How to Pay Your SMECO Electric Bill Online and by Mail

SMECO bill pay basics

SMECO is the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, a utility that serves parts of Maryland. If you receive an electric bill from SMECO, you have several ways to pay it: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you prefer to set up automatic payments.

SMECO does not charge a fee for most payment methods, which is different from some other utilities. Knowing your account number and the amount due before you start makes the process faster. Your account number appears on your paper bill in the upper right corner, or you can find it in your online account if you have already registered.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay SMECO bills online at smeco.coop, by phone at 1-888-440-7632, by mail, or at authorized payment centers without paying a convenience fee.
• Online payment through your SMECO account lets you set up one-time or recurring automatic payments and see your payment history.
• If you mail a check, allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account to avoid a late fee.
• Automatic payment (autopay) removes the need to remember due dates and can help you avoid late charges if you set it up before your due date.
• If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SMECO directly to ask about payment plans or hardship programs.

Paying online through SMECO's website

The fastest way to pay is through SMECO's website at smeco.coop. Click "Pay My Bill" on the homepage. If you already have an online account, log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can pay as a guest by entering your account number and the amount due.

Once you are logged in or have entered your account information, you will see your current balance and due date. You can choose to pay the full amount or a partial payment. Enter your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — and confirm the payment date. SMECO processes most online payments the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day.

Creating an online account also lets you view your bill history, see your usage patterns, and set up autopay so you never miss a due date. You can also receive email reminders when a new bill is ready.

Setting up automatic payments

Autopay is the easiest way to may support your bill is paid on time every month. You can set it up through your online SMECO account or by calling customer service at 1-888-440-7632. To set up autopay online, log into your account, go to the billing section, and select "Enroll in AutoPay."

You will choose whether to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month, and which day of the month you want the payment to come out. SMECO will deduct the payment automatically from your bank account or charge your card on that date. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account or by calling customer service.

Autopay removes the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. If your bill amount changes month to month (as most electric bills do), you can still use autopay and adjust the amount as needed, or set it to pay whatever the current balance is.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call SMECO's customer service line at 1-888-440-7632. A representative will ask for your account number and payment method. Phone payments are processed when ready during business hours. SMECO charges no fee for phone payments.

If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The mailing address is usually printed at the bottom of your statement. Allow at least 10 business days for your payment to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is within 10 days, paying by mail risks a late fee, so online or phone payment is safer.

Some SMECO members can also pay in person at authorized payment centers in Southern Maryland. Call customer service to find a location near you, or check the SMECO website for a list of authorized payment locations.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SMECO before the due date passes. Call 1-888-440-7632 and explain your situation. SMECO may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, or they may have hardship programs for members facing financial difficulty.

Paying even a partial amount before the due date shows good faith and may help you avoid a late fee or service disconnection. SMECO typically adds a late fee to bills that are not paid within 15 days of the due date. If your service is disconnected for non-payment, there is a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance.

Understanding your SMECO bill and due dates

Your SMECO bill shows your account number, current charges, any balance from the previous month, and the total amount due. The due date is printed clearly on the front of the bill. Most SMECO bills are due within 20 to 25 days of the bill date, though this can vary.

Your bill also shows your meter number, the billing period, and a breakdown of charges — usually a base charge plus usage charges based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed. If you have questions about any charge on your bill, you can contact SMECO customer service or log into your online account to see a detailed usage breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SMECO charge a fee to pay my bill online?

No. SMECO does not charge a convenience fee for online payments, phone payments, or mail payments. You pay only the amount of your bill itself.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Most online payments submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post to your account the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends may post the next business day. Always check your account to confirm the payment went through.

What happens if I pay late?

SMECO adds a late fee to bills not paid within 15 days of the due date. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more, SMECO may disconnect your service. You would then owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance.

Can I change my autopay amount or due date?

Yes. Log into your SMECO account and go to the autopay section to change the payment amount, the date it comes out, or to cancel autopay entirely. You can also call customer service at 1-888-440-7632 to make changes over the phone.

What should I do if I think there is an error on my bill?

Contact SMECO customer service at 1-888-440-7632 or through your online account to report a billing question. Have your account number and bill ready. SMECO will review the charge and explain it or correct it if there was a mistake.