Penalties and Disconnections for Nonpayment
Late payment penalties and disconnections for nonpayment were suspended March–June to provide relief to members amid pandemic-related economic disruption but resumed in July. However, Big Country Electric Cooperative is still here to help.
We offer payment options to fit your needs, including budget billing and Prepay Your Way. If you’re having difficulty paying your BCEC bill, please give us a call during regular business hours. We will work with you as much as possible to figure out a payment plan.
Low-Balance Accounts
To reduce paper and postage expenses, only accounts with a balance of $5 or more will receive paper bills. Single accounts with a balance of $4.99 or less will no longer receive paper statements. Small balances will be rolled onto the next month’s bill. Penalties will not be applied to these amounts, and they will not affect your on-time payment history.
Automated Payment Reminder Calls
Big Country EC began using an automated system in July that allows us to send members reminder calls a few days before their electric bill is due if their payment has not been received. This reminder can save you the 5% penalty that is assessed if the payment is not received by the due date. Below is the message you will hear if you receive such a call:
“Please hold for an important message from Big Country Electric Co-op: This is a friendly reminder that your electric bill has not yet been paid. To avoid the 5% penalty, please pay no later than the due date shown on your bill. Payments can be made in person, online through SmartHub at bigcountry.smarthub.coop, by phone using the SmartHub mobile app, or through our automated phone system at 1-855-875-7211. Thank you.”
The automated system is already being used as a final courtesy reminder to those who are in danger of disconnection of their electric service. The new service will also be used for other member notifications such as planned outages, annual meeting reminders and any other messages that need to be communicated to members. The caller ID that you will see is (325) 866-1005. If you had previously notified BCEC that you would like to opt out of automated messages but still receive one, please call our office at (325) 776-2244 or email [email protected].
