Hey fellow co-op members! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself scrambling to pay your electric bill at the last minute. I’ve been there too many times to count! That’s why I wanted to create this complete guide to RECC bill pay options. Whether you’re with Meade County RECC, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative, or South Kentucky RECC, I’ve got you covered with all the ways you can pay your electric bill without breaking a sweat.
What is RECC and Why Should You Care?
RECC stands for Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation and it’s basically a member-owned utility that provides electricity to rural areas. Unlike big corporate utilities, RECCs are locally owned and operated which means we members actually have a voice in how things are run. Pretty cool, right?
These co-ops focus on providing reliable, affordable electricity to their communities. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a member of one of these RECCs:
- Meade County RECC
- Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative
- South Kentucky RECC
Now let’s dive into the various ways you can pay your RECC bill!
Online Payment Options: The Digital Age of Bill Paying
SmartHub: Your One-Stop Payment Solution
All three RECCs offer SmartHub as their preferred online payment platform It’s like having your account in your pocket!
With SmartHub, you can:
- Make one-time payments
- Set up automatic payments
- View your billing history
- Track your energy usage
- Receive notifications
To use SmartHub:
- You’ll need your account number to sign up initially
- Create a username, password, and security questions
- Enter an email address for future logins
- Optionally store payment methods securely
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative specifically mentions that SmartHub is ideal if you plan to regularly make online payments, as it offers more options than their simple “Pay Now” feature.
Quick/Simple Pay Now Options
Don’t want to create an account? No problem! Most RECCs offer a “Pay Now” option where you just need your account number to make a one-time payment. This is perfect for those who make infrequent payments or just don’t wanna deal with remembering another password (I feel ya!).
For Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative, you can use credit cards, debit cards, or even electronic transfers from a bank account (what they call “check by phone payment”).
Automatic Payment Methods: Set It and Forget It
Auto Pay
All three RECCs offer some form of automatic payment service:
Meade County RECC’s Auto-Pay:
This service automatically submits your monthly bill to your bank for payment from your account. You’ll still receive a copy of the bill for your records. This helps you avoid late charges, postage expenses, and trips to the Cooperative.
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative’s ACH:
They call it Automated Clearing House, but it’s basically the same thing – automatic payments through your bank or credit union. You’ll still get a statement showing your monthly usage and charges.
South Kentucky RECC’s Auto Pay:
Their Auto Pay service automatically deducts the amount of your electric bill from your checking or savings account each month. Like the others, you’ll still receive a monthly statement.
Credit Card Auto-Pay
Most RECCs also let you set up automatic payments with credit or debit cards. Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative specifically mentions that you can keep a credit card, debit card, or checking account number “on file” in SmartHub, stored securely for your protection.
Phone Payment Options: Just a Call Away
IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
South Kentucky RECC offers an Interactive Voice Response system available 24/7, 365 days a year. Just call your local office, press 5 to access the automated customer service system, then press 3 to pay by credit card or e-check.
Payment By Phone
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative has a dedicated phone number (217-438-6197) where you can check your balance or make a payment anytime. Just choose Option 1 and enter your account number.
Both Meade County RECC and South Kentucky RECC accept credit card payments by phone. Meade County RECC specifically accepts Mastercard, Visa, and Discover.
In-Person Payment Options: The Old-School Way
Office Payments
All three RECCs welcome in-person payments at their office locations. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card (though accepted cards may vary).
South Kentucky RECC even lists all their office locations:
- Clinton County: 715 Snow Road, Albany, KY 42602
- McCreary County: 51 Center Avenue, Whitley City, KY 42653
- Pulaski County: 200 Electric Avenue, Somerset, KY 42501
- Russell County: 2405 North Main Street, Jamestown, KY 42629
- Wayne County: 780 North Main, Monticello, KY 42633
Night Deposit
Don’t have time during regular business hours? No worries! Each RECC offers night deposit boxes at their offices where you can drop off your payment after hours.
Payment Stations/Kiosks
Meade County RECC mentions they have payment stations throughout their service area, though you’ll need to click their “View Pay Locations” link to see the specific locations.
South Kentucky RECC has payment kiosks available 24/7/365 at each of their locations. These kiosks accept all forms of payment except Discover Card and American Express. They provide real-time posting to your account and give you a receipt. You’ll need your account number to use them.
Bank Payments
South Kentucky RECC recently started accepting payments through Citizens National Bank branches (as of May 20, 2025). Here’s what you need to know:
- Only cash or check payments are accepted (no debit/credit cards)
- Bring your bill or be prepared to show your account number via SmartHub
- Payments accepted through the bill’s due date
For prepaid accounts, payments made this way take at least 24 hours to process, so it’s not ideal if your service has been disconnected.
VanillaDirect Pay
South Kentucky RECC offers VanillaDirect as a payment option, which lets members pay their electric bills at participating retailers using a barcode. Just be aware that a convenience fee may apply.
Special Billing Options: Smoothing Out the Bumps
Levelized/Budget Billing
If you hate the ups and downs of seasonal bills (hello, summer AC bills!), these options might be for you:
Meade County RECC’s Levelized Billing:
This plan lets residential members pay a monthly, levelized amount instead of actual usage. They use a complex formula that takes your current month’s usage plus the previous 11 months, divides by 12, and multiplies by the current rate, with some adjustments for previous balances.
