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.
SmartHub has a new look. The browser version of SmartHub that you access from a computer or mobile browser has been updated to provide you
PowerMyWay is Craighead Electric’s prepay program that lets you pay for your electricity before you use it, just like you do for many other things
We are excited to announce that Live Chat service is now available to all Craighead Electric Cooperative members. This new feature allows you to instant
A lesser-known but occasionally useful feature of the Craighead Electric SmartHub member portal is the Pay Now Site. Pay Now allows anyone to make a
The Pay by Cash service, provided by Vanilla Direct, is available at dozens of local retail locations. A member wishing to pay with cash provides a barcode at checkout, makes the payment, and receives a receipt. Payment is posted to the member’s account instantly.
Data exports for your energy data have arrived in SmartHub the form of the GREEN BUTTON. What is Green Button? Green Button is a national,
The website has additional functionality that allows members to manage notifications, update their stored payment methods, and change their personal information.
Both the web version and mobile app allow members to securely access their account information, view bills and payment history, make payments, view energy use, and report outages.
The free, secure mobile app is available to download and install on mobile devices and tablets.
Yes. All critical information is encrypted in every transaction run and no personal information is stored on your phone or tablet.
Mobile devices do offer you the ability to store your login information for apps installed on the device. If you choose to store your login information, any person who has access to your mobile device can access your account.
You can find your account number on a printed bill statement mailed to your residence or business. If you have previously received emails from Craighead Electric about your monthly bill being ready to pay online, your account number is provided in that email. You can also call Craighead Electric at 1-800-794-5012 for assistance.
NOTE: If you use online banking to pay your bill, we encourage you to ensure your financial institution has the updated account number.
Members can sign up for SmartHub via the login page. To create a new online account, click “New User? Sign up to access our Self Service site” on the login page for SmartHub.
After clicking on the “New User” button, type your billing account number, last name or business and email address in the requested fields. Follow the steps to set up your online account.
To register click here and enter your new account number, the name on the account and an email address. You will receive an email with a secure login link that you can use to log in. Once you log in to SmartHub with this secure link, you will be prompted to set your password.
If your secure link does not work please try to register again. You will receive another secure link, and you can try again. Check your junk mail if you don’t see the registration email.
Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play on your phone or tablet and search for “SmartHub.” Select our free and secure app to begin the download process.
If you have already registered via the web portal, you will be able to log into the app immediately. If you haven’t registered yet, follow the instructions below.
Members can sign up for SmartHub via the login page. To create a new online account, click “New User? Sign up to access our Self Service site” on the login page for SmartHub.
After clicking on the “New User” button, type your billing account number, last name or business and email address in the requested fields. Follow the steps to set up your online account.
To register click here and enter your new account number, the name on the account and an email address. You will receive an email with a secure link that you can use to log in. Once you log in to SmartHub with this secure link, you will be prompted to set your password.
If your secure link does not work please try to register again. You will receive another secure link, and you can try again. Check your junk mail if you don’t see the registration email.
No. It is provided as an option for your convenience. If you do not sign up for paperless billing in SmartHub, you will continue to receive a monthly bill in your mail.
You can choose to participate in paperless billing, which sends bill statements to the email address on your account. Members who participate in paperless billing do not receive a copy of their bill in the mail.
Want information on paperless billing, outage alerts and usage updates straight to your email or through SMS? Use SmartHub to manage your notifications preferences.
*If you sign up for text message notifications, you will still receive a paper copy of your bill. If you wish to not receive a paper bill, make sure to sign up for paperless billing with a valid email address.
Auto Pay allows you to pay your monthly bill through an automated draft from your bank account or credit card at no extra charge. By enrolling in Auto Pay, you authorize Craighead Electric to withdraw funds from your selected account to pay your monthly bill on the due date.
No, you are not required to sign up for it. We offer it for your convenience only. If you prefer to mail your payment or schedule it through your bank, please do so.
IF YOU MAIL PAYMENTS: Please use the NEW bill stub included on your most recent bill and mail to:
IF YOU SCHEDULE PAYMENTS THROUGH YOUR BANK: Please use the new account number and Craighead Electric payment address listed on your most recent bill. For other payment options, click here.
First, you must have provided a bank account and/or credit/debit card information to enroll in Auto Pay.
You can save bank account and/or credit/debit card information for future bill payments. If you plan to enroll in the Auto Pay Program, you’ll be required to provide a stored payment account to pay your Craighead Electric bill.
If you run into any questions as you explore the features of SmartHub, we will be happy to assist you with any questions!
No. You can take advantage of all the features of SmartHub or you can continue to pay your bill as you currently do.
