Simplifying Bill Payment for Guernsey Muskingum Electric Customers

It can be a pain to pay your monthly electric bill because you have to find the bill, write a check, find a stamp, and mail it on time. But it doesn’t have to be that way because Guernsey Muskingum Electric Cooperative (GMEC) makes it easy to pay. GMEC wants to give its members in southeastern Ohio great service and value because it is a customer-owned utility. That includes making bill payment fast, easy, and modern.

Overview of Payment Options

GMEC members can pay their electric bills in a number of ways, and many of them can be done online at any time. Payment methods include:

• By mail – Send a check or money order using the return envelope. Be sure to include your account number and a meter reading.

• By phone – Call the automated system anytime to pay via electronic check or major credit card A $3.95 convenience fee applies per transaction.

• Online via SmartHub – Set up an account to pay online by e-check or credit card. View usage trends and account history too.

• Online via Pay Now – Make quick payments without setting up an account Links available on GMEC website

• Automatic bank draft – No worries about late payments with direct debit from your bank account. No fees applied.

• You can pay in person at the GMEC office during business hours with cash, check, or money order. A 24/7 night deposit box is also available.

With multiple ways to pay – including paperless options – GMEC makes it easy to pay your bill promptly each month. Read on for more details about these convenient payment methods.

Paying by Mail

GMEC still lets you pay your bills the old-fashioned way: by mail. Your monthly bill comes with a return envelope that you can use to send your payment back to the co-op’s office in New Concord, Ohio.

To pay by mail, simply:

• Write a check or obtain a money order made out to Guernsey Muskingum Electric Cooperative.

• Be sure to write your 10-digit GMEC account number on the check or money order. You can find your account number printed on your monthly bill.

• Tear off the payment stub from the bottom of your bill and enclose it with your payment. Having the stub helps ensure your account is properly credited.

• Record your current meter reading on the payment stub. Submitting regular readings helps ensure accurate billing.

• Mail your payment using the return envelope so it arrives by the due date on your bill – the 25th of each month. Payments received after the 25th incur a late fee.

Though convenient, paying by mail does require planning ahead to avoid late fees. Allow 7-10 days for your payment to reach GMEC’s office. Consider switching to one of the faster payment options outlined below.

Paying by Phone

For those who prefer not to write and mail checks, GMEC offers a 24/7 automated phone payment system. Call toll-free 1-844-965-1325 anytime to make quick payments by electronic check or major credit/debit cards.

To use the phone payment system:

• Have your GMEC account number handy when you call. You’ll need to enter it.

• Choose whether to pay by e-check (bank account) or credit/debit card. Follow the prompts.

• Enter your payment amount up to $500. You can pay multiple accounts in one transaction.

• Provide your bank or card information. Your data is secure.

• Enter your current meter reading when prompted.

• Record the confirmation number at the end.

Payments made by 6:00pm post to your account same day. A $3.95 convenience fee applies per transaction. But avoiding late fees is priceless!

Paying Online via SmartHub

For the ultimate in convenience, sign up for SmartHub through GMEC to access a secure online and mobile platform for managing your account and payments. You can pay bills immediately by e-check or card, view monthly usage trends, set payment reminders, and more.

To get started with SmartHub:

1. Visit https://gmenergy.smarthub.coop or download the app.

2. Click “New User” and enter your account number and last name.

3. Create a username and password.

4. Begin managing your electric account with all the SmartHub features!

SmartHub offers an easy way to pay your GMEC bill any time of day from your computer or mobile device. As soon as you sign in, you’ll see the current balance owed and can make an e-check or card payment on the spot. Like the phone payments, a $3.95 convenience fee applies per transaction.

Besides payments, SmartHub provides expanded account management capabilities, including:

• Viewing monthly electric usage and billing history

• Setting reminder alerts for due dates to avoid late fees

• Submitting meter readings digitally to aid billing accuracy

• Updating your contact information and paperless settings

SmartHub provides secure, real-time access to monitor and manage your GMEC account online 24/7. It’s ideal for tech-savvy members!

Paying Online via Pay Now

For members who want the speed and convenience of online payments without setting up a full SmartHub account, GMEC provides a streamlined “Pay Now” option.

Follow these steps to make a quick online payment:

1. Visit https://gmenergy.smarthub.coop/PayNow.html

2. Enter your 10-digit account number and 4-digit PIN printed on your bill.

3. Choose “Register Account” and create a password.

4. Select payment amount up to $500 and submit your current meter reading.

5. Enter your credit/debit card or bank account details and complete payment.

The “Pay Now” online payments are fast and easy for occasional use. Like SmartHub, a $3.95 convenience fee applies per transaction. But you avoid setting up an ongoing account.

Paying by Bank Draft

If you really want to simplify bill payment, enroll in GMEC’s automatic bank draft program. This authorizes the monthly amount due to be deducted directly from your checking or savings account on the billing due date.

The benefits of automatic bank draft include:

• No late fees – Payment is always on time

• No checks to write or stamps to buy

• Payment happens automatically even if you’re out of town

• No convenience fees – It’s a free service

To enroll in GMEC automatic bank drafts:

• Download the authorization form from https://gmenergy.com or request a copy by calling 740-826-7661

• Complete the form with your bank routing and account numbers

• Indicate whether you want drafts from checking or savings

• Mail the form with a voided check to GMEC’s office

• Allow 30 days for enrollment processing

Automatic bank draft provides a worry-free way to pay your GMEC electric bill on time each month.

Paying in Person

GMEC’s office in New Concord provides in-person payment options for members who prefer face-to-face customer service. During regular business hours, you can:

• Pay your bill at the front desk by cash, check, or money order

• Use the drive-through window on the east side of the building

• Get assistance from member services representatives

The office, located at 17 South Liberty Street, is open 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. You can also use the 24/7 night deposit box to drop off payments after hours.

When paying in person, be sure to:

• Have your account number, current meter reading, and exact payment amount ready

• Record your confirmation number for your records

• Ask any questions you have about your electric service or bill

GMEC’s courteous and knowledgeable staff are happy to assist members who prefer in-person bill payment during business hours.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

However you choose to pay your GMEC electric bill each month – by mail, phone, online, bank draft, or in person – the key is paying by the due date to avoid penalties.

Important payment deadlines and consequences include:

• Bills are due by the 25th of each month.

• A late fee is added to unpaid bills after the 25th.

• Accounts with past due balances may face electric service disconnection after proper notice.

• Call GMEC immediately if you anticipate a problem paying on time. They will work with you on payment arrangements.

• Disconnection can be avoided by paying the past due amount or setting up an agreed payment plan.

GMEC provides multiple worry-free options – including paperless methods – for paying your electric bill promptly each month. Choosing auto-draft or recurring online payments are great ways to avoid late penalties entirely. Reach out to GMEC for help getting accounts up to date or setting up manageable installments. As a customer-owned co-op, GMEC wants to keep the power flowing and bills paid for all members!