Click here to learn more about democracy legislation that ensures decisions that impact member-owners of cooperatives are made locally by your board.
When is the last time you have updated your contact information? Keeping your phone number(s) and email updated helps Wild Rice Electric contact you to verify account information, notify you of outages and send other important updates. Click the button below or call our office at 1-800-244-5709.
Wild Rice is dedicated to providing reliable power to our members. To achieve this, weve invested considerable time and effort in creating an integrated vegetation management program. As part of this program, we will be cutting trees and mowing brush in your area to maintain a clear right of way.
Click the button below to see the proposed bylaws amendments approved by the Wild Rice Electric Cooperative board of directors. Bylaws amendments will not go into effect until approved by a majority vote of the membership at the annual meeting to be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative recognizes that energy conservation is the best way for members to reduce their electric bills. Click on the button below for details about the programs and rebates offered to our members. We offer incentive programs for both residential and commercial accounts. These programs offer rebates for a variety of products, including off-peak electric heating equipment, air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, insulation upgrades, programmable thermostats and more!
So, you’ve got that Wild Rice Electric bill sitting on your counter and now you’re wondering about the best way to pay it. Maybe you’re tired of writing checks or you’re looking for a more convenient option. I totally get it! Having been a Wild Rice Electric Cooperative member for years I’ve tried pretty much every payment method they offer, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.
SmartHub: The Game-Changer for Bill Payments
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative really stepped up their game when they introduced SmartHub – it’s seriously changed how I manage my electricity account. This online portal and mobile app gives you complete control over your account anytime, anywhere.
What Can You Do With SmartHub?
SmartHub isn’t just about paying bills Here’s what makes it so useful
- Billing & Payments: View your bill instantly instead of waiting for mail
- Usage Monitoring: See exactly how much energy you’re using daily
- Alerts & Notifications: Get important account updates via email or text
- Paperless Billing: Save some trees and reduce clutter
I especially love the usage monitoring feature. Last winter, I noticed my usage spiking and realized I needed to add some insulation to my attic. Saved me a ton on my next few bills!
Setting Up Your SmartHub Account
Getting started with SmartHub is pretty straightforward:
- Find your account number (it’s on your printed bill)
- Register your account through the web portal or mobile app
- Choose which features you want to activate
- Set up your payment preferences
If you previously used automatic payments with a credit or debit card, you’ll need to re-enter your payment information after registering. It’s a slight hassle, but worth it for the convenience afterward.
Auto Pay Options: Set It and Forget It
I used to always forget to pay my bill until that final notice arrived (oops!). Auto Pay has been a lifesaver for me. Here’s how to set it up:
On the website:
- Click on “Billing & Payments”
- Select “Auto Pay Program”
- Click “Sign Up for Auto Pay” and follow the instructions
On the mobile app:
- Select “Bill & Pay”
- Choose “Auto Pay Program” and follow instructions
You can set it up with a bank account or credit/debit card – both work great and there’s no extra charge.
Other Ways to Pay Your Wild Rice Electric Bill
Not everyone’s comfortable with online payments, and Wild Rice Electric understands that. They offer several other payment methods:
One-Time Online Payments
If you don’t want to commit to Auto Pay but still want the convenience of online payments, you can make one-time payments through SmartHub. This is what I did before I finally trusted the Auto Pay system.
Budget Payment Plan
For those who hate bill surprises, Wild Rice Electric offers a Budget Payment option that evens out your payments throughout the year. Your monthly bill becomes the average of your annual usage, which is super helpful during those brutal Minnesota winter months when heating costs spike.
Traditional Payment Methods
You can still pay your bill the old-fashioned way:
- By mail
- In person at their office in Mahnomen
- By phone
Their office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and they’re located at 502 North Main Street, Mahnomen, MN 56557.
Understanding Your Wild Rice Electric Bill
Before you pay, it helps to understand what you’re actually paying for. Wild Rice Electric bills include:
- Energy charges: Based on your kilowatt-hour usage
- Service charge: Covers the cost of maintaining your service
- Operation Round Up: An optional program that rounds your bill up to the nearest dollar for community projects (you can opt out)
- Load management credits: Discounts for participating in peak reduction programs
I was confused about the Load Management credits at first, but after calling customer service, I learned I could save money by allowing them to temporarily manage my water heater during peak demand times. Been saving about $15/month since signing up!
Security Concerns: Is SmartHub Safe?
I was worried about this too when I first signed up. According to Wild Rice Electric, all critical information is encrypted in every transaction, and no personal information is stored on your phone or tablet.
One important thing to note – if you choose to store your login information on your mobile device, anyone with access to your device could potentially access your account. I don’t store my password, just to be safe.
Tips for Managing Your Wild Rice Electric Account
After years of membership, here are some tips I’ve picked up:
Monitor Your Usage
SmartHub’s usage monitoring feature lets you see your daily energy consumption. This has helped me identify energy hogs in my home and make changes to reduce my bill.
Sign Up for Alerts
I’ve set up alerts to notify me when:
- My bill is available to view
- Payment is due soon
- Payment has been processed
- Usage exceeds a certain amount
These notifications have helped me avoid late payments and catch unusual usage patterns before they become expensive problems.
Explore Energy-Saving Programs
Wild Rice Electric offers several money-saving programs worth checking out:
- Off-Peak Heating Program: Reduced rates for electric heating systems
- Rebates: Available for energy-efficient appliances and systems
- Electric Vehicle Program: Special rates for EV charging
What To Do If You’re Having Trouble Paying
We all go through tough times. If you’re struggling to pay your bill, contact Wild Rice Electric before your due date. They offer:
- Payment arrangements
- Information about energy assistance programs
- Cold Weather Law protections (October 15 – April 15)
The Cold Weather Rule is especially important for Minnesota residents – it helps protect you from disconnection during winter months.
FAQs About Wild Rice Electric Bill Pay
Do I have to use SmartHub to pay my bill?
Nope! While SmartHub offers the most features, you can still pay your bill through other methods.
Can I manage multiple accounts with SmartHub?
Yes! SmartHub shows all of your accounts and allows you to make payments to single or multiple accounts.
How current is the account information in SmartHub?
The information is real-time, but if you keep the app or website open for a while, you should refresh to see the most current data.
What if I forget my SmartHub password?
There’s a “Forgot Password” option on the login screen that will help you reset it.
Final Thoughts
Wild Rice Electric Cooperative has made paying your electric bill easier than ever with multiple options to fit different preferences. I’ve found SmartHub to be the most convenient way to manage my account, but it’s nice knowing there are alternatives available too.
Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer more traditional methods, Wild Rice Electric has you covered. And remember, if you ever have questions about your bill or payment options, their customer service team is available at 1-800-244-5709 or via email at [email protected].
As Wild Rice Electric reopens its lobby doors, we ask you to click on the button below to find out how you can help create a safe and healthy business environment. Wild Rice Electric thanks you for your cooperation and understanding.
What makes Wild Rice Electric Cooperative different from many utilities? The answer is simple: We are a not-for-profit cooperative and exist for the sole purpose of meeting the needs of our member-owners.
