you can sign up to have your payment automatically deducted from your bank account or charged to your credit card. Your payment will be processed on the 15th of each month (or the next business day if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday).
You’ll still receive your monthly bill, but it will be marked “Do Not Pay – Paid by Bank Draft” or “Do Not Pay – Paid by Credit Card.” To sign up, you can:
- Call 855-939-3738 and select option 3
- Sign up through SmartHub
Just be aware that there may be a $30 fee if your bank draft or credit card payment is declined for any reason.
Prepaid Billing: Pay-As-You-Go
Here’s an interesting option – what if paying your electric bill worked like fueling your car? With Central Electric’s Pay-As-You-Go program, you can purchase electricity when it’s convenient for you. There are no late fees or monthly bills to worry about!
This might be a good choice if you:
- Prefer to make smaller, more frequent payments
- Want more control over your electricity spending
- Don’t want to deal with monthly bills or due dates
To learn more, you can request Pay-As-You-Go information directly from Central Electric.
Budget Billing: Consistent Monthly Payments
If you hate the surprise of seasonal bill fluctuations, Budget Billing might be perfect for you. This program lets you pay a fixed amount each month, spreading your electricity costs evenly throughout the year.
The fixed amount is calculated based on your average usage over the previous 12 months. The cooperative evaluates your budget billing amount twice a year (May and November) and may adjust it according to your actual usage. Any changes will be noted on your statement and go into effect the following month.
The best part? There’s no “catch-up” month where you suddenly owe a large amount. Any credits or balances at year-end simply roll into the following year’s calculations.
Pay by Phone
Sometimes the easiest way to pay is with a quick phone call. Central Electric offers a secure, automated payment line at 855-939-3738. Just have your electric account number ready and follow the instructions.
This automated system complies with credit card use standards to ensure your payment information stays secure.
Drop Box/Payment Locations
If you prefer to pay in person, you have a couple of options:
-
Betts Road Service Center Drop Box
- Located at 25487 403rd Ave, I-90 Exit 325, Mitchell, SD
-
Lode Star Casino Motel Payment Kiosk
- Located at 1003 SD-34, Fort Thompson, SD
Mail-In Payments
The traditional option of mailing your payment is still available. Send your payment to:
Central Electric Cooperative
PO Box 850
Mitchell SD 57301-0850
Be sure to use the envelope provided with your bill and allow enough time for your payment to reach the office by the due date to avoid late fees. Remember, Central Electric uses the receipt date, not the postmark date, when processing mailed payments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Electric Bill Pay
When is my bill due?
Your Central Electric bill is typically due on the payment date shown on your statement. To avoid late fees, make sure your payment reaches the cooperative by this date.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss a payment, you may be subject to late fees and, in extreme cases, service disconnection. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, contact Central Electric to discuss payment arrangements.
Can I pay for multiple accounts at once?
Yes! If you have multiple accounts, you can use SmartHub or the Pay Multiple Accounts feature to manage them all in one place.
What if I need to start service?
If you need to start service, you can click on the “Start Service” option on the customer portal or visit the “Apply for Service” section on the Central Electric website.
Is there a fee for using these payment methods?
Most payment methods offered by Central Electric don’t have additional fees. However, as mentioned earlier, there may be a $30 fee for declined bank drafts or credit card payments.
More Than Just Bill Pay: Additional Central Electric Services
While we’re focused on bill payment options, it’s worth noting that Central Electric offers several other valuable services:
- Energy Assistance programs for those who need help with their bills
- Capital Credits for cooperative members
- Operation Round-Up® for community support
- Youth Programs & Scholarships
- Rebates & Incentives for energy-efficient upgrades
- Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Program
- Outage Reporting and tracking
- Energy Advisory services to help you understand and reduce your energy usage
Which Bill Pay Option Is Right for You?
The “best” way to pay your Central Electric bill depends entirely on your preferences and lifestyle:
- For tech-savvy members: SmartHub offers the most comprehensive account management
- For busy households: Bank draft or recurring credit card payments ensure you never miss a due date
- For those on tight budgets: Pay-As-You-Go or Budget Billing provide better control over expenses
- For those without internet access: Phone payments or drop box locations provide offline options
Final Thoughts
Managing your Central Electric bill doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With so many convenient payment options available, you can choose the method that best fits your lifestyle and preferences.
We recommend exploring SmartHub if you haven’t already, as it provides the most complete account management experience. But whatever method you choose, Central Electric has made it easier than ever to stay current on your electric bill.
Remember, if you have questions about any of these payment options or need assistance, you can always contact Central Electric directly at:
- Phone: 800.477.2892 or 605.996.7516
- Address: 25487 403rd Avenue, I-90 Exit 325, PO Box 850, Mitchell, SD 57301
Stay powered up and stress-free with these convenient payment options from Central Electric Cooperative!
Enhanced Safety Settings Activated for Wildfire Season
Central Oregon has entered wildfire season, and Central Electric Cooperative has taken precautionary measures to help ensure public safety.
