Paying Your East Central Energy Bill: A Comprehensive Guide

Paying your electric bill on time each month is an important responsibility as an East Central Energy customer. Having options for how you pay can make the process quick easy and convenient. In this comprehensive guide we will explore all the ways East Central Energy members can pay their electric bills.

Pay Online

The fastest and most convenient way for East Central Energy members to pay their electric bill is online through SmartHub or the Pay Now option.

SmartHub allows you to easily manage your account online. You can pay your bill view billing history make changes to your account, monitor energy use and enroll in paperless billing. New users can register for SmartHub in just a few minutes. Then you’ll have 24/7 access on your computer or through the mobile app.

Choose Pay Now if you want to make a quick, one-time payment online without having to log in. You’ll need your East Central Energy account number and last name. You can use a credit or debit card or your checking account to make payments.

Paying online saves you time and gives you more control over managing your electric account. Payments post to your account immediately so you don’t have to worry about your payment getting lost in the mail.

Auto Pay

Another convenient option is to enroll in East Central Energy’s Auto Pay program. This lets your monthly electric bill payment be taken out automatically every month from the checking account, savings account, or credit card you choose.

With Auto Pay, the payment will be deducted on the due date of your bill each month. You’ll still receive a paper bill in the mail so you can review it before the payment processes. However, you can opt for paperless billing if you prefer to receive an electronic copy of your bill instead.

Members enrolled in Auto Pay are automatically entered into a monthly drawing for a $50 bill credit! Just one more perk of this easy payment program.

Budget Billing

For East Central Energy members wanting to spread energy costs evenly throughout the year, Budget Billing is ideal. This program averages your electric bill based on the previous 12 months of usage. The result is you pay a consistent, budgeted amount each month, avoiding the peaks and dips of high and low seasonal usage.

Your set budget amount is looked at once a year and changed up or down based on how much energy you use and how much electricity costs. Budget Billing allows you to accurately plan for your monthly energy expenses.

There’s no extra charge to be on Budget Billing, and you can cancel participation at any time. Just call East Central Energy to get signed up. It’s a great way to take control of your bill!

Pay by Credit Card

Paying your East Central Energy bill with your credit card is quick and easy. VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted online through SmartHub or Pay Now. You can also pay via credit card over the phone using the automated payment system.

When paying by credit card, payments process immediately so your account stays current. Just be aware that East Central Energy charges a transaction fee for credit card payments to offset the cost incurred by the co-op.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer to pay your electric bill by check through the mail, East Central Energy offers a few options.

You can mail your payment to the local address:

East Central Energy
PO Box 39
Braham, MN 55006

Or take advantage of speedier delivery by sending your payment to the Chicago lockbox address:

East Central Energy
PO Box 75530
Chicago, IL 60675-5530

There is also an after-hours drop box available at East Central Energy’s headquarters in Braham for your convenience.

Just be sure to allow 7-10 days for mailed payments to reach East Central Energy and post to your account. Payments must be received by the due date to avoid late fees.

Pay at MoneyGram

East Central Energy has partnered with MoneyGram to offer another way for members to pay their electric bill. You can now make a cash payment at any MoneyGram location. MoneyGram has thousands of locations worldwide, providing convenience and easy access.

When paying with MoneyGram, you’ll need your account number and the receive code for East Central Energy. Payments process quickly, so your account balance is updated in real time. This gives you peace of mind knowing your payment has been made.

Payment Arrangements for Seasonal Members

Some East Central Energy members spend winters in warmer climates. If you’ll be away from home for over 30 days, call the co-op to set up billing and payment arrangements while you’re out of town.

Options include having bills sent to an alternative address, setting up Auto Pay or prepaying your account balance. East Central Energy will work with you to make a plan that fits your seasonal schedule.

Gift Certificates

Here’s a thoughtful gift idea for East Central Energy members – an energy gift certificate! These are available for purchase in any dollar amount. Send it as a surprise to parents, grandparents, friends or anyone with an ECE account.

Gift certificates can be mailed directly to the recipient or to you for personal delivery. You even have the option to send anonymously.

No matter the occasion, an energy gift certificate is sure to be appreciated by any East Central Energy member. Just download the order form and mail it in to purchase this unique gift.

Payment Options for Business Accounts

East Central Energy serves many commercial members with business accounts. Business