On the website, the home page shows all of your accounts along with the amounts due for those accounts and links to other detailed information.
On the app, select the Pay My Bill icon. The total due of all accounts will be displayed. You can select different information by account, such as partial payment and payment method.
You can also make a payment to a single account or partial payments to all accounts by clicking on the Billing & Payment button. You can also select the Make Payment button to view payment options for your accounts. On the app, select Pay My Bill icon. If you’re paying the total amount due, tap the Pay button. If you’re making a partial payment, tap the Pay Partial Amount, tap on the account and adjust the Pay Amount.
As the cooperative continues to grow, so does the need for better information availability to the membership. These enhancements are ways we can provide a higher level of member satisfaction for the majority of our members.
All of these changes are within the normal operating budget of the cooperative. There will not be a rate increase with regards to these changes.
However, if you keep your app or web version open for an extended time, you should refresh the page by selecting a new option in order to ensure the information is current.
Please know that throughout this communication process, we will never call or email you to ask for credit card numbers, bank account routing numbers, or any other type of personal information.
If you do receive such communication from someone claiming to be a Craighead Electric Employee, please report it to us at [email protected].
Are you tired of writing checks or driving to an office just to pay your electric bill? I’ve been there too, and that’s why I want to share everything I know about Craighead Electric’s online bill pay options. As a longtime customer of Craighead Electric Cooperative, I’ve tried pretty much all their payment methods, and let me tell you – their online options have saved me tons of time and hassle!
Why Choose Craighead Electric’s Online Bill Pay?
Before diving into the specifics let’s talk about why you might want to consider paying your electric bill online
- Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere (even in your pajamas!)
- Time-saving – No more trips to the office or post office
- Track your usage – See how much electricity you’re using daily
- Never miss a payment – Set up auto-pay and forget about it
- Environmentally friendly – Less paper waste
Now, let’s explore all the online payment options Craighead Electric offers to their members.
SmartHub: The Preferred Online Payment Method
SmartHub is Craighead Electric’s most comprehensive online billing platform. I’ve been using it for years, and honestly, it’s the best way to manage your account.
To access SmartHub, you can visit:
Setting Up Your SmartHub Account
Getting started with SmartHub is super easy:
- Visit the SmartHub website
- Click on “Sign up” if you’re a new user
- Have your account number ready (it’s on your paper bill)
- Create a username and password
- Set up your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account)
Once you’re set up you can access your account anytime to make payments, view your usage, and manage your account settings.
SmartHub Features I Love
SmartHub isn’t just for paying bills. Here are some features that make it stand out:
- Daily usage monitoring – See exactly how much electricity you’re using each day
- Bill history – Access previous bills for your records
- Payment history – Track all your past payments
- Usage alerts – Get notified when your usage exceeds certain thresholds
- Live Chat – Connect directly with a Craighead Electric representative for help
One feature that was added recently is the Live Chat service which allows you to instantly message with a representative if you have questions. I tried this last month when I had a billing question and they responded right away!
Auto Pay – The “Set It and Forget It” Option
If your like me and sometimes forget to pay bills on time, Auto Pay is a game-changer. This service automatically pays your due electric bill on the same date each month using your stored payment method.
To set up Auto Pay:
- Log in to your SmartHub account
- Navigate to the Auto Pay Program menu option
- Select your preferred payment method
- Choose your payment date
- Confirm your settings
Craighead Electric actually recommends this as their preferred method, and I can see why – I haven’t had a late payment since I started using it!
Pay Now Without Registering
Don’t want to create a full SmartHub account? No problem! Craighead Electric offers a “Pay Now” option that doesn’t require registration. This is super handy if you just need to make a quick payment without the commitment of creating an account.
The Pay Now site allows anyone to make a one-time payment using their account number and last name. This is perfect for those times when you’re in a hurry or helping a family member make a payment.
Other Online Payment Options
While SmartHub is their main platform, Craighead Electric offers several other ways to pay online:
Pay by Phone
Not technically “online,” but still electronic – you can pay by phone at 844-705-0470. Just follow the automated instructions to make a payment with your credit or debit card. This service is available 24/7, which is great for those last-minute payments!
Third-Party Bill Pay Services
You can also use bill pay services provided by your bank. However, be aware that these services often print a physical check and mail it to Craighead Electric’s main office. This means payments aren’t posted to your account until received by mail, so allow plenty of time for postage!
I tried this method once and learned the hard way to submit my payment at least 5 days before the due date.
PowerMyWay: A Different Approach to Paying Your Bill
PowerMyWay is Craighead Electric’s pre-paid metering program. Think of it like filling up your car’s gas tank – you pay for electricity before using it.
