Having reliable electric service is essential for every home and business in Hermiston, Oregon. As a customer of Hermiston Energy Services (HES) it’s important you understand your monthly energy bill and know the ways to pay it. HES offers convenient online phone, and in-person payment options to make paying your bill quick and easy each month.
About Hermiston Energy Services
Hermiston Energy Services is the municipal electric utility providing power to the residents and businesses of Hermiston, OR HES generates and distributes electricity to around 7,500 customers in the area.
Some key facts about HES:
- Formed in 1941 to serve Hermiston
- Owned by the City of Hermiston
- Governed by the Hermiston City Council
- Sources power from Bonneville Power Administration
- Over 130 miles of distribution lines
- Office located at Umatilla Electric Cooperative
Understanding Your Energy Bill
Reviewing the details on your monthly HES bill is important to understand your usage and charges Key sections include
-
Account Information: Lists account number, service address, and billing period. Verify for accuracy.
-
Meter Readings: Shows current and previous meter readings and total kilowatt hours used.
-
Account Summary: Displays charges for electricity usage, city franchise fee, and any prior balance.
-
Messages: Important notices related to your account may print here.
-
Payment Due Date: Payment must be received by this date to avoid late fees. Mark your calendar.
-
Comparison: Graph showing your energy usage over the past 13 months.
Ways to Pay Your HES Energy Bill
Hermiston Energy Services offers several payment options for customers to pay their monthly electric bill:
-
Online: Pay anytime 24/7 via SmartHub using credit/debit cards or e-check.
-
Phone: Call the automated pay-by-phone line anytime to pay with a card.
-
Mail: Send a check or money order to the HES PO Box. Allow 5-7 days to post.
-
In Person: Visit the HES office during business hours to pay with cash, check or card.
-
Auto Pay: Enroll to have your bill automatically drafted from your bank account each month.
-
Drop Box: Place your payment in the drop box at the HES office.
I recommend setting up autopay or paperless billing to simplify paying each month. Always pay the full amount due by the due date.
Payment Assistance Programs from HES
If you are struggling to pay your energy bill on time, HES does offer programs that may help, such as:
-
Payment arrangements – Set up a monthly payment plan for past due balances
-
Extensions – Receive a short extension on your payment due date if needed
-
Average billing – Pay a fixed amount each month based on your usage history
-
Low-income assistance – Federal and state programs provide utility bill aid
Contact HES immediately if you anticipate difficulty paying a bill so they can go over the options available to you. Don’t wait until you receive a shutoff notice.
Avoiding Late Fees and Disconnection
Pay your HES electric bill in full by the due date each month to avoid penalties and potential service disconnection, including:
-
Late fee – 10% penalty charge added to overdue balances
-
Disconnect notice – Mailed if your account becomes 15 days past due
-
Electric shutoff – Service disconnected if bill remains unpaid
-
Reconnect fee – $25 during business hours or $125 after hours
-
Security deposit – Additional deposit required after disconnection
Staying current on your account will help avoid extra fees and disruption to your electrical service. Notify HES promptly if you foresee an issue with paying on time.
Summary of Paying Your HES Energy Bill
Paying your monthly electric bill to Hermiston Energy Services is quick and convenient through their online, phone, and in-person payment options. Enroll in autopay or paperless billing to simplify the process each month. If you anticipate problems paying on time, contact HES immediately to discuss payment assistance programs or arrangements. Paying your balance in full and on time every month will help avoid penalties and interrupted electrical service.
It’s Nice to Have Options
Umatilla Electric offers multiple billing and payment options to fit your needs. Choose the one the works for you. Contact our Customer Service team at (541) 567-6414 with questions.
With SmartHub You Can:
- Make a Payment
- Check your energy usage
- Sign Up for Paperless Billing
- Report an outage
- Sign up to receive email and/or text alerts
Mail your monthly payment and make checks payable to Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC), to:
Umatilla Electric Cooperative PO Box 1148 Hermiston, OR 97838
Call (888) 480-9709 anytime day or night. Have your account number handy. Payments can be made using your checking/savings account or credit/debit card.
UEC’s office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Friday). Drive-thru, kiosk, and walk-up drop boxes are located at the Hermiston and Boardman offices. To speak to a UEC Customer Service Representative during office hours, call toll-free (800)-452-2273 or visit:
Hermiston Office
Boardman Office
Can’t make it to our offices during business hours? Drop Boxes are available at our Hermiston and Boardman offices in the drive up service area.
Pay your bill with cash at MoneyGram locations locally or nationwide, including all Walmarts. (You may be charged a convenience fee; UEC does not receive any compensation from the convenience fee.) Bring your bill stub; it contains the necessary information to ensure your payment is processed correctly.
Hermiston Walmart
Mailing Made Easy
Pendleton Walmart
Walmart 2203 Southwest Court Avenue Pendleton, OR 97801 Get directions to Walmart (541) 966-9970
- Login to your SmartHub account – or sign up if you haven’t already!
- Follow the Quick Links to TURN OFF your paper bill and start managing your account entirely online.
No more guesswork. No more due dates, late fees, or deposits with UEC’s PowerUp PrePay Program. Pay in advance for the electricity you will use, and choose when and how you make your payments.
Sign up for SmartHub to set-up alerts and monitor your usage anytime, anywhere and never be surprised again.
Download the PowerUP PrePay Enrollment Form (PDF) or call our office for complete program details.
Budget billing takes your average monthly bill amount (based on your usage over the past 12 months) and sets this as your monthly payment amount. The advantage is that you know exactly what you’re going to pay for your electric bill every month.
- By equalizing your payments, you avoid the seasonal peaks associated with heating and cooling months.
- Your average billing amount is reviewed and adjusted each year.
- Participation requires a 12-month continuous use history.
Sign up by calling UEC’s Hermiston or Boardman offices.
When you sign up for Schedule Pay, the amount of your monthly bill is withdrawn from the account you specify, checking/savings or use a credit/debit card. You don’t have to write a check or go out to pay your bill.
By default, payments are withdrawn on the due date reflected on your bill. If you’d like to move that date, we may be able to move your billing to a different payment cycle, depending on the date each month when your income makes it easiest to pay.
Call UEC’s Hermiston or Boardman office for help signing up.
NOTE: If you are already registered for SmartHub, you will need to re-register in SmartHub after signing up for Schedule Pay. Our team can help walk you through the process.