How To Pay Your Yellowstone Valley Electric Bill: A Step-By-Step Guide

Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative (YVEC) provides reliable electric service to over 22,000 members across Montana. To continue enjoying uninterrupted power YVEC customers must pay their electric bills on time each month. This comprehensive guide will walk through the various ways to pay your YVEC electric bill.

Understanding all of the payment options available through YVEC will allow you to choose the most convenient method for your needs. Keep reading to learn how to pay your YVEC bill online by phone in person, or by mail. Follow these simple steps to avoid late fees and keep your electric account in good standing.

Check Your Current Balance

The first step is checking your current YVEC account balance. This will tell you the payment amount needed to keep your service active. There are a couple ways to find your balance:

• Log in to SmartHub to view your latest online bill

• Call the automated phone system at (833) 368-2469 and check your balance

• Visit a YVEC office in person and request your current balance

• Wait for your mailed paper statement to arrive

Knowing the amount due makes it faster to proceed through the payment process.

Understand the Charges on Your Bill

When reviewing your YVEC electric bill, you will see various line items that make up your total charges, such as:

• Electricity usage – The kWh you consumed based on meter readings

• Customer charge – A fixed monthly fee

• Demand charge – For large commercial accounts

• Taxes – Local utility taxes

• Fees – Late fees, reconnect fees, etc.

Reviewing the bill breakdown helps you understand what you are paying for each month. Monitoring electricity usage over time can also help identify ways to reduce costs.

Select Your Preferred Payment Method

YVEC offers several ways for members to pay their electric bills conveniently. Choose the option that best matches your needs and schedule:

• Online – Pay via SmartHub or the Pay Now portal on yvec.com. Fast and secure.

• Phone – Call the payment line or use the automated system. Available 24/7.

• Mobile app – Download the SmartHub app to pay on your device.

• In person – Visit a YVEC office or payment kiosk.

• Mail – Send a check or money order to the billing address.

• Auto pay – Set up recurring bank account withdrawals each month.

Review the advantages of each method to select your preferred route for paying your YVEC electric bill. Many members appreciate the speed and convenience of online payments.

Pay Online Through SmartHub

The fastest and easiest way to pay your YVEC electric bill is through SmartHub, the online account management portal. Follow these simple steps:

• Go to yvec.com and click on “My Account”

• Login to SmartHub with your credentials

• Select “Make a Payment” from the menu

• Enter the payment amount and select a payment source

• Choose either bank account or debit/credit card

• Complete the checkout process

• Verify the confirmation page

Payments made through SmartHub by 5:00 PM process the same day. You can also set up recurring auto-pay here.

Pay by Phone

In addition to online payments, YVEC members can pay electric bills conveniently over the phone.

To pay by phone:

• Call (833) 368-2469

• Select option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish

• Follow prompts to check your balance

• Press 2 to make a payment

• Choose checking account or debit/credit card

• Enter payment details

• Note the confirmation number

YVEC’s automated phone payment system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience.

Pay in Person

For those who prefer in-person bill payment, YVEC has multiple options available.

You can pay at:

• YVEC headquarters in Huntley from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday

• Payment kiosks located in Billings, Columbus, Joliet, and Laurel

• Select MoneyGram locations using cash

In-person payments allow you to receive same-day confirmation that your bill is paid. Just make sure to have your account number handy.

Enroll in Recurring Auto-Pay

For hands-free electric bill payment, enroll in auto-pay through SmartHub. This automatically pays your balance from your bank account each month on the due date.

To set up auto-pay:

• Login to SmartHub

• Go to “Auto Pay Program”

• Select your payment source

• Choose the withdrawal date

• Agree to the terms and conditions

Auto-pay ensures your bill gets paid on time without any effort on your part. Just monitor your account to prevent insufficient fund fees.

Avoid Late Fees

YVEC electric bills are due by the 20th of each month. Payments received after that date incur a late fee up to 5% of the balance due. Avoid late fees by paying as soon as you receive your new bill.

If an emergency prevents on-time payment, call YVEC immediately to discuss payment plan options. Getting approved for an extension can help you steer clear of penalties.

Ask About Payment Assistance

For YVEC members struggling with temporary financial hardship, payment assistance programs may be available, such as:

• Due date extensions

• Payment arrangements spreading balance over months

• Low-income bill discounts

• Energy efficiency upgrades to reduce usage/costs

Contact YVEC to learn more about bill help for qualified hardships. Keeping your electric service active is important.

Manage Your Account Online

Through SmartHub, you can do more than just pay your bill. Additional account management features include:

• Paperless billing

• Usage monitoring

• Update account information

• Report outages

• Request service changes

Take advantage of SmartHub’s online convenience for all aspects of your electric service.

As a member-owned electric cooperative, YVEC aims to provide outstanding service to customers across Montana. Paying your bill on time is an essential part of maintaining that relationship. Use this step-by-step guide to choose the best payment option and keep your electric service energized.