Procedures and fees for non-payment and disconnection

Understanding the procedures and fees related to non-payment and disconnection of services

Disconnection from Failure to Pay

If a member does not pay the entire amount of their account before bills are sent out for the subsequent billing cycle, the amount unpaid will be identified on that subsequent bill as previous amount due. Members without previous collection problems are subject to disconnection for non-payment if any previous amount due as shown on that member's bill is not paid in full by the due date shown on that bill. Members who have had excessive delinquencies will be notified that they have been placed on a one month billing and shall be subject to disconnection for non-payment if any bill is not paid in full within 10 days after the due date. No notice will be sent prior to disconnection. When a Cooperative employee has been dispatched to the customers property for the purpose of disconnecting service for non payment, no payment will be accepted at the residence. Service will be disconnected at this time and the customer will have to pay all past due amounts and fees before service can be restored. These payments can be paid in the Cooperative office or by phone, via card or electronic check.

Member Accounts Pulled for Non-Payment

Members who have had their service disconnected for nonpayment of a past due bill or for a returned check must pay an additional deposit up to the next level before the meter can be reset. If the existing deposit is $10.00, the deposit must be increased to $150.00 of the existing deposit is $150.00, the deposit must be increased to $300.00. If the member has reached the $300.00 level, no further deposit will be required unless deemed necessary for special circumstances by the Cooperative. The additional deposit, the past due bill, service reconnect fees ($30.00 before 4:00 PM, $50.00 after 4:00 PM) and any returned charges must be paid in full at the Cooperative home office before service can be restored. If the account was pulled due to a returned check these payments must be in cash, money order or cashier's check.

Bad Checks

There is a $25.00 service fee charged if any check is returned by the member's bank. The amount of the check, together with the $25.00 service fee will immediately be charged back to the member's account. Unless the member's bank notifies the Cooperative that the check was returned due to bank error the check will be presented to the bank only once. The returned check and the $25.00 service fee must be redeemed with cash, money order or cashier's check. If the normal disconnection has passed when the check is returned to the Cooperative, service will be disconnected immediately without notice.