Requirements include:
- 12 months of service at your location
- Account paid up-to-date
- Satisfactory credit history
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative’s Budget Billing:
Their budget billing averages your past months’ usage to determine your payment amount and balances your account every October. They recommend signing up in September.
Prepaid Electric Service
Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative offers a Prepaid Electric Service where you pay for electricity as you need it, avoiding one big bill at the end of the month.
Financial Assistance Options
If you’re struggling financially, Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative mentions that low-income members may be eligible for assistance through the LIHEAP program. They list contact numbers for different counties:
- Christian: (217) 342-2193
- Maccoupin: (217) 839-4431
- Montgomery: (217) 342-2193
- Morgan: (217) 243-9404
- Sangamon: (217) 535-3120
Which RECC Bill Pay Method is Best for You?
Honestly, this depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Here’s my take:
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If you’re tech-savvy: SmartHub is definitely the way to go. You can manage everything from your phone or computer, track your usage, and never miss a payment.
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If you’re forgetful like me: Auto-Pay is a lifesaver! I set mine up years ago and haven’t worried about late fees since.
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If you’re on a tight budget: Consider levelized or budget billing to avoid those seasonal surprises.
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If you prefer in-person transactions: Visit your local office or use a payment kiosk.
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If you’re always on the go: The SmartHub mobile app is perfect for making payments wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About RECC Bill Pay
Q: What happens if I pay late?
A: Most RECCs charge late payment penalties and may eventually disconnect service for non-payment. Meade County RECC specifically mentions that payment dates and late payment penalties remain the same even for levelized billing participants.
Q: Can I pay with cryptocurrency?
A: Currently, none of the RECCs mention accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method.
Q: What’s the difference between Levelized Billing and Budget Billing?
A: They’re similar concepts with slightly different implementation. Levelized Billing (Meade County RECC) uses a formula that includes current and past usage, while Budget Billing (Rural Electric) averages past usage and settles up annually in October.
Q: I’m moving soon. Can I transfer my account?
A: You’ll need to contact your specific RECC directly to arrange for service transfers or new service connections.
Final Thoughts
Paying your RECC bill doesn’t have to be a hassle. With so many options available – from high-tech mobile apps to traditional in-person payments – you can choose whatever method fits your lifestyle best.
I personally switched to Auto-Pay a few years back and it’s been a game-changer. No more scrambling to remember due dates or rushing to make last-minute payments. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it!
P.S. Remember that each RECC might have slightly different policies and procedures, so when in doubt, contact your specific cooperative directly.
FAQ: Registering for SmartHub
You can find your account number on a printed bill statement mailed to your residence or business. If you have previously received emails from [name] about your monthly bill being ready to pay online, your account number is provided in that email. You can also call [name] at [phone number] for assistance.
Your new account number will be listed on your latest bill. You can also look it up here. (Note: You will need your Customer Number, which you can find on your last bill.)
NOTE: If you use online banking to pay your bill, we encourage you to ensure your financial institution has the updated account number.
Downloads:
- Where to find your account number on your bill (pdf)
You may choose how you receive notifications from SmartHub (email or SMS) by updating your notifications preferences.
- Log in to your SmartHub account
- Click on “Notifications”
- Click Manage Contacts to add or change email address and phone numbers
- Enter verification code to activate
- Click on Manage Notifications to set up SMS and email alerts
You can save bank account and/or credit/debit card information for future one-time payments.
On the website:
- Click My Profile
- Click on Manage My Stored Payment Accounts and follow instruction
On the app:
- Select Settings
- Select Stored Payment Accounts and follow instructions
Auto Pay is a convenient option to pay your bill each month.
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 [name] 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 payment coupon included on your January bill and mail to: [address]
IF YOU SCHEDULE PAYMENTS THROUGH YOUR BANK: Please use the new account number and [name] payment address listed on your [month] [year] bill. For other payment options, click here.
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.
When we upgraded our systems, those who were previously enrolled in paperless billing were not able to be carried over, so while we understand it’s inconvenient, we do appreciate your understanding of having to enroll again.
You can choose to participate in paperless billing, which sends bill statements to the email address on your account. You will no longer receive a copy of your bill in the mail.
Heres how to change your preference to participate in paperless billing:
On the website:
- Click on My Profile
- Click on Update My Paperless Settings.
- Choose your paperless preference
On the app:
- Select Settings
- Select Paperless Billing
- Choose your paperless preference
You can view your energy use on the website and app.
On the website:
- Click My Usage
- Select My Usage
- then select Usage Explorer
On the app:
- Select the Energy Use icon to view your energy use.
Getting started with SmartHub is as easy as 1-2-3!
As you work down this page, you’ll complete the following checklist and be on your way to managing your account like never before! Make payments, report service interruptions, monitor usage, and save the planet.
Locate your new account number (instructions below) and get registered!
Manage your account on the go from anywhere at any time!
This is your opportunity to give features like paperless billing and Auto Pay a try!
