How to Pay Your Vermont Electric Coop Bill: SmartHub, AutoPay, and Other Easy Options

As a customer of Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC), you likely appreciate the reliable electric service they provide throughout many rural areas of Vermont. But when it comes time to pay your VEC electric bill each month, you want the process to be as quick and convenient as possible.

VEC gives their members a number of easy ways to pay, such as online, by phone, mail, in person, and through auto-pay. Find out more about the safe ways to pay your VEC electric bill and handle your account below.

Explore the VEC SmartHub

One of the handiest tools for VEC members is SmartHub. This online portal and mobile app allows you to take care of all aspects of your electric account management in one convenient digital platform.

With SmartHub you can:

• View and pay your VEC electric bill online
• Set up recurring auto-payments
• Go paperless by opting for e-bills instead of mailed paper bills
• Monitor your daily and monthly energy usage
• Report power outages and receive outage alerts
• Update your contact information and billing preferences

To start using SmartHub simply go to VEC’s SmartHub page and click “Sign Up” to create your online account using your VEC account number. You can access SmartHub on your computer web browser or download the app on your iOS or Android mobile device.

It only takes a few clicks to pay your VEC bill online after you sign up for SmartHub. You have until the due date of each month to pay with a bank account, credit card, or debit card. SmartHub also stores your payment information securely for future one-click payments.

Pay via Phone

If you prefer paying your VEC electric bill over the phone that’s easy too. You can call VEC’s toll-free automated payment line anytime 24/7 at 1-800-832-2667.

When prompted, select “Option 2” to access the automated payment service. You’ll need to enter your 10-digit VEC account number and follow the prompts to make a payment using your checking account, credit card, or debit card information.

VEC accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit and debit cards for phone payments. The automated service is quick, convenient, and available whenever you need it.

Sign Up for AutoPay

For ultimate bill-paying convenience, sign up for recurring AutoPay through VEC’s online SmartHub portal. This authorizes VEC to withdraw your monthly bill amount directly from your bank account or credit/debit card around the same date each month.

With AutoPay, you still receive a statement for your records, but don’t have to remember to manually pay each bill. Payments happen automatically so your electric service stays on without disruption.

To enroll in AutoPay, log into your SmartHub account and look for the AutoPay enrollment page under the “Billing & Payments” menu. Enter your bank or card details and confirm your authorization. It’s that easy!

Pay by Mail

If you prefer paying the old-fashioned way, you can always mail a check or money order to VEC each month.

Be sure to include your payment stub from your latest bill to credit your account properly. Send your mailed payment to the P.O. Box address printed on your VEC electric bill.

Just make sure to mail your payment 7-10 days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time. Late payments can incur fees.

Pay in Person

You also have options for paying your VEC electric bill in person at either of the following locations:

• VEC Headquarters – 42 Wescom Rd, Johnson, VT

• Franklin Telephone Co – 5217 Main St, Franklin, VT

• Any M&T Bank branch (you must bring your payment stub)

If paying cash, visit VEC’s HQ or the Franklin Telephone location. Or pay via check, money order, or debit/credit card at one of the walk-in payment sites.

The benefit of paying in person is you receive instant payment confirmation and have a receipt for your records.

Budget Billing for Consistent Payments

If you want to make consistent payments year-round and avoid seasonal spikes in your VEC electric bills, consider enrolling in their Budget Billing program.

Here’s how it works:

• VEC calculates your average monthly energy costs based on the past 12 months

• That amount becomes your set monthly budget bill, spreading costs evenly across the year

• They recheck your actual usage midway through the 12-month cycle and adjust your monthly payment if needed

• At the end of the year, your account is reconciled and balanced

Budget Billing prevents huge winter electric bills and gives you predictable finances. Call VEC or check online to enroll.

Get Payment Assistance if Needed

Facing financial hardship? VEC understands temporary money challenges and offers payment assistance programs to struggling members.

If you cannot cover the full balance of your electric bill, contact VEC’s billing team right away before service is disrupted. Explain your situation and ask about:

• Payment plans to pay your balance in installments over time

• Low-income heating bill assistance

• Waiving of deposit or reconnection fees

• Helping you sign up for statewide bill assistance programs

VEC wants to help keep your power on. Discussing your specific situation with their billing department can help avoid disconnection.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

Now that you know the many ways to pay your VEC electric bill conveniently, be sure to pay each monthly charge in full and on time. VEC does charge late payment fees around $10 if you pay more than 5 days past your due date.

If your bill remains unpaid for 15+ days, VEC will disconnect your electric service until the balance is paid. Reconnection incurs a $10 fee as well.

Protect your good standing as a VEC member and avoid extra penalties by paying on time every month via one of the methods discussed here. Keeping your electric account current is vital for uninterrupted electric service to your Vermont home or business.