Unlike traditional post-paid accounts, prepaid electric service accounts allow members to pay for their electricity before they use it. This approach gives the member more flexibility and control over the use of electricity. It allows members to avoid deposits and fees, customize their payment schedule, purchase energy when convenient, and monitor their electricity consumption in a self-managed program.
Who can participate?
Members on the standard residential rate are eligible. Time-of-Use (TOU) and Distributed Generation (DG) accounts are not eligible.
What does it cost?
The electric rate (cost per kWh) and basic service charge remain unchanged on prepaid electric service, you can view the breakdown here. Existing members can convert their accounts to prepaid electric service by agreeing to the application terms and placing a minimum of $25 credit balance on the account for daily use.
Are there any deposits or penalties?
Unlike traditional post-paid accounts, prepaid electric service does not require a member deposit. Prepaid accounts are not penalized for disconnects and reconnects.
I already have a standard post-paid account. can I switch to prepaid electric service?
Yes, you can switch to prepaid electric service even if you already have service at Orange County REMC. Any existing deposits will be applied to your outstanding balance owed, and any remaining funds will be applied as a credit on the new prepaid account.
Where can I pay?
Payments can be made at the Orange County REMC office during normal working hours (7:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m.). Payments can be made 24 hours a day by phone at 833-890-7734, online at www.myremc.coop.
How can I access my account?
Members participating in prepaid electric service can access their account information through the Orange County REMC SmartHub app or by calling or visiting the REMC office.
Do I still get a bill?
Prepay members will not receive monthly statements. All account information is through phone/email notifications. It is the member’s responsibility to notify REMC of any change in phone number due to notifications being sent via text.
How do I know when my account is running low?
When members sign up for prepaid electric service, they can set up notification through SmartHub on their accounts. Alerts can be sent in any combination using text messaging, email and phone message calls.
What happens if my account runs out?
If a member’s account balance runs out of funds, the service will disconnect once the usage is calculated the following morning. Members will receive a low balance alert prior to being disconnected. Members will be required to pay the amount they are in the negative plus a minimum of $25.
How do I reconnect my power if it’s been disconnected?
Members can recharge their account at any time, day or night by phone, the SmartHub app, or at the REMC office during normal business hours. Once a payment is processed, service will be automatically restored within 30 minutes. Members will be required to pay the amount they are in the negative plus a minimum of $25.
Can I get an arrangement on my prepaid electric service account?
Arrangements are not allowed on prepaid electric service accounts.
When does an account close after being disconnected?
Prepaid accounts that lapse and do not become reconnected after 10 days will be considered inactive. Orange County REMC will mail a final bill to the last known address on file.
Can I convert back to a traditional post-paid account?
Members may elect to convert their account from prepaid to post-paid electric service at any time, although they will be required to pay all account balances and are subject to the required deposits.
Your account number is listed on your bill
If you have a SmartHub account, you can find you account number there. Learn about SmartHub
Call our office at 812-865-2229 and we will be happy to help
Yes, all new applicants pay a $25 refundable membership fee. If a person moves away after paying their final bill in full, the $25 fee is refunded.
​
A credit history is obtained on each applicant. Depending on the results, a security deposit equal to two months estimated billing may be required.
The REMC charges a $25 fee for each trip to a home when it is necessary to disconnect a service for non-payment. There is an additional $25 fee charged for each trip to the home to reconnect the service once the prior balance has been paid. The charge to reconnect a service between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. is $125. The REMC does not reconnect services after 5:00 p.m.
Security lights are an additional $9.82 a month. This charge will be added to your bill.
Members who depend on electricity for respirators, oxygen machines, etc., can be placed on our critical account watch. Please have your physician fill the medical necessity form.
Medical Necessity does not guarantee continuous electric power. If electricity is a necessity to sustain life, you must make other arrangements for on-site back-up capabilities or other alternatives in the event of power loss.
Medical Necessity does not relieve a member of the obligation to pay for electric service, and service may be disconnected for failure to pay.