Simplifying Bill Payments with Mid Carolina Electric

Paying your monthly electric bill can feel like a chore. When you have to write and mail checks, keep track of due dates, and worry about possible late fees if you miss the deadline, the process can be very frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Mid Carolina Electric gives customers many easy ways to pay their bills, so they can fit their schedules.

As a Mid Carolina Electric customer myself I appreciate how they’ve modernized the payment experience. I can choose to pay on their website through their app, over the phone, by mail, or even in cash at local retailers. With flexible options like these, I never stress about making my payment on time each month.

In this article, I’ll walk through the various ways you can pay your Mid Carolina Electric bill. I’ll cover the pros and cons of each method, along with tips for getting started.

Pay Online

The easiest way to pay your electric bill is on the Mid Carolina Electric website. Simply go to wwwmcecoopcom, click on “My Account”, and choose “Pay Now.” You’ll be redirected to SmartHub, their online payment portal.

In SmartHub you can make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments directly from your bank account. Your payment will post to your account within 24 hours. I like paying through SmartHub because it’s fast secure, and saves me the hassle of writing and mailing a check each month.

To enroll in SmartHub, you’ll need to provide an email address. You’ll get an email every month when your new bill is ready, giving you a chance to look over your usage and make a payment.

Tips for Paying Online

• Have your account number handy – you’ll need this to log in
• Save SmartHub to your bookmarks or home screen for quick access
• Set up autopay or recurring payments so you never forget a bill
• Check notifications for usage alerts and payment confirmations

Paying online is ideal if you want a seamless, automated bill pay experience. Sign up for SmartHub today to get started.

Use the Mobile App

Today we do almost everything from our phones, so why not pay bills too? Mid Carolina Electric offers a free SmartHub app for iOS and Android devices.

The app allows you to easily view your balance, make one-time payments, set up recurring payments, and monitor energy usage. Payments made through the app post to your account immediately, so you can confirm your balance is paid in full.

I love having the SmartHub app on my phone. Whenever I think of my electric bill, I can log in and see my up-to-date balance. It takes just a few taps to pay right from my phone.

Tips for Using the App

• Download SmartHub on your Apple or Android device
• Save your login info so you don’t have to enter it each time
• Get notifications for new bills, confirmations, past-due alerts
• Pay using a credit/debit card or checking account

With an easy-to-use interface and instant payments, the SmartHub app is ideal for on-the-go bill pay. Download it today for paying bills at your convenience.

Pay by Phone

Maybe you prefer talking to a real person when handling bills. Mid Carolina Electric offers full phone payment support through Member Services.

To pay by phone, call 803-749-6500 or the toll-free number 888-850-6770. Have your account number handy, along with your credit/debit card details. The representative will walk you through making a payment over the automated Easy Pay system.

I like having phone pay as a backup option if I’m away from my computer and forgot my wallet. As long as I have my phone, I can call and make a payment to avoid any late fees. The call agents are friendly and helpful if you have any account questions.

Tips for Paying by Phone

• Call during normal business hours for fastest service
• Have your account number and card ready to make it easy
• Opt for recurring payments so you don’t have to call each month
• Ask questions about usage, billing, payment history, etc.

If you prefer talking through bills instead of managing them online, phone pay is a solid choice. Call whenever you need to make a payment or check your account balance.

Automatic Bank Draft

For true bill pay convenience, look into Mid Carolina Electric’s bank draft program. This automatically deducts your monthly bill from your checking or savings account.

Here’s how it works:

• Enroll by filling out a form or calling Member Services
• On your bill due date each month, the total will draft from your bank account
• You’ll still get a statement showing usage and the amount drafted
• Never miss a payment or deal with late fees again!

I love the simplicity of bank draft – my payment happens automatically without me having to do anything. And I still can review my monthly statement to monitor usage and costs.

Tips for Bank Draft

• Make sure your bank account has sufficient funds monthly
• Update your account info if you switch banks
• Monitor statements to ensure the correct amount was drafted
• Canceldrafts anytime by calling Member Services

For maximum ease, let Mid Carolina Electric withdraw your bill directly from your bank each month. Sign up for bank draft and say goodbye to paying bills manually.

Pay in Cash

If you prefer to pay bills in cash, Mid Carolina Electric now offers that option through partnership with local retailers.

Visit a participating store like Dollar General or Walmart and inform the cashier you want to make a Mid Carolina Electric payment. Provide your account number or a payment barcode from your online account. Pay the billed amount plus a small $1.50 convenience fee. The payment posts instantly to your account.

Cash bill pay means you can handle your electric bill as part of your regular shopping trip. No need to make a special stop by the Mid Carolina Electric office. Just pay at a store that’s already convenient for you.

Tips for Paying Cash

• Find a nearby participating retailer that accepts cash payments
• Bring your printed bill or pull up your barcode on your phone
• Make sure to pay the convenience fee along with your balance
• Get a receipt as proof of payment in case of discrepancies

If you like the simplicity of cash transactions, use this option to check your electric bill off your to-do list.

Mail a Check

Mailing a check is the traditional way to pay bills. While not as convenient as online payments, it’s still a straightforward option offered by Mid Carolina Electric.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order made out to Mid Carolina Electric for the amount due. Include your payment stub to ensure proper crediting to your account. Send your payment to:

Mid Carolina Electric Cooperative
PO Box 669
Lexington, SC 29071

Allow 5-7 business days for your mailed payment to process. I recommend mailing at least a week before your due date in case of any postal delays.

Tips for Mailing Payments

• Write your account number on your check for easy processing
• Send via first-class mail with proper postage to avoid delays
• Mail at least 7 days before your due date to ensure on-time arrival
• Opt for online bill pay instead to save time and hassle

While mailing a paper check gets the job done, online payments through SmartHub are typically faster and more convenient for most customers. But it’s still an option if you prefer paying bills the old-fashioned way.

In Person

You can always stop by and pay your Mid Carolina Electric bill in person at one of their local offices. They have two drive-thru locations open Monday thru Friday:

• Lexington Office: 254 Longs Pond Road
• Irmo Office: 7524 Broad River Road

Drive up during business hours, Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm. Make your payment via cash, check, or credit/debit directly to an agent. Get a receipt confirming your balance is paid off.

I try to avoid extra trips when possible, but occasionally it’s convenient to swing by the Mid Carolina Electric office to take care of my bill. The drive-thru window makes it quick and easy if I’m out running errands nearby.

Tips for In-Person Payments

• Have your account number and payment method ready for faster service
• Opt for the drive-thru window rather than going inside
• Avoid the early morning/late afternoon rush if possible
• Get a receipt as proof of payment
• Consider paying online next time to skip the trip

For customers who live nearby or simply prefer handling bills in person, drive-thru payment locations are available. But online and phone payments often save the time of an extra stop.

Choose the Best Option for You

As you can see, Mid Carolina Electric offers payment options to suit every preference. Whether you love the convenience of autopay, prefer speaking to an agent, or don’t mind mailing paper checks, your electric bill can be paid with minimal hassle.

Here are a few final tips for simplifying bill pay:

• Enroll in paperless billing to receive statements electronically
• Note due dates on your calendar so payments are always on time