Hey there, fellow Hermiston residents! Today I wanna share everything you need to know about paying your Hermiston Energy Services (HES) bill. As someone who’s lived in Hermiston for years I’ve tried literally every payment method they offer and I’m excited to break it all down for you.
Let’s face it – nobody enjoys paying bills, but HES has made it pretty dang convenient with multiple payment options. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer the traditional routes, there’s definitely a payment method that’ll work for your lifestyle.
Quick Summary of HES Payment Options
- Online payments through SmartHub portal
- Phone payments via dedicated payment lines
- In-person payments at UEC office or convenience locations
- Automatic payment options including credit card and bank withdrawals
- Flexible billing plans to manage your budget better
Online Bill Pay – The Easiest Way to Handle Your HES Bill
The fastest and most convenient way to pay your Hermiston Energy Services bill is through their online portal called SmartHub I personally use this method every month because it’s available 24/7 and takes just a few minutes.
How to Pay Online Through SmartHub
- Visit https://hermistonenergy.smarthub.coop
- Log into your account (or create one if you’re a first-timer)
- View your current balance
- Select the payment option
- Enter your payment details
- Submit your payment
What I really appreciate about SmartHub is that it’s not just for payments. You can actually manage your entire account from your computer phone, or tablet. It lets you check your balance, request paperless billing and even inquire about different programs HES offers.
Phone Payment Options – Perfect for On-the-Go Bill Paying
If you’re like my mom who isn’t comfortable with online payments but still wants convenience, paying by phone might be your best bet. HES offers two main phone payment options:
- 24/7 Automated Line: 855-938-3643 (available anytime)
- Customer Service Line: 541-567-6414 or 541-289-2000 (Monday-Thursday, 7:30am to 6:00pm)
When you call, make sure you have your account number ready. The system will guide you through the payment process, allowing you to pay using your checking account, savings account, or credit/debit card.
I’ve used the automated line a few times when I was traveling and forgot to schedule my payment – super easy and takes less than 5 minutes!
In-Person Payment Options – For Those Who Prefer Face-to-Face Transactions
If your like me and sometimes prefer the good ol’ fashioned way of paying bills in person (or maybe you just need an excuse to get out of the house), HES offers several locations where you can pay your bill:
Free Payment Location:
- Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) – 750 W. Elm Avenue, Hermiston
Convenience Pay Options (with service fees):
- Walmart – 1350 North First Street, Hermiston, OR 97838
- Mailing Made Easy – 242 E Main Street, Hermiston, OR 97838
- CheckFree locations nationwide (you can find these through their website)
Just remember to bring your bill stub when paying in person. It has all the information needed to ensure your payment gets processed correctly.
Important note: The convenience pay options (Walmart, Mailing Made Easy, etc.) charge an additional fee for processing your payment. HES doesn’t receive any part of these fees, so keep that in mind when choosing your payment method.
Automatic Payment Options – Set It and Forget It!
If you’re forgetful like me or just tired of manually paying bills each month, HES offers several automatic payment options that can make your life easier:
Automatic Credit Card Payments
HES can automatically charge your VISA or MasterCard account each month, approximately 15 days after your bill is calculated. You’ll still receive a copy of the bill in the mail as a record of the amount charged.
Automatic Bank Withdrawal
You can also have funds automatically withdrawn from a checking or savings account of your choice. This eliminates the need to remember payment dates or worry about late fees.
To set up either of these options, you’ll need to visit the UEC office at 750 W. Elm Avenue or call HES at 541-289-2000.
Flexible Billing Plans – Customized to Your Financial Situation
One thing I really appreciate about HES is their understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different. They offer specialized billing plans to help manage your payments:
Average Billing Plan
This is a lifesaver during those extreme temperature months! The average billing plan allows you to pay the same amount every month based on an average of your past 12 months of usage. This eliminates the shock of large fluctuations between winter and summer bills.
Flexible Billing
If your payday doesn’t align well with your current due date, HES offers flexible billing that lets you choose what time of the month your payment is due. This helps ensure you always have funds available when it’s time to pay.
Both of these options can be set up by contacting HES directly.
Beware of Scams! Important Safety Information
Unfortunately, utility scams are becoming more common, and HES customers have been targeted. Here are some important warnings:
Scam Callers
Be very suspicious of any calls demanding immediate payment and threatening disconnection. HES has a specific process they follow before disconnecting any service, and it does NOT involve threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment.
If you receive such a call, hang up immediately! If you’re unsure about your account status, call HES directly at 541-289-2000.
Third-Party Payment Sites
Be careful with websites like Doxo.com and ChargeSmart.com. These online bill pay websites are NOT affiliated with HES and may charge extra fees. Even worse, HES cannot control when they’ll receive payments from these sites, which might result in late payments or disconnection of your service.
