Simplifying Your Life: An Easy Guide to Paying Your Hermiston Energy Services Bill Online

Paying your monthly utility bill can feel like a hassle – searching for the bill, writing a check, finding a stamp and mailing it. Who has time for all that these days? Thankfully, with Hermiston Energy Services (HES), you can say goodbye to the days of bill paying drudgery.

HES makes paying your bill easier than ever with online and mobile options. Read on for a simple guide to streamline bill payment and simplify your life!

Why Pay Online? The Benefits are Endless

Paying your HES bill online comes with a whole host of advantages:

• It’s fast and easy – no more hunting for a stamp or trying to make it to the post office before it closes. Just log in, enter your payment info, and you’re done!

• Access your account anytime – You can pay on your own schedule, 24/7. Whether it’s morning, noon or night, online payments give you flexibility.

• Go paperless – Save some trees by going paperless. With online payment, you can opt out of mailed paper bills and access your statement electronically.

• Stay organized – When you pay online, your payment history is stored in your account. No more searching for receipts or check stubs to stay on top of your bill.

• Ensure accurate, on-time payments – Online payments post to your account immediately, helping avoid late fees. And you don’t have to worry about your check getting lost in the mail.

• Enjoy more payment options – Pay how you want, whether it’s with a credit card, debit card, bank account or other method. Online payments offer expanded payment choices.

Clearly, the perks of paying your HES bill online are plentiful. It’s no wonder more and more customers are embracing this method. Ready to reap the benefits for yourself? Let’s look at how simple it is…

Paying Online is a Cinch with SmartHub

HES makes managing your account and paying your bill easy with SmartHub. Available online or via mobile app, SmartHub allows you to:

• Check your current HES balance
• View past statements and payment history
• Make one-time payments
• Set up recurring payments
• Go paperless
• Report outages
• And more!

With SmartHub, you have complete control over your account anytime, anywhere. Let’s walk through how fast and simple it is to pay your bill through SmartHub:

Step 1: Login

• Online – Go to https://hermistonenergy.smarthub.coop/ and login with your username and password. Don’t have an account yet? You can easily sign up.

• Mobile – Download the SmartHub app on your iOS or Android device. Enter your username and password or tap “New User” to sign up.

Step 2: Select “Billing & Payments”

Once logged in, choose “Billing & Payments” from the menu. This will bring up your account overview.

Step 3: Make a One-Time Payment

Under “Account Balance”, you will see any outstanding balance owed. To make a one-time payment:

• Enter the payment amount under “Pay Account Balance”

• Select payment method

• Enter payment details

• Tap “Continue” and review payment summary

• Tap “Process Payment” to complete

That’s it – your payment will post instantly!

Step 4: Or, Set Up Recurring Payments

To take bill paying off autopilot, you can establish recurring payments through SmartHub:

• Under “Billing & Payments”, choose “Recurring Payments”

• Select your payment frequency

• Enter payment details

• Review summary and tap “Process”

Now your payments will be made automatically each month. One less thing to remember!

Enjoy Paperless Billing Too

While you’re logged into your SmartHub account, take a moment to enroll in paperless billing as well:

• Go to “My Profile”

• Check the box next to “Paperless Billing”

• Select if you want email or text notifications when new statements are ready

• Tap “Save”

Going paperless means no more clutter and a smaller environmental footprint. SmartHub makes it a cinch to do.

Paying your HES bill through SmartHub takes just minutes. And with options like automatic payments and paperless billing, you can simplify bill paying even further. Give it a try – we think you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Other Convenient Ways to Pay Your HES Bill

While SmartHub is the easiest way to pay, HES offers other convenient options as well:

Pay by Phone

Call one of these numbers to make a payment via phone:

• 541-567-6414 or 541-289-2000 (Mon-Thurs 7:30am-6:00pm)

• 888-678-1992 (24/7 automated service)

Just have your account number handy when you call.

Pay In Person

Drop off your payment at the Umatilla Electric Cooperative office located at 750 W. Elm Avenue in Hermiston. No fees or convenience charges!

Pay at a Third-Party Location

For a small fee, you can pay your bill at one of the following retail locations:

• Walmart on 1350 North First Street

• Mailing Made Easy on 242 E Main Street

Visit https://www.hermiston.gov/energy/page/make-energy-payment for up-to-date third-party payment options.

While these require an extra step or charge, they can be handy alternatives if you prefer paying in cash or want to combine bill payment with your other errands.

Sign Up for Automatic Payments

Take bill paying off your plate by enrolling in automatic payments. HES can charge your credit card, debit card or bank account each month automatically. You’ll still receive a statement for your records. This ensures your payment is always on time, giving you peace of mind.

To get started with automatic payments, contact HES at 541-289-2000.

Try Average Billing

HES also offers an Average Billing Plan to even out payments throughout the year. This averages your costs over 12 months to establish a fixed monthly payment amount. It helps you budget by eliminating big swings between high winter and lower summer bills.

Check with HES at 541-289-2000 to learn more about Average Billing Plan.

Whether you prefer the ease of SmartHub, autopay, or another option, HES aims to provide payment flexibility. Find the method that best fits your lifestyle.

Avoid Late Fees with On-Time Payment

When you receive your HES bill, your payment will be due by the date listed. Be sure to pay the Total Due amount before the due date to avoid any late fees.

Here are some tips to help make sure your payment arrives on time every month:

• For online payments, schedule the payment at least 5 days before your due date. This allows time for processing and posting to your account.

• If paying by mail, drop your payment in the mailbox 7-10 days before it’s due. Payments must be received (not postmarked) by your due date. Allow time for delivery.

• If paying in person, go a few days early in case of unforeseen delays or issues. Don’t wait until the due date.

• Sign up for email or text alerts through SmartHub to be notified immediately when your bill is ready.

• Mark your due date on your calendar so it doesn’t creep up on you.

Avoiding late fees is easy with proactive planning. Get in the habit of paying a bit early and utilizing payment reminders through SmartHub. This will help ensure your payment arrives on time, every time.

Seek Bill Payment Assistance if Needed

Between inflation, rising energy costs, and other factors, some months can be tougher than others financially. If you anticipate having trouble paying your HES bill, don’t wait – be proactive. HES offers programs and resources that may be able to help.

Explore Payment Plan Options

HES allows you to set up payment arrangements if you cannot pay your full balance. This lets you break your outstanding balance into smaller, more manageable payments over time.

Payment plans help you get caught up without accruing late fees. Contact HES at 541-289-2000 to learn more.

Apply for Bill Payment Assistance

HES partners with community agencies to offer bill payment assistance programs and grants for those facing financial hardship.

Some options to explore:

• LIHEAP – Provides help with home energy costs through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Apply through Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO).

• Project SHARE – Helps limited-income households with