How to Pay Your Valley Rural Electric Bill Online, by Phone, or In Person

Having electricity available with the flick of a switch is something many of us take for granted. But providing reliable electric service takes extensive infrastructure maintained by companies like Valley Rural Electric Cooperative. As members, paying our electric bills not only covers our usage but helps fund the co-op’s operations.

Valley Rural Electric gives its members a number of easy ways to pay their electric bills, such as online, by phone, mail, or in person. This guide will show you how to pay your Valley Rural Electric bill in a number of different ways. I’ll also talk about how to read your bill, make a budget for billing, avoid late fees, and get help with billing. Let’s light up how simple paying your co-op electric bill can be!.

Pay Online Using SmartHub

SmartHub on the co-op’s website is the best way for Valley Rural Electric members to pay their bills. Here’s an overview:

• Go to ValleyREC.com and click “View & Pay Bill”

• Login to your SmartHub account or register as a first-time user

• Select a payment method – bank account or credit/debit card

• Enter details and submit payment

Online payments via SmartHub can be made anytime up to your due date. Funds are deducted immediately after submitting.

SmartHub also allows members to:

• View current and past electric bills

• Monitor daily energy use

• Manage account settings and billing options

• Report outages

I like to pay as soon as I receive my bill to get it over with!

Pay by Phone

Valley Rural Electric members can also pay bills conveniently over the phone using the automated pay-by-phone system.

To make a payment, dial toll-free 866-999-4591 and follow the voice prompts. You’ll need to enter your 10-digit account number and payment details. Payments can be made using credit card, debit card, or bank draft.

The phone payment system is available 24/7. But allow 2-3 business days for payments to process if calling close to your due date.

Paying by Mail

Sending a check or money order through the mail is still an option for paying your Valley Rural Electric bill. Here’s how:

• Make checks payable to Valley Rural Electric (or Valley REC or VREC)

• Write your 10-digit account number on your check

• Mail to: Valley REC, PO Box 477, Huntingdon, PA 16652

I recommend mailing payments 1 week before your due date to ensure they arrive on time. Consider tracking the payment if mailing close to the deadline.

Paying In Person

For members who prefer paying bills in person, you can stop by any Valley Rural Electric office during business hours, Monday – Thursday from 7am – 5:30pm. Payment options include:

• Cash, check, or money order

• Credit card or debit card

• Automatic bank draft authorization

Don’t forget to bring your paper bill or know your 10-digit account number. Get a receipt as proof of payment.

Budget Billing

For consistent electric bills, Valley Rural Electric offers a Budget Billing plan. This averages payments over 12 months based on your previous usage.

To enroll:

• Have 12 months of billing history at your current address

• Fill out a Budget Billing application

• Monthly auto-draft from your bank account is required

Budget amounts are reviewed and adjusted periodically. Any credit or owed balance is factored in. Contact Valley REC for more details on enrolling.

Avoid Late Fees

Valley Rural Electric bills are due by the 10th of each month. Late fees apply if payment is not received on time:

• After due date – 1.5% penalty

• 15 days past due – $5 fee

• 25 days past due – Disconnection notice

Avoid late fees by enrolling in auto-pay, paying early, or requesting a due date extension if needed. But if you do get hit with a late fee, call the billing department right away to ask about a one-time waiver.

Reading and Understanding Your Bill

Reading your monthly Valley Rural Electric bill is important to understand the charges. Here are key sections to review:

• Account number and customer details

• Billing period usage and charges

• Meter readings – usage in kWh this month

• Billing/payment history – previous balance, payments received

• Messages – important billing or rate updates

Review usage each month to spot high spikes that may indicate issues or changes in energy habits. Reach out if you need clarification on billing terms or charges.

Getting Billing and Payment Assistance

The Valley Rural Electric member services team is available to help with any billing or payment questions:

• Call 800-432-0680 Monday – Thursday during business hours

• Email [email protected]

• Visit any co-op office location in person

Reasons to call include payment arrangement requests, budget billing enrollment, clarifying charges, and reporting outages or electrical issues.

Key Takeaways

• Online payments via SmartHub

• Phone payments with the automated system

• Mailing a check or money order

• Paying in person at any co-op office

Be sure to pay on time, review monthly usage, and reach out to member services for any billing or payment help needed. When we pay our electric bills fully and on time, it helps the co-op maintain the infrastructure that powers our modern lives.