With PowerMyWay:
- You maintain a credit balance on your account
- The balance depletes as you use electricity
- You can add money to your account anytime
- If your balance hits zero, service is automatically disconnected
- No disconnect fees, reconnect fees, or payment fees
- No monthly bill, so no late fees
- No deposit required
I haven’t personally tried PowerMyWay yet, but several of my neighbors swear by it. They say it helps them be more conscious of their energy usage.
Pay by Cash at Local Retailers
Prefer to pay with cash? You can do that through Vanilla Direct at local retailers like CVS, Dollar General, Walmart, and Kum and Go. Here’s how:
- Find your unique barcode in SmartHub (navigate to Bill and Pay menu, then click on Pay by Cash)
- Show the barcode at checkout
- Make your payment
- Get a receipt
The payment posts to your account instantly, though there is a $1.50 fee. To find participating retailers, you can check the Pay by Cash screen in SmartHub.
Payment Kiosks – A Newer Option
In October 2023, Craighead Electric introduced payment kiosks at several major retailers. These automated machines allow you to:
- Select Craighead Electric as your provider
- Enter your name and account number
- Choose your payment type (cash, check, or card)
- Make your payment
- Receive a receipt
Just be aware that a transaction fee may apply. You can use the “Find a Pay Site Kiosk” feature to locate one near you.
Managing Bill Fluctuations: Levelized Billing
If you’re tired of your electric bill going up and down with the seasons, Craighead Electric offers levelized billing. This option calculates your bill based on a rolling twelve-month average, making your payments more predictable throughout the year.
To be eligible:
- You must have been a Craighead Electric member for at least 12 months
- You can’t have late payments (two months in a row or three times in a 12-month span)
Craighead Electric recommends pairing levelized billing with AutoPay for the best experience. I started using this combination last year, and it’s been amazing for budgeting!
What If You’re Experiencing Financial Hardship?
Sometimes life throws curveballs that make paying bills difficult. If you’re struggling financially, Craighead Electric offers several assistance options:
- Delayed Payment Agreement – Call their office before the “shut-off date” to arrange payments over the following 3 months
- Extensions – Request more time to pay
- Sales Tax Exemption – Qualifying low-income members with household income of $12,000 or less may be exempt from sales tax on the first 500 kWh used each month
- Assistance Agencies – Contact organizations like CRDC, BRAD, NADC, or call 211 for United Way assistance
My Personal Experience with Craighead Electric Online Bill Pay
I’ve been using SmartHub with AutoPay for about 2 years now, and it’s been a game-changer for me. Before that, I was constantly forgetting to pay my bill and getting hit with late fees.
The thing I appreciate most is being able to track my daily usage. Last summer, I noticed my electricity use was much higher than normal, which prompted me to check my AC unit. Turns out it needed maintenance, and after getting it serviced, my bill went down significantly!
Tips for Making the Most of Online Bill Pay
Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
- Set up account alerts – Get notified when your bill is due or if your usage spikes
- Check your usage regularly – Identifying unusual patterns can help you spot problems early
- Keep your payment info updated – Make sure your credit card or bank account info is current
- Save your receipts – Even though they’re digital, it’s good practice to save confirmation numbers
- Use the mobile app – SmartHub has a mobile app that makes paying on the go super easy
Common Questions About Craighead Electric Online Bill Pay
Q: Is there a fee for paying online?
A: No! Craighead Electric doesn’t charge any payment fees for their online payment options.
Q: What payment methods can I use online?
A: You can use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks from your bank account.
Q: Is my payment information secure?
A: Yes, SmartHub uses encryption and secure connections to protect your payment information.
Q: How quickly will my payment be processed?
A: Online payments through SmartHub are typically processed immediately. Third-party bill pay services may take longer.
Q: What if I forget my SmartHub password?
A: There’s a “Forgot Password” option on the login page that will help you reset it.
Final Thoughts
Craighead Electric has really made paying your electric bill convenient with their variety of online options. Whether you prefer a full-service platform like SmartHub, the simplicity of Auto Pay, or the flexibility of PowerMyWay, there’s something for everyone.
I personally think SmartHub with AutoPay is the way to go for most people. It’s reliable, convenient, and gives you the most control over your account.
Whatever method you choose, the days of writing checks and making trips to the office are in the past. Embrace the digital age and make your life a little easier with Craighead Electric’s online bill pay options!
Have you tried any of these payment methods? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Download the new app!
Manage your account on the go from anywhere at any time!
Register your SmartHub account
Locate your new account number (instructions below) and get registered!