Always use the official SmartHub portal for online payments: https://hermistonenergy.smarthub.coop
Need Help with Your Energy Bill? Assistance Programs Available
We all go through tough times, and HES understands this. While not detailed in the provided information, HES does offer energy bill assistance programs. If you’re struggling to pay your bill, I recommend contacting them directly at 541-289-2000 to inquire about available assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About HES Bill Payments
Where is Hermiston Energy Services located?
HES is located in the Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) building at 750 W. Elm Avenue, Hermiston, OR 97838. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 1148, Hermiston, OR 97838.
What are HES’s customer service hours?
Customer service is available Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Yes, HES accepts VISA and MasterCard payments online, by phone, or in person at their office.
Is there a fee for using a credit card?
Based on the provided information, HES does not mention charging additional fees for credit card payments made through their official channels.
What should I do if I’m having trouble paying my bill?
Contact HES directly at 541-289-2000 to discuss flexible payment arrangements or to inquire about assistance programs.
Can I view my energy usage history?
Yes, through the SmartHub portal, you can view your historical energy usage patterns, which can help you manage your consumption better.
Tips for Managing Your HES Energy Bill
Beyond just paying your bill, here are some tips I’ve personally used to manage and potentially reduce my HES energy expenses:
- Sign up for paperless billing through SmartHub to reduce paper waste and never miss a bill
- Enroll in the Average Billing Plan if your budget requires consistent monthly expenses
- Set calendar reminders for payment due dates if you’re not using automatic payments
- Check for energy conservation programs that HES might offer to help reduce your consumption
- Perform seasonal energy audits of your home to identify ways to improve efficiency
Final Thoughts on Paying Your HES Bill
I’ve found that the most convenient method for paying my Hermiston Energy Services bill is definitely through the SmartHub online portal. It’s available 24/7, provides immediate confirmation of payment, and gives me access to my account history and usage patterns.
However, what works for me might not work for everyone. HES has done a great job of providing multiple payment options to suit various preferences and needs. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer traditional methods, there’s a convenient way for you to stay current with your energy bills.
Remember that if you ever have questions about your bill or payment options, the HES customer service team is just a phone call away at 541-289-2000. They’ve always been super helpful whenever I’ve needed assistance.
Contact Information for Hermiston Energy Services
Location: Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) Building
750 W. Elm Avenue
Hermiston, OR 97838
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1148, Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone: 541-289-2000
Website: https://hermistonenergy.smarthub.coop
Stay warm (or cool) and keep those bills paid on time, neighbors!
It’s Nice to Have Options
Umatilla Electric offers multiple billing and payment options to fit your needs. Choose the one that works for you. Contact our Customer Service team at (541) 567-6414 with questions.
Manage Your Account Online With SmartHub
Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s SmartHub portal allows you to manage your account from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Download the app to stay connected from your mobile devices. Available in the App Store and Google Play.
- Make a quick one-time payment or, log in and view your bill before paying.
- Check your energy usage
- Sign Up for Paperless Billing
- Report an outage
- Sign up to receive email and/or text alerts
Call (888) 480-9709 anytime day or night. Have your account number handy. Payments can be made using your checking/savings account or credit/debit card.
UEC’s office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Friday). Drive-thru, kiosk, and walk-up drop boxes are located at the Hermiston and Boardman offices. To speak to a UEC Customer Service Representative during office hours, call toll-free (800)-452-2273 or visit:
750 West Elm Hermiston OR 97838
400 Northeast Eldrige Drive Boardman, OR 97818
Can’t make it to our offices during business hours?
Drop Boxes are available at our Hermiston and Boardman offices in the drive up service area.
Pay your bill with cash at MoneyGram locations locally or nationwide, including all Walmarts. (You may be charged a convenience fee; UEC does not receive any compensation from the convenience fee.) Bring your bill stub; it contains the necessary information to ensure your payment is processed correctly.
1350 North First Street Hermiston, OR 97838 Get directions to Walmart
242 East Main Street Hermiston, OR 97838 Get directions to Mailing Made Easy
2203 Southwest Court Avenue Pendleton, OR 97801 Get directions to Walmart
Ditch the clutter and go paperless. 2 quick steps can save you some mailbox space.
Log in to your SmartHub account – or sign up if you haven’t already!
Follow the quick links to turn off your paper bill and start managing your account entirely online.
No more guesswork. No more due dates, late fees, or deposits with UEC’s PowerUp PrePay Program. Pay in advance for the electricity you will use, and choose when and how you make your payments.
Sign up for SmartHub to set up alerts and monitor your usage anytime, anywhere, and never be surprised again.
Download the PowerUP PrePay Enrollment Form (PDF) or call our office for complete program details.
Budget billing takes your average monthly bill amount (based on your usage over the past 12 months) and sets this as your monthly payment amount. The advantage is that you know exactly what you’re going to pay for your electric bill every month.
By equalizing your payments, you avoid the seasonal peaks associated with heating and cooling months.
Your average billing amount is reviewed and adjusted each year.
Participation requires a 12-month continuous use history.
Sign up by calling UEC’s Hermiston or Boardman offices.
