Opening Mail
Sunday | March 16, 2025

By Lindsey Wilson, Customer Service Representative

The United States Postal Service is experiencing delays in mail delivery, greatly impacting rural areas. This is negatively affecting our members and could potentially cause future disruptions.

To help with the situation, we have many available options for managing and paying your electric bill.

Central Electric Cooperative offers a variety of convenient billing and payment options to fit your lifestyle. Whether you prefer online payments, automatic drafts or traditional mail, we have a solution for you.

Billing Notification Emails
When your bill has been processed, receive an email notifying you of the amount due and due date before your printed statement arrives. No registration is required, simply add an email address to your account.

One-Time Online Payment
For a quick and easy way to pay, visit our website and enter your billing account number and last name or business name to process your payment.

Pay by Phone 
Prefer to make payments by phone? Call our secure, automated payment line at 855-939-3738 and follow the prompts. This method meets all credit card security standards to protect your information. 

Prepaid Billing with Pay-As-You-Go
Looking for flexibility? The Pay-As-You-Go plan lets you purchase electricity in advance, much like filling up your gas tank. No monthly bills, no late fees—just pay when it’s convenient for you. 

SmartHub Options
Access your account any time, day or night. With the SmartHub app, you can:
- View and update account information
- Check energy usage and charges
- Make one-time or recurring payments
- Update payment details
- View and print statements
- Sign up for billing notifications
Sign up for SmartHub today using your email address and electric account number.

Budget Billing for Predictable Monthly Payments
Even out your electricity costs with budget billing. Your fixed monthly amount is based on the prior average of 12 months of usage. Adjustments are made in May and November based on actual consumption. There is no catch-up month, so any balances roll into the next year. Members must stay current to remain in the program. 

Bank Draft or Recurring Payments
Take the hassle out of bill payments. Set up automatic deductions from your bank account or credit card. Payments are processed on the 15th of each month or the next business day if it falls on a holiday or weekend. You will still receive a bill marked “Do Not Pay – Paid by Bank Draft/Credit Card.” To enroll, call 855-939-3738 and choose option 3, or sign up through SmartHub. Please note that declined or returned payments may be assessed a $30 fee. 

Drop Box and Payment Kiosk
For your convenience, payments can be made at the following locations. 
Betts Road Service Center Drop Box:
25487 403rd Ave., (I-90 Exit 325) Mitchell.
Lode Star Casino Motel Payment Kiosk:
1003 SD Highway 34, Fort Thompson.

For more details or assistance, contact us today at 605-996-7516 or 800-477-2892. We’re here to help make managing your electric bill simple and stress-free.