Since the beginning of the public health emergency, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) and Virginia's member-owned Electric Cooperatives have been working closely with local and state leaders to minimize impacts to consumers while continuing to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric service.
Since March, a statewide order issued by the State Corporation Commission (SCC) was in place prohibiting electric utilities from disconnecting customers for nonpayment of their electric bills. The SCC's moratorium on disconnections ended on Monday, Oct. 5. REC recognizes the hardships the public health crisis continues to impose on our member-owners, and out of concern for you, will not resume disconnections for nonpayment of electric service in the immediate future.
While the legislature and governor work to finalize comprehensive guidance on disconnections, REC encourages members to contact us at 1-800-552-3904 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make payment arrangements so that our member service representatives can help you get back on track and avoid having your bill further increase.
Here are some steps you can take, that will help you get started:
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Find your past due balance. You can easily access this information by logging in to MyREC SmartHub at myrec.smarthub.coop. If you don't already have a MyREC SmartHub login, it's free, and easy, to get started. All you need is your electric account number. Or you can get your balance when you call to speak with a member service representative.
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Decide if you would you be able to pay your current bill, and if you can afford to add just a small amount of the past due each month over the next 12 months or more?
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In order to pay down your past due balance, decide if it would be easier to pay the additional small amount every week, every other week, or once a month.
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Once you've decided what you can afford to pay, call REC and speak to a member services representative to set up the extended payment arrangement that works for you.
Once you've set up your extended payment arrangement, consider additional bill payment options that may also help, such as Budget Billing where your payment amount will be based on the monthly bill average over the previous 12 months.
Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for assistance with your bills. Call 211 or visit 211.org to see what services or organizations might be available to help you.
