How to Pay Your Nueces Electric Cooperative Bill

Paying your monthly electric bill to Nueces Electric Cooperative (NEC) is easy with their various payment options. NEC offers several ways to pay your bill so you can choose the method that is most convenient for you In this article, I’ll go over the different payment options available and provide tips for paying your NEC bill on time each month.

Overview of Nueces Electric Cooperative

NEC is an electric cooperative that provides electricity to residential and business customers in several South Texas counties. As a cooperative, NEC is owned by its members and focuses on providing reliable electric service at competitive rates.

NEC offers various programs and services to benefit its members, including energy efficiency rebates, youth programs, scholarships, and bill payment assistance for qualifying low-income members.

Why Paying Your Bill On Time Matters

Paying your electric bill by the due date is important to avoid late fees and potential disconnection of service. It also helps maintain a positive payment history and your good standing as a cooperative member.

When you pay on time, NEC can continue providing exceptional service to all its members. The revenue from monthly electric bills covers the costs of maintaining the electric distribution system, purchasing power, and operating the co-op.

NEC Monthly Billing and Due Dates

NEC bills members monthly for electric service. Your billing date depends on where you live within their service area.

Bills are typically due within 16 days of the billing date printed on your statement. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the next business day to pay without incurring a late fee.

NEC offers a couple of billing and payment programs for account management flexibility, including:

• Level billing: Pay the average of your last 12 months of electric bills, avoiding seasonal spikes.

• Auto-draft payments: Your bill is paid automatically from your bank account or credit card each month.

5 Easy Ways to Pay Your NEC Bill

NEC offers several convenient payment options so members can choose how to pay in a way that fits their needs and preferences:

1. Pay Online

The easiest way to pay is through SmartHub, NEC’s online account management system. With SmartHub you can:

• View current and past billing statements
• Pay your bill with a bank account or credit card
• Set up recurring auto-payments
• Access your account from your computer or mobile device

You can pay one-time or setup recurring payments to be drafted automatically each month. Payments made through SmartHub are fast, secure, and convenient.

2. Pay by Phone

Call NEC at 1-855-632-7348 and select the billing and payments options. You can pay with a debit/credit card or checking account by phone for free.

3. Pay at a Fidelity Express Pay Station

NEC has partnered with Fidelity Express to add more authorized pay stations in their service area. Visit Fidelity’s bill pay website and enter NEC’s code 14224 to locate nearby payment locations. A small fee applies to payments made at retail pay stations.

4. Pay by Mail

Send a check or money order payable to NEC along with your payment stub to:

Nueces Electric Cooperative
PO Box 659832
San Antonio, TX 78265-9132

Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to post to your account. Include your NEC account number on the check or stub to ensure proper crediting.

5. Pay in Person

You can pay in person at the NEC office located at:

5017 Saratoga Blvd Unit 135
Corpus Christi, TX 78413

In-person payments should be made during regular business hours.

Tips for Paying Your NEC Bill On Time

• Enroll in paperless billing to receive bill notifications by email to help ensure on-time payment.

• Setup automatic payments through SmartHub so your bill gets paid on the due date every month.

• Mark your calendar with due dates to remember when to pay.

• Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to avoid late fees.

• Check account alerts through SmartHub so you are aware of past due bills or other important notifications.

• Contact NEC immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying on time so they can discuss bill payment assistance options.

Payment Assistance Programs

If you are experiencing financial hardship and difficulty paying your electric bill, NEC partners with several local organizations that may be able to provide bill payment assistance, including:

• Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
• Local community action agencies
• Public Utility Commission of Texas (Lite-Up Texas program)
• Texas Utility Help
• Texas Rent Relief Program

NEC members can also enroll in Operation Round Up, where your bill is rounded up to the nearest dollar with the extra change going to charity. Contact NEC for details on these assistance programs or to learn about enrolling in Operation Round Up.

Avoid Disconnection of Service

If you cannot pay your NEC bill in full by the due date, it’s important to take action to avoid potential disconnection of service. Possible options include:

• Requesting a payment arrangement to spread payments over several months
• Applying for bill payment assistance through local nonprofit organizations
• Reducing your energy usage to lower your monthly bills

NEC will provide a disconnection notice a minimum of 10 days prior to disconnecting service for non-payment. Be sure to contact them immediately if you receive a disconnection notice so they can discuss your account status and options to maintain electrical service.

Summary

NEC offers flexible payment options through SmartHub, phone, retail pay stations, mail, and in person. Setup automatic payments or calendar reminders to help pay your bill on time every month. Seek payment assistance if needed through NEC’s bill help programs and community partners.