A Complete Guide to Paying Your Socorro Electric Cooperative Bill

Located in sunny New Mexico, Socorro Electric Cooperative (SEC) provides reliable electric service to over 18,000 homes and businesses across a widespread service area. As a customer of this member-owned utility, you want to pay your monthly SEC electric bill on time and utilize the convenient payment options available.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through how to read your SEC statement, ways to pay including online, app, mail, and phone, setting up auto-pay, managing past due accounts, and more bill pay tips. Learn how to easily manage your co-op account.

Overview of Socorro Electric Cooperative Billing

As a customer of SEC, you’ll receive a monthly statement for electric service based on regular meter readings Key things to know

• SEC bills in two cycles – due on 10th or 20th each month
• Budget billing plans available to even out payments
• Online account access and bill pay
• Mobile app for account management
• Due dates, late fees, disconnection process
• Payment assistance programs

Read on for more details on navigating your SEC electric bill and the different payment methods available.

SEC Bill Due Dates and Late Fees

SEC bills accounts in two cycles with distinct due dates

Cycle 1

• Bills sent on 15th of month
• Payment due by 10th of next month
• Mainly accounts outside Socorro city limits

Cycle 2

• Bills sent on last weekday of month
• Payment due by 20th of next month
• Socorro city and large commercial accounts

If not paid by the due date, late fees apply:

• 0.67% charge added to overdue bills
• $25 fee for two-day shutoff notice
• Disconnection 15 days after due date

Pay promptly each month to avoid fees and potential electric service interruption.

Paying Your SEC Bill Online

The easiest way to pay your SEC bill is through SmartHub, their online account portal. You can view bills, make payments, set up autopay, and more.

To pay online:

1. Go to SEC.com and click “Pay Bill”

2. Login or register your account

3. Select “Make Payment” and enter your payment details

4. Submit – a confirmation email will be sent

Online payments process instantly using your checking account, credit or debit card.

Benefits of Paying Online

Paying your SEC electric bill through SmartHub offers many advantages including:

• 24/7 account access from anywhere
• Payment receipts and bill history
• Paperless billing
• Auto-pay set up
• Account management
• Email and text notifications
• Avoid late fees and mail delays

Go paperless through SmartHub to save time, money, and the environment each month.

Use the SEC Mobile App

In addition to the online member portal, SEC offers a free mobile app for account access and bill pay on the go.

The SEC app allows you to:

• View and pay bills immediately
• Monitor electric use
• Set up alerts and reminders
• Manage account settings
• Check outage status
• Securely store payment information
• And more!

Download the free “Socorro EC” app for your Apple or Android device and login with your SmartHub credentials. Manage your co-op account anytime, anywhere.

Paying by Phone

To pay your SEC bill over the phone, call 1-575-835-0560 and select the billing and payments menu. You can make a quick one-time payment using your credit, debit card, or checking account.

SEC’s customer service team is also available to answer any billing questions or discuss payment plan options if needed.

Paying by Mail

If you prefer to mail in a payment, send your SEC electric bill stub along with a check or money order to:

Socorro Electric Cooperative
PO Box H
Socorro, NM 87801

Write your 12-digit account number clearly on the payment and allow 7-10 days for processing. Going paperless through SmartHub lets you skip the postage each month.

Enroll in Auto-Pay

For easy automated payments, sign up for auto-pay through SmartHub. This securely deducts your monthly SEC electric bill from your chosen bank account on the due date.

To start auto-pay:

1. Login to SmartHub and access “My Profile”
2. Select “Auto Pay Program”
3. Enter bank account information
4. Pick a payment date
5. Accept terms and enable autopay

You can opt-out at anytime. Auto-pay prevents late fees and service interruptions from missed payments.

Understand the SEC Electric Bill

When you receive your SEC statement each month, key sections include:

• Account number, service address, dates
• Total current charges due
• Payment due date
• Meter readings and usage
• Billing cycle reference
• Messages and notifications

Carefully review charges and due date each month. Contact SEC immediately regarding any billing errors or issues.

Avoid SEC Disconnection

If your SEC electric bill becomes past due, your account is subject to disconnection – starting 15 days after the due date. To avoid service interruption and fees:

• Pay bill in full by due date
• Contact SEC immediately if unable to pay
• Set payment reminders and go paperless
• Ask about extensions or arrangements
• Enroll in budget billing plan
• Apply for bill assistance programs

Keep your contact and payment information current with SEC. Let them know about any financial hardships or medical issues that may impact your ability to pay.

Budget Billing for Consistent Payments

SEC offers Budget Billing to even out electricity costs throughout the year into consistent monthly payments. This avoids the peak seasonal highs and lows.

To start budget billing:

• Have 12 months of billing history
• Submit application to SEC
• Monthly payment amount determined

Your account is reviewed and adjusted quarterly. Any credits or deficits gets applied during reconciliation. Budget billing provides predictable electric expenses.

Payment Assistance and Relief

If facing financial challenges, SEC provides several programs to help including:

• Payment arrangements and extensions
• Shutoff prevention assistance
• Senior citizen discount
• Energy efficiency advice to lower usage
• LIHEAP and government program referrals

Contact SEC right away if unable to pay your bill in full. Their team can explain available relief options to avoid disconnection.

Keeping your electricity on is vital – especially for medical needs. Temporary assistance is available to bridge difficult times until your SEC bill becomes affordable again.

From online, phone, mail, or auto-pay, SEC offers flexible options to pay your electric co-op bill. Sign up for paperless billing and utilize the SmartHub portal and mobile app for easy account management. Monitor usage, track payment history, set reminders, and prevent late fees.