Are you tired of the hassle that comes with paying your electric bills in person? Maybe you’ve forgotten to mail your check and the due date is tomorrow? Don’t worry – CHELCO has got your back with their convenient phone payment option. As someone who’s been a CHELCO member for years, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the process of paying your CHELCO bill by phone.
What is CHELCO?
Before diving into the payment details, let me quickly explain that CHELCO stands for Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative. It’s our local electric cooperative serving communities across the Florida panhandle. As a cooperative they’re member-owned which means they focus on service rather than profit.
How to Pay Your CHELCO Bill by Phone
Paying your CHELCO bill by phone is super easy! Here’s how to do it
- Grab your CHELCO account number (you can find it on your bill)
- Have your payment method ready (debit/credit card)
- Call CHELCO at (850) 892-2111, or if you’re calling long-distance, use their toll-free number: (800) 342-0990
- Follow the prompts to make your payment
That’s it! Your payment will be processed immediately
Important note: There is a $2.50 fee per $500 increment when paying with debit/credit cards over the phone. So if your bill is $501, you’ll pay a $5 service fee (2 × $2.50).
Beware of Scams!
CHELCO has specifically warned members that they will NEVER call you asking for immediate payment over the phone. If you receive a call claiming to be CHELCO and demanding payment, it’s probably a scam. Hang up and call CHELCO directly using the official numbers above to verify any payment requests.
Other Ways to Pay Your CHELCO Bill
While phone payments are convenient, CHELCO offers several other payment methods. Let me break them down for you:
1. Automatic Bank Draft
This is personally my favorite option because I never have to worry about forgetting a payment. Your bill is automatically drafted from your bank account on the due date. To sign up:
- Fill out the bank draft form on the CHELCO website
- Submit it to any CHELCO office
- Sit back and relax knowing your bills will always be paid on time
2. Online Payments
The CHELCO online portal gives you complete control of your account. You can:
- Make one-time payments using your checking account
- Pay with a credit card (additional fee applies)
- Set up automatic bank drafts
- View your energy usage history
3. MyCHELCO Mobile App
This is perfect for us folks who do everything on our phones. The app lets you:
- Pay your bill anytime, anywhere
- Check your energy usage
- Update your contact info
- Report or monitor outages
You can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play.
4. Payment Kiosks
CHELCO has 24/7 kiosks at five of their offices:
- DeFuniak Springs
- Freeport
- Santa Rosa Beach
- Bluewater Bay
- Auburn
The kiosks accept cash, debit, or credit cards (with the same $2.50 fee per $500 increment).
5. In-Person Office Payments
If you prefer the old-school approach, CHELCO has six area offices open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6. Mail-In Payments
You can mail your payment (checks preferred) to:
CHELCOPO Box 71281Charlotte, NC 28272-12817. Drop Boxes
Each CHELCO office has a 24/7 drop box outside the building where you can leave your payment anytime.
Comparison of Payment Methods
Let me help you decide which payment method might work best for you:
| Payment Method | Convenience | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone Payment | High | $2.50 per $500 | Last-minute payments |
| Automatic Draft | Very High | None | “Set it and forget it” |
| Online Portal | High | Fee for credit cards | Regular digital users |
| Mobile App | Very High | Fee for credit cards | Smartphone users |
| Kiosks | Medium | $2.50 per $500 | Cash payments after hours |
| Office Payments | Low | None | People who prefer face-to-face |
| Mail-In | Low | None | Traditional bill payers |
| Drop Box | Medium | None | After-hours check payments |
Why I Prefer Phone Payments Sometimes
Even though I normally use automatic bank draft, there are times when the phone payment option has saved me:
- When I needed to make a payment from out of town
- During that one time my bank account had issues
- When I realized at the last minute I’d forgotten to mail my check
The process is quick – usually takes less than 5 minutes. The automated system walks you through everything, and as long as you have your account number handy, it’s super easy.
What If You’re Struggling to Pay?
We all go through tough times. If you’re having trouble paying your bill, CHELCO encourages you to call them BEFORE your bill becomes past due. They can discuss payment plans with you.
You can also contact the Walton County Council on Aging at (850) 892-8165 and ask about the “Members Helping Members” program. This program provides assistance to those facing financial hardships.
My Personal Experience with CHELCO Phone Payments
Last summer, I was traveling and suddenly remembered my CHELCO payment was due the next day. I was in a panic until I remembered their phone payment option. I called the toll-free number, entered my account info, and had everything taken care of in just a few minutes. Yes, I had to pay the $2.50 fee, but it was worth it to avoid a late payment.
The automated system was clear and easy to follow. After completing my payment, I received a confirmation number, which gave me peace of mind knowing everything was processed correctly.
Tips for Smooth Phone Payments
After using this service several times, here are some tips I’ve learned:
- Have your account number ready – The system will ask for this first
- Use a good phone connection – You don’t want to get cut off mid-payment
- Have your card details handy – Card number, expiration date, and CVV code
- Write down your confirmation number – Just in case you need to reference it later
- Call during non-peak hours – If you need to speak with a representative
Frequently Asked Questions About CHELCO Phone Payments
What hours can I pay by phone?
The automated phone payment system is available 24/7, so you can pay whenever is convenient for you!
Do I need my account number to pay by phone?
Yes, you’ll need your CHELCO account number to make a payment by phone.
How long does it take for my phone payment to post?
Phone payments are typically processed immediately.
Can I set up recurring payments by phone?
No, the phone system is for one-time payments. For recurring payments, you’ll want to set up automatic bank draft through the online portal or by filling out a form.
What if I need a receipt for my phone payment?
The system will give you a confirmation number. If you need an official receipt, you can log into your online account or call customer service during business hours.
Conclusion: Is Paying Your CHELCO Bill by Phone Right for You?
After going through all the options, paying your CHELCO bill by phone is best if:
- You need to make a last-minute payment
- You’re away from home
- You prefer not to use online services
- You want immediate payment confirmation
The only real downside is the $2.50 fee per $500 increment. If you’re making regular monthly payments, you might wanna consider setting up automatic bank draft to avoid these fees altogether.
But for those occasional situations where you need to make a quick payment, the phone option is a lifesaver. It’s saved me from late fees more than once!
Remember, CHELCO is our cooperative – they’re here to serve us as members. If you ever have questions about bill payment options, don’t hesitate to give them a call at (850) 892-2111 or (800) 342-0990.
Have you used CHELCO’s phone payment system? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
City of DeFuniak Springs71 US Highway 90 W DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (8 892-8503
1350 W. Baldwin Ave DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: 1-850-892-2111https://www.Chelco.com
