How to Pay Your Electric Bill with Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative

Living in rural Missouri, most homeowners and residents receive their electric service from Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative (HOEC). As a member-owned co-op, HOEC aims to provide affordable, reliable electric service to households across their service territory. Paying your HOEC electric bill on time each month is an important responsibility for members.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through the various ways you can pay your HOEC electric bill, as well as provide key details on billing cycles, due dates, and fees. Learning the ins and outs of paying your electric bill with HOEC will ensure you avoid any late fees or service disruptions.

HOEC Billing Cycles and Due Dates

HOEC bills members for electric service once per month. Your billing date is dependent on where you live within their service area Here’s an overview of HOEC’s billing cycles

• Accounts in Howell and Texas counties are billed on the 10th of each month

• Accounts in Oregon, Shannon, and Carter counties are billed on the 20th of each month.

• Accounts in Ripley and Butler counties are billed on the 1st of each month.

Regardless of your specific billing date, payment for your HOEC electric bill is due by the 10th of the following month. For example:

• If your bill is dated June 10th, payment is due by July 10th.

• If your bill is dated June 20th, payment is still due by July 10th.

• If your bill is dated June 1st, payment is due by July 10th.

Mark your calendar with the 10th as HOEC bill due date each month to help remember. Late fees apply if the bill is not paid by the due date.

Reviewing Your Electric Bill

When you receive your HOEC bill each month, take some time to review the charges before paying. Make sure you understand what you’re being billed for. Here are key sections to check on your statement:

• Electric Usage – This shows your monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage and the charge for that amount of electricity. Check that your usage aligns with expectations.

• Service Availability Charge – This fixed monthly fee helps cover HOEC’s operating costs. It ranges from $18-40 depending on your service type.

• Taxes – HOEC must collect sales tax on electric bills. This is based on your electric usage amount.

• Miscellaneous Charges – Other fees like security light bills will be listed here if applicable.

• Account Summary – A summary of total charges, payments made, and amount due. Make sure amount due matches total due for that billing cycle.

If you see any discrepancies or have questions about charges, contact HOEC’s member services team for clarification before the due date.

Paying Your HOEC Electric Bill Online

Paying online is the fastest, most convenient way to pay your HOEC electric bill. HOEC offers two online payment options:

SmartHub Website

You can pay at hoe.smarthub.coop with Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card. Log in to see your latest bill and make a one-time payment. To use the SmartHub website, you’ll first need to register your account.

SmartHub Mobile App

Download the SmartHub app on your smart device to instantly pay bills or manage your HOEC account on the go. You can opt to save your credit/debit card to easily make recurring payments through the app.

No processing fees apply for online payments through SmartHub website or mobile app. You can view payment history and billing statements with these online options as well.

Paying Your HOEC Electric Bill by Phone

To pay your HOEC bill over the phone, call their automated payment line at 1-855-940-3934. The line is available 24/7 for your convenience.

You will need to enter your 10-digit HOEC account number and current balance due. The system accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Like with online payments, no additional fees apply for paying by phone.

The phone payment system also allows you to:

• Make a one-time payment

• Save a payment method for future calls

• Set up recurring automatic payments

So it’s an easy way to manage electric bill payments.

Paying by Mail

To pay your HOEC bill through the mail, simply detach the payment stub from the bottom of your monthly statement and mail that along with a check or money order to:

HOEC
PO Box 649
West Plains, MO 65775

Be sure your check or money order is made out to HOEC and includes your account number. Mail your payment at least 3-5 business days before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.

Paying in Person

If you want to hand deliver your payment, HOEC offers several ways to pay in person:

• At HOEC’s office in West Plains from 8:00am-4:30pm on weekdays

• Use the drive-thru window or go inside to the cashier counter

• At partner locations like banks and city offices during the first 10 days of each month

See the billing page on hoecoop.org for details on in-person pay stations in your community. These partner locations accept cash or check. You’ll need your HOEC account number to make an in-person payment.

Sign Up for Automatic Bank Draft

For maximum convenience, sign up to have your HOEC electric bill paid automatically each month through auto bank draft. This authorizes HOEC to withdraw your balance owed directly from your checking or savings account around the 5th of each month.

To start bank draft payments, fill out the auto draft form on hoecoop.org or call member services at 417-256-2131. You’ll need to provide your HOEC account number and bank account/routing numbers.

Auto drafting your electric bill through your bank provides peace of mind knowing it’s handled each month.

Avoid Late Fees and Disconnection

HOEC assesses a late fee equal to 5% of your unpaid balance if your electric bill is not paid by the due date each month. For a 30-day delinquent bill, an additional $30 charge is applied; for a 60-day delinquent bill, an additional $60 charge is applied.

If your HOEC bill remains unpaid for multiple months, they may disconnect your electric service. Make every effort to pay your bill in full and on time to avoid fees and potential disconnection. Contact HOEC immediately if you are struggling to pay your bill to discuss arrangements.