- No Deposit
- No Late Fees
- No Monthly Bills
Traditionally, people receive a utility bill at the end of the month for all of the electricity they used in the past 30 days. pay-as-you-go works the other way. The program allows you to choose how much and how often you want to pay before you use the electricity.
Think of Pre-Pay the same as you do putting gas in your car: You pay for it before you use it. You can purchase small amounts every few days or “fill up” the tank and not worry about it for several weeks. When your supply is low, you simply purchase more.
Because you pay for electricity in advance, the Pre-Pay program does not require members to have a deposit, there are no monthly bills and no late fees.
The program also saves money! In similar programs across the country, Pre-Pay participants typically see a 10% to 12% reduction in their monthly electric bill.
What is prepay billing?
With prepay billing, you pay for electricity how and when you choose. Purchasing electricity before you use it allows you to control your budget and pay how much you want, when you want. And there are no security deposits or late fees. Instead of a monthly billing statement, your usage and balance are calculated daily. Track your usage by phone or online using MDEC’s customer portal app.
How does it work?
You purchase electricity before you use it. Payments can be made when you want to — online, over the phone, or in person at the MDEC office. When your account runs low, you will get an alert by e-mail, letting you know it’s time to recharge your account.
What if my account runs out?
If funds in your account run out, your electrical service will be automatically disconnected. You will be notified by e-mail that service has been cut off. You can purchase more power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online, by phone, by using one of MDEC’s payment kiosks at the Kilpatrick Pharmacy or MDEC office or pay in person at the MDEC office in Boaz. Your power will be restored within 30 minutes, and you won’t be charged a reconnection fee.
How much money should I keep in my Pre-Pay account?
It’s up to you! Buy energy to last for a few days or several months!
Who can participate in the program?
MDEC members receiving electric service at the residential rate.
Will I pay a deposit?
No. Pre-Pay members do not pay a deposit. MDEC members will have their deposit used to pay any past-due balance on their account, and the rest will be applied to their prepay account balance.
Will I receive a bill?
No. Pre-Pay accounts do not receive a monthly bill.
Is prepay metering the right choice for me?
Pre-Pay works best for people who want to take control of their electric accounts and energy usage. By monitoring your consumption on a regular basis, you will begin to notice patterns in your day-to-day usage. Any variation from this pattern, such as a house guest (increase) or a vacation (decrease), will become evident as you monitor your account. Monitoring and controlling daily usage can help keep those electrical costs down.
Would it be easier for you to make daily, weekly, or biweekly payments rather than one large payment each month?
Statistics indicate that Pre-Pay electricity programs help lower electric consumption due to member’s awareness of usage patterns.
Any member interested in monitoring and lowering their electricity usage would benefit from the Pre-Pay program.