How to Pay Your Eau Claire Energy Cooperative Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Paying your monthly electric bill to Eau Claire Energy Cooperative (ECEC) is easy when you know all your options. This article will walk you through the different payment methods ECEC offers, along with tips for saving money on your bill.

Overview of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative

ECEC is a member-owned electric cooperative providing power to over 32000 homes farms, and businesses in western Wisconsin. As a co-op, they are owned by the members they serve.

ECEC members pay for electricity each month by mailing a payment, paying online, calling in, or visiting the office. ECEC offers various programs to help members manage and reduce energy costs.

Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to pay your ECEC electric bill plus money-saving tips.

Payment Options from ECEC

ECEC offers four main ways for members to pay their electric bill each month

Online Bill Pay with SmartHub

The easiest way to pay is through SmartHub, ECEC’s online bill pay system. With SmartHub you can:

• Pay your bill immediately with credit/debit card or bank account
• View billing history and track electricity usage
• Set up recurring auto-pay each month
• Report outages and receive outage updates
• Access SmartHub on your computer, phone, or tablet

You’ll need to create a free SmartHub account using your ECEC account number. Once set up, it takes just minutes each month to log in and pay your bill.

ECEC also offers SmartHub Pay Now for quick one-time payments without setting up an account. Just enter your account number and name.

Pay by Phone

To pay by phone, call 1-855-386-9926 or 715-832-1603 and select option 2. Have your account number ready.

A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Only one-time payments can be made by phone, not recurring auto-pay.

Expect potential wait times during peak call volume. For fastest service, pay online with SmartHub.

Pay by Mail

Mail your payment to:

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
PO Box 368
Fall Creek, WI 54742

Include your bill stub and write your account number on the check. Allow 7-10 days for mailed payments to process to avoid late fees.

Pay in Person

Visit the ECEC office at 8214 US Highway 12 in Fall Creek during business hours, Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:30pm. An after hours drop box is also available.

Pay by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit. You can also set up new service and discuss billing questions in person.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Electric Bill

In addition to paying your bill on time each month, here are some tips to reduce your power usage and save money:

• Enroll in budget billing – ECEC averages your payments over 12 months to prevent huge seasonal spikes in your bill.

• Use SmartHub to track usage – Analyze your monthly and daily consumption to identify wasteful habits.

• Switch to LED bulbs – Energy efficient LEDs use at least 75% less power than incandescents.

• Unplug devices when not in use – Phantom load from idle electronics can account for 10% of use.

• Seal air leaks – Caulk and weatherstrip to prevent cooled/heated air from escaping.

• Adjust thermostat – Keep it at 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter to reduce AC and heating costs.

• Wash clothes in cold water – Only use the hot setting for very dirty loads.

• Replace old appliances – New Energy Star models are far more energy efficient.

• Let sunlight heat your home – Open blinds and curtains during the day to utilize natural light and warmth.

• Use power strips – Easily cut power to multiple devices instead of plugging/unplugging.

• Change AC filters monthly – Dirty filters strain your AC system, increasing costs.

Take advantage of ECEC’s many energy efficiency programs to score rebates and incentives on LED bulbs, appliances, weatherproofing, thermostats, and more. A few upgrades can lead to major energy savings over time.

What to Do If You Receive a Late Notice

If you are unable to pay your entire bill by the due date, immediately contact ECEC to discuss payment plan options and avoid disconnection.

ECEC offers flexible payment plans for members who cannot pay in full. Payments can be spread over 3-12 months with affordable amounts based on your situation.

Members struggling to keep up with electric bills may also qualify for energy assistance programs for low income households including:

• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
• Weatherization Assistance Program
• Family Support Program

Check if you meet income requirements and apply for assistance if eligible. Between payment plans and financial assistance programs, there are many options to get back on track with your ECEC bill and avoid disruption to your electric service.

Key Takeaways on Paying Your ECEC Bill

• Pay online via SmartHub for fastest processing and account management
• Use budget billing and efficiency tips to lower monthly costs
• Contact ECEC immediately if struggling to pay on time
• Payment plans and financial assistance are available for those who qualify
• Monitor electric use habits and enroll in rebate programs to maximize savings

As your local member-owned co-op, ECEC aims to provide affordable, reliable electricity to the community. Hopefully this guide has shed light on all your options for paying your bill along with controlling costs. Reach out to ECEC by phone or online if you need any help managing your electric account.