How to Pay Your Southside Electric Cooperative Bill: A Complete Guide

Getting your monthly electricity bill from Southside Electric Cooperative is inevitable if you live in their Virginia service area. But actually paying that SEC bill quickly and easily doesn’t have to be a chore. Southside Electric provides their members with numerous convenient payment options to choose from. Read on for a comprehensive guide to paying your SEC electric bill.

Overview of Southside Electric Cooperative

First a quick introduction to Southside Electric for those not familiar with this utility provider

• SEC is a member-owned electric cooperative serving central and southside Virginia

• They are headquartered in Crewe VA and have served the area for over 85 years.

• SEC provides electricity to around 58,000 homes and businesses across 18 counties.

• Their service territory spans over 5,000 square miles.

• They own and maintain over 8,400 miles of power lines.

So in many areas of central and southern Virginia, SEC is the local electric company delivering power to homes and businesses in the community.

Payment Options Offered by SEC

When it comes time to pay your SEC electric bill each month, you have numerous options to choose from:

Automatic Payments

Enroll in autopay to have your bill paid automatically each month directly from your bank account or credit/debit card. This ensures you never miss a payment.

Pay Online

Through SEC’s online bill pay system SmartHub, you can quickly pay your bill any time from your computer or mobile device.

Pay By Phone

Call SEC’s automated pay by phone system anytime using your phone number or account number to make a payment.

Pay In Person

Stop by any SEC office location during business hours to pay your bill in person with cash, check, or credit/debit.

Pay By Mail

Mail your check or money order payment to SEC’s payment remittance address in Charlotte, NC. Allow 5-7 days for processing.

Pay at a Kiosk

Visit a self-service kiosk at one of SEC’s four office locations to pay with credit/debit 24/7.

Pay Using Vanilla Pay

A barcode on your bill can be scanned at retailers like Dollar General to make cash payments for a $1.50 fee.

Pay Using a Mobile App

Download the SmartHub app to pay directly through your mobile device anytime.

As you can see, SEC offers a well-rounded selection of bill payment methods to fit any schedule or preference. Read on for more details on using these SEC electric bill payment options.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Your SEC Bill

Here is a walkthrough of how to use each payment option to pay your SEC electric bill:

Automatic Payments

1. Visit SEC’s website and log into SmartHub or create an account.
2. Click on the “AutoPay” tab.
3. Select whether to pay from your bank account or credit/debit card.
4. Enter your payment details and preferred payment date.
5. Review and submit the enrollment form.

Once enrolled, your bill will now be paid automatically each month by the date you selected.

Pay Online

1. Go to SEC’s website and click “Pay Bill” or log into your SmartHub account.
2. Enter your SEC account number and last name or business name.
3. Select whether to pay the full balance or a custom amount.
4. Enter your payment details and submit.

You’ll receive an email confirmation once your online payment is processed.

Pay By Phone

1. Call SEC’s automated pay by phone line at 1-800-552-2118.
2. Select the “Pay Bill” option when prompted.
3. Enter your 10-digit SEC account number followed by the # sign.
4. Select whether to pay full balance or custom amount and follow prompts.

After the IVR processes your payment, you’ll receive a confirmation number.

Pay In Person

1. Bring your payment to any of SEC’s four office locations during business hours.
2. Let the representative know you need to make an SEC bill payment.
3. Provide your account information and payment method – cash, check, or card.
4. Receive a printed receipt confirming your payment.

Pay By Mail

1. Write your SEC account number on the check or money order.
2. Make it payable to “Southside Electric Cooperative.”
3. Mail to: SEC Payment Remittance, PO Box 63045, Charlotte, NC 28263
4. Allow 5-7 days for mail processing time before due date.

Pay at a Kiosk

1. Visit any SEC office location and locate the self-pay kiosk.
2. Select to make a payment on the screen.
3. Enter your SEC account number and payment amount.
4. Insert your credit/debit card to complete the payment.
5. Take the printed payment receipt.

Pay Using Vanilla Pay

1. Locate the barcode on your SEC bill or in the SmartHub mobile app.
2. Take the barcode and cash payment to a Vanilla Pay retailer.
3. The clerk will scan the barcode, take your cash, and apply the $1.50 fee.
4. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.

Pay Using SmartHub Mobile App

1. Download and open the SmartHub app on your mobile device.
2. Select Southside Electric Cooperative as your provider.
3. Enter your account number and last name to log in.
4. Tap the “Pay Bill” button to enter your payment details and submit.

You’ll receive a payment confirmation right in the app.

As you can see, SEC offers a payment option to fit any lifestyle. Choose the one that works best for you!

Tips for Paying Your SEC Bill On Time

Follow these tips and best practices when paying your SEC electric bill to avoid late fees:

• Mark your bill due date on your calendar so you remember to pay.

• Enroll in autopay or schedule recurring payments to ensure on-time payment.

• Pay a few days early when paying by mail to allow for processing time.

• Pay online up until the cut-off time on your due date (typically 5 PM EST).

• Opt for electronic payments to avoid delays of mailing paper checks.

• Sign up for paperless billing and use SmartHub to receive due date reminders.

• Pay as soon as you receive your bill to stay ahead of the due date.

• Contact SEC immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying on time.

Following these tips will help you maintain a good payment history and avoid extra fees on your SEC electric bills.

Payment Assistance Programs From SEC

If you are struggling to pay your SEC electric bill on time, assistance is available:

Payment plans – SEC offers customized payment plan options to spread balances over time.

LIHEAP – Federal energy bill assistance is available for qualifying lower income households.

Social services – Additional local programs may assist with utility bills for those in need.

Energy tips – SEC provides ways to lower your power usage and monthly bills.

Contact SEC as soon as possible if you anticipate having difficulty paying your bill on time. Their team can go over your available options and resources.

Why Southside Electric Cooperative for Electric Service?

As a member-owned electric cooperative, SEC provides some key benefits compared to private utility companies:

• SEC rates are lower on average than investor-owned utilities in their areas. This keeps more money in members’ pockets.

• Member owners help guide SEC’s priorities and direction by electing the board of directors.

• SEC continually reinvests in the cooperative to improve electric service for members.

• SEC offers energy efficiency programs to help members reduce consumption and save.

• Member ownership means SEC’s focus is providing excellent service, not shareholder profits.

So pay close attention to when your SEC electric bill arrives each month, and pay it on time using one of their convenient payment options. SEC works to keep your lights on and costs affordable.

FAQs About Paying Your SEC Electric Bill

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about paying SEC electric bills:

What payment options does SEC offer?

SEC offers automatic payments, online, phone, in person, by mail, at kiosks, with mobile apps, and through third-party bill pay services.

What is the best way to pay my SEC bill?
The best option depends on your needs. Automatic payments or online ensure on-time payments, while in person provides instant confirmation.

Where can I pay my SEC bill in person?
You can pay in person at any of SEC’s four office locations in Crewe, Altavista, Powhatan, and Dinwiddie.

What fees does SEC charge for late bill payments?
SEC will charge late fees if the bill isn’t paid on time, starting at 1.5% of the unpaid balance. Disconnection fees also apply if service is interrupted.

When is my SEC bill due each month?
SEC residential bills are typically due within 25 days of the billing date each month. Check