How to Pay Your Sand Mountain Electric Bill by Phone

Sand Mountain Electric Cooperative (SMEC) provides electric service to over 30,700 members across DeKalb, Jackson, Marshall and Cherokee counties in Alabama There are a few different payment options available to SMEC members, including paying your electric bill by phone This guide will cover everything you need to know about using SMEC’s bill pay phone number.

SMEC Bill Pay Phone Number

To pay your SMEC electric bill over the phone you can call 1-844-PAY-SMEC (1-844-729-7632). This automated pay-by-phone system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week except between 11pm-1am when it is unavailable due to nightly system maintenance.

You will need to know your 10-digit SMEC account number and the exact payment amount shown on your most recent bill when you call. The system cannot take partial payments. You will also have to choose a way to pay, such as a credit or debit card or an e-check.

Pay by Credit/Debit Card

The SMEC pay-by-phone system accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit and debit cards. When asked, be ready to enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV security code.

There is a $3.95 convenience fee added to any credit/debit card payment made over the phone. This fee goes to the third party vendor that processes the payments, not SMEC.

Keep in mind credit/debit card payments are immediately processed when the call is completed. You cannot set up recurring payments on a card using the pay-by-phone system.

Pay by E-Check

You can also pay your SMEC electric bill through the phone system using an e-check (electronic check) from your checking or savings account. Have your bank routing and account numbers handy when you call.

No convenience fees apply to e-check payments made through the SMEC pay-by-phone system. However, to use the e-check option, you must first set up a check payment profile through your SMEC online account. This verifies your account and allows the proper debit authorization.

E-check payments over the phone are processed on the next business day, not immediately like credit/debit card payments. You also cannot set up automatic recurring e-check payments using the SMEC bill pay line.

What Information is Needed to Pay by Phone?

To recap, have these items ready when you call 1-844-PAY-SMEC to pay your SMEC electric bill:

• 10-digit SMEC account number

• Exact payment amount listed on your latest bill

• Credit/debit card information (card number, expiration date, CVV code) if paying by card

• Bank account and routing numbers if paying by e-check

• Your phone number on file with SMEC

• Zip code for your service address

Entering all the correct payment information via your phone keypad ensures your payment is processed quickly and accurately.

Can I Set Up Recurring Payments?

The SMEC pay-by-phone line is only able to process one-time bill payments. To set up convenient recurring payments, members must use one of SMEC’s other bill payment methods:

• Online Account Access – Log into your SMEC account to schedule recurring credit/debit card or bank draft payments.

• Automatic Bank Draft – Complete a form to authorize recurring withdrawals from your bank account on your bill due date.

• Mail-In Auto Bill Pay – Return a completed form to authorize monthly credit/debit card charges to be initiated by SMEC.

Setting up automated payments ensures your SMEC electric bill never slips your mind. One less bill to remember each month!

Can I Get Payment Extensions or Arrangements by Phone?

While you can make one-time payments through the SMEC pay-by-phone line, you cannot set up payment plans or extensions over the phone. To discuss alternate payment arrangements due to financial hardship, members will need to call the general SMEC office number at 256-638-2153 during business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8AM – 4:30PM).

Some common options for managing payments include:

• Due date extensions
• Payment plans spreading balance over several months
• Budget billing to stabilize seasonal bill fluctuations

Don’t let an unexpected financial setback disrupt your electric service. SMEC aims to work with members facing difficulties.

Check Payment Processing Timelines

If you mail a payment by check to the SMEC office, allow adequate processing time before your due date:

• 5 business days – For standard mail payments
• 3 business days – For overnight/express mail payments

Your check will not be processed and posted to your account the day it is received. Paying online or by SMEC’s pay-by-phone line provides instant payment confirmation.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

To avoid late payment penalties and potential electric service disconnection, make sure SMEC receives your payment by the due date printed on your bill – typically around the 10th of each month.

Late fees are 5% of your outstanding balance. If your account becomes 60 days past due, a disconnection notice will be issued and your service could be disconnected if the past due amount is not paid.

Using the 1-844-PAY-SMEC automated phone payment line is a fast, convenient way to pay your SMEC electric bill and sidestep late fees. No waiting on hold or mailing delays – just dial in anytime 24/7 and enter your payment info.

Pair the pay-by-phone option with paperless billing and automatic payments for utmost convenience managing your SMEC electric account. Stay current on your bills and you can avoid unpleasant late fees and the stress of possible disconnection. Paying your SMEC electric bill by phone is just one of many options to keep your payments on track.