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How It Works

How Smart Power Works

It’s similar to a pre-paid phone. In the case of SmartPower, you’re buying electricity in advance of using it. As you use electricity and the kilowatts are recorded, the cost is deducted daily from your account balance. When your pre-pay balance lowers, you’ll just add more credit. It keeps you updated:

  • Every day at 2 p.m., the system reads your account balance.
  • Within 30 minutes, you’ll receive a text message with your balance and previous kilowatt hour (kWh) usage.
  • The text message content varies based on different scenarios and your credit balance.
Example 1 – Low Balance

Low balance alert

  • If your balance has fallen below the safe threshold of $15, you will receive a low balance warning.
  • It’s advisable to add credit then, because the system will not read your balance and bill you again until the next day at 2, and you could go into debt by then.
Example 2 – Pending Disconnect

Pending auto disconnect alert

  • If in debt, you’ll receive a warning that your account is pending cut off.
  • You will have a grace period until 10 a.m. the following day to add credit.
Example 3 – Service Disconnect Alert

Service disconnect alert example text

  • The day after you receive the message shown in example 2, the system will check your account balance at 10 a.m.
  • If there is debt your meter will shut off.
  • Within 30 minutes after shutoff, you’ll receive an alert that indicates power is off.
  • It’s better not to let this happen, as you’ll be required to add a minimum balance amount, and it may be much more than you are accustomed to.

How To Revalue

Online

  • To pay online or with the mobile App, create an account.
  • Go to My Accounts, New User, Create an Account.
  • Have your account number handy and follow the prompts.
  • Once set up, you can log on to add credit at any time.

Bill Pay App

  • To get the free App, just search for “Wood County Electric Cooperative” (WCEC) in the Apple Store or on the Android Market and download it.
  • To use the App you must have an account.
  • Click on the Menu button and select New User.
  • Have your account number handy and follow the prompts.
  • If you need help setting that up, call the office at (903) 763-2203.

Phone or In Person

  • Pay via the auto-system by calling (903) 763-2203 or in person on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If Your Meter Shuts Off

  • If you face the scenario of a power shutoff, call the cooperative to determine the required amount needed to restore power.
  • To restore power, you must reach a minimum balance of $20.
  • Overcome any incurred debit from kWh used between your balance reaching 0 and the shutoff.
  • Keep in mind that 20% of every payment is automatically allocated to satisfy any existing debt arrangement.
  • Ensure that the computer detects a $20 credit balance to restore power.
  • To determine the correct amount to reach the $20 minimum, contact the office at (903) 763-2203.
  • Once the credit threshold is reached and power is restored, you’ll receive a text message indicating the restoration.

For example: If you used $3 worth of kWh during that time, the minimum credit needed will be $23.

Meter Shut Off Times for Meters in Debt

  • Automatic meter shut off occurs on the first non-holiday weekday after a grace period, typically between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
  • The system provides a grace period (no shut off) during holidays, weekends, or when the National Weather Service issues an extreme temperature alert for the area.

Reporting System Outages

In the event of a power outage (not due to a $0 credit balance), members should report it:

  • Through the outage hotline
  • Through the free My WCEC app
  • By sending a text

Follow the instructions provided in our Outage Reporting section.

Member Obligations

  • It’s the member’s obligation to know the amount of credit remaining on their account to avoid auto-disconnect.
  • WCEC members have several payment methods to choose from.
  • When you choose the SmartPower option, members assume the responsibility of keeping their power on by ensuring credit remains on their account.
  • SmartPower accounts do not receive monthly bills or statements.
  • Members are highly encouraged to opt for periodic notifications of account balances via text or email.
  • Members who decline notifications are responsible for tracking account balances online or by calling the cooperative.
  • Failure to receive notifications does not exempt members from payment and account balance obligations.