How to Pay Your Tri County Electric Bill

Paying your monthly electric bill is an essential part of being a customer of a Tri County electric cooperative or utility. While the process is relatively straightforward, having a solid understanding of the available payment options can ensure paying your bill is quick, easy, and stress-free every month. This guide will provide an overview of the common ways Tri County electric customers can pay their bill.

Online Bill Pay

One of the most popular ways to pay a Tri County electric bill is online through the co-op or utility’s website. Most Tri County electric providers have an online account management system that allows customers to not only view their bill but also make a payment.

To pay online, customers first need to register for an online account This typically requires providing your account number, name, and creating a username and password Once registered, you can log into your account dashboard and select the “Pay Bill” feature.

Online bill pay offers several benefits

• Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere with just a few clicks on your computer or smartphone No need to mail payments or visit an office

• Payment Receipt – Get instant confirmation that your payment was received.

• Account Management – View past bills, payment history, usage. Update account info.

• Auto-Pay Set Up – Schedule recurring payments to be made automatically each month. Avoid late fees.

• Payment Tracking – See all payments made to your account in one place.

Payments can be made directly from a bank account (e-check) or with most major credit/debit cards. There may be a small processing fee for card payments. Overall, online bill pay one of the quickest and easiest ways for Tri County electric customers to pay their bill every month.

Mobile App

Along with online account access, many Tri County electric co-ops and utilities also offer a free mobile app for account management and bill pay on your smartphone or tablet. Apps like SmartHub and MyTriCounty allow customers to monitor electric use, view bills, make payments and more all from your mobile device.

The apps offer the same convenience as online bill pay – pay anytime, anywhere in just minutes. Receipt of payment is instantaneous and you can view payment history and billing statements. Apps also provide outage alerts and other account notifications.

Customers can download their co-op or utility’s app for free by searching their name such as “Tri County Electric Cooperative” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app syncs with your existing online account. Apps provide an easy way for customers to manage accounts and pay bills from a mobile device.

Phone Payment

Paying over the phone is another convenient option offered by most Tri County electric providers. To pay by phone, customers simply call the utility billing department and follow voice prompts to make a payment via credit card, debit card or electronic check.

Some key advantages of phone payment include:

• Available 24/7 – 365 days a year

• Takes just a few minutes

• Payment receipt provided

• Avoid late fees by paying on due date

• No need to leave home or wait in line

The phone number to call to make a payment can typically be found printed on your monthly billing statement. Cooperatives may use automated systems for faster processing while utilities may have live agents that can take payments. Either way, paying by phone provides a quick, easy bill payment option for Tri County electric customers.

Mail-In Payment

Paying your Tri County electric bill by mail is a traditional and straightforward option still used by many customers today. To pay by mail, simply send a check or money order using the payment coupon and return envelope included with your monthly paper billing statement.

Tips for paying by mail:

• Make checks/money orders payable to your electric provider

• Include your account number on the check

• Use the return envelope to mail to proper billing address

• Send payment at least 7-10 days before due date

• Keep the top portion of bill as your receipt

• Contact provider if envelope was lost

Though one of the slower options in today’s digital age, paying by mail can be a good option for customers who prefer not to make payments online or over the phone. Mailing in a check or money order remains a simple way to pay your Tri County electric bill.

In-Person Payments

Paying your bill in-person at one of your Tri County electric provider’s local offices is another payment method. Most co-ops and utilities have several branch office locations scattered throughout their service area in order to provide in-person customer service.

To pay your bill at an office, you will typically need to bring your paper bill or know your account number. Cash, check, money order or credit/debit cards are accepted for in-person payments. Some key perks include:

• Local office availability

• Make payment at customer service desk

• Get same day payment credit

• Speak with customer service rep

• Avoid mail delays or lost payments

• Get payment receipt immediately

Visiting a local branch office gives customers the ability to pay their bill with cash while also obtaining in-person assistance if needed. Just be sure to check office hours and locations on your electric provider’s website before visiting.

Payment Kiosks

In addition to local offices, some Tri County electric cooperatives have self-service bill payment kiosks available 24/7 for added customer convenience. These specialized ATM-like machines allow customers to pay their electric bill by credit/debit card or even cash at any hour of the day.

Payment kiosks can be found outside co-op office locations or select grocery/retail stores for easy access. Customers simply enter their account number or scan a bill barcode to make a payment in minutes. Kiosks provide a payment receipt and avoid having to wait in line during office hours or deal with mail delays.

Bank Auto Draft

One popular hands-off approach to paying your Tri County electric bill is enrolling in automatic bank draft payments. This convenient program allows your co-op or utility to automatically withdraw your monthly bill amount directly from your checking or savings account on the due date.

Benefits of bank auto draft include:

• Bill paid automatically each month

• Avoid late/missed payments and fees

• Can pick draft date – useful for aligning with paydays

• No stamps, paper checks or envelopes needed

• Peace of mind – one less bill to remember

Customers must fill out a form authorizing the automatic payments and provide a voided check. Bank draft auto pay is an easy “set it and forget it” way to ensure your Tri County electric bill gets paid on time, every time.

Prepaid Billing

Some Tri County electric utilities and co-ops offer prepaid billing plans as an alternative option for customers to pay as they go and manage costs. With prepaid service, customers pay ahead of time and draw down their credit balance as they use electricity.

Benefits of prepaid billing:

• No monthly bills – accounts stay in credit

• Payments deducted immediately as power is used

• Pay for electricity before you use it

• Track usage and costs in real-time

• Avoid late fees and disconnection

• Convenient payment options

Smart meters allow providers to instantly apply payments and monitor prepaid account balances. Customers receive notifications when their balance is low so they can recharge their account. Prepaid electric plans give customers increased visibility and control over energy costs.

Payment Assistance Programs

Tri County electric cooperatives and utilities understand financial hardship can occasionally make it difficult for customers to pay their power bill. That’s why most offer special payment assistance programs, payment arrangements and extensions for struggling customers.

Common bill help options include:

• Deferred Payment Plans – Spread amount owed over several months

• Energy Assistance Programs – Bill discounts for qualifying low-income households

• Balance Forgiveness – Credits or waiver of owed interest/fees

• Due Date Extensions – Extra time to make payment without late fee

• Budget Billing – Pay fixed amount based on past average use

If you are ever unable to make a payment, be sure to contact your Tri County electric provider right away to inquire about bill assistance programs before service is disconnected. Don’t let an overdue bill pile up – call early to discuss options.

Paying your monthly electric bill is essential to maintaining power service, but it doesn’t need to be difficult or stressful. As a Tri County electric customer, you have a range of payment options – online, phone, mail, in person, auto pay and more. Understanding these methods can help you choose the most convenient way to pay each month. Reach out to your co-op or utility for guidance selecting the best payment options for your needs and budget. With numerous choices available, paying your Tri County electric bill can be quick, easy and painless every month!