A Complete Guide to Paying Your First Electric Coop Bill

First Electric Cooperative provides electric service to over 60000 homes, businesses and industries across central and southeast Arkansas. As a First Electric member, it’s important to understand your monthly electric bill and pay it on time. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about receiving reading, and paying your First Electric Coop bill.

Receiving Your Monthly Bill

First Electric bills members on a monthly cycle The billing date is typically around the 25th of each month, with due dates around the 15th of the following month. For example, your January usage would be billed on January 25th and due by February 15th

Printed paper bills are mailed to the billing address on file for your account. You can also opt for paperless billing and receive bills electronically. Review your bill as soon as you receive it to ensure all the information is accurate.

Understanding Your First Electric Bill

When you receive your First Electric bill each month, there are a few key elements to look for:

• Account number – This unique number identifies your electric service location. Have this handy when contacting First Electric.

• Meter number – This shows the ID number for your power meter. Multiple meters may be listed if you have outbuildings also on First Electric service.

• In the billing period, the dates of your use are shown. Usually, this is from the 26th of the previous month to the 25th of the current month.

• Meter readings—The meter readings at the beginning and end of the billing period are shown on your bill to help you figure out how much you used. Readings are listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

• Electric charges – This is your total electric usage multiplied by the current rate per kWh. The rate depends on your rate class and amount used.

• Fuel cost adjustment – This fee offsets market costs of power generation fuels. It varies month to month.

• Taxes – Arkansas state and county sales taxes are applied to electric bills. The rates depend on your service location.

• Total current charges – This shows your total amount due for the current billing period. Have this amount ready when you pay.

• Due date – Payment must be received by this date to avoid late fees. It is typically 15 days after the billing date.

• Account history – Previous balance, payments received, late fees, and outstanding balance are listed month by month.

Carefully review the details each month and contact First Electric if you have any questions about charges or usage.

Ways to Pay Your First Electric Bill

First Electric offers several convenient payment options. Choose the method that works best for your needs:

• Online – Pay through SmartHub account 24/7. Use bank account or credit/debit card.

• Mobile app – Download the First Electric app and pay through your account.

• Phone – Call 844-729-3322 to pay through the automated phone system.

• Mail – Send check or money order to: First Electric, P.O. Box 519, Jacksonville AR 72078

• In person – Pay at local office, authorized retail partner, or PaySite Kiosk.

• AutoPay – Set up recurring payments from bank account each month.

No matter how you pay, be sure to have your account number ready for faster processing. Get a receipt as payment confirmation. Allow 5 business days for mailed payments.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are struggling to pay your electric bill, First Electric partners with several programs to provide payment assistance:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Helps income-qualified households pay energy bills and weatherize homes. Apply through your county’s Department of Human Services office.

• Project Care – Member-funded assistance for seniors, disabled individuals, and families in need. Administered by First Electric members.

Contact First Electric to learn more about eligibility and applying for utility bill assistance if needed. Provide ample time for applications to be processed before your bill’s due date.

Avoid Late Fees

First Electric bills are due by the 15th of each month. Late fees of 5% are applied to past due balances after that date. Keep your account in good standing by paying the total amount due on time each month.

If your account becomes 45 days past due, you will receive a disconnection notice. To avoid service interruption, pay the past due amount in full before the disconnection date. Reconnection fees also apply after disconnection. Avoid extra fees by paying on time.

Billing Programs and Payment Plans

First Electric offers programs to make bill payment more manageable:

• Levelized Billing – Pay a consistent amount each month based on your average usage. Adjustments are made twice per year.

• Prepaid Billing – Pay ahead for the electricity you’ll use. Service disconnects when your balance gets too low.

• Payment Arrangements – Set up a payment plan for past due balances. Multiple installments must be paid on time.

Explore which option best fits your budgeting needs. Contact member services to enroll. Keep your account in good standing.

Disputing an Electric Bill

If you notice errors on your First Electric bill, contact them right away to dispute the charges. Some common reasons to dispute a bill:

• Unexpectedly high usage from an appliance issue or leak

• Incorrect meter readings or multipliers

• Mistakes in billing calculation

• Changes not reflected (rate class, taxes, etc.)

• Inaccurate billing address

To dispute your electric bill, call First Electric and be ready to provide:

• Account information
• Details about the disputed charges
• Rationale on why the bill is incorrect
• How you would like the dispute resolved

First Electric will investigate disputed bills and make corrections as needed. Pay any undisputed portion to avoid late fees while disputed amount is examined. Keep notes on dispute communications.

Staying on top of your First Electric account, payment options, and billing accuracy will help avoid unnecessary fees or frustration. Know who to contact for billing questions or issues. First Electric provides reliable service when you hold up your end as a member and pay bills promptly.