Chelco bill payment basics
Chelco (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative) serves customers across northwest Florida and southern Alabama. You can pay your bill online through their member portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want a record of the transaction.
Chelco bills arrive monthly and show your account number, usage, charges, and due date. The due date is typically 20 days from the bill date. Payments made after the due date may trigger a late fee, though Chelco offers a grace period before disconnection. Understanding your payment options helps you avoid missed payments and keeps your account in good standing.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Chelco bills online through their member portal, by phone at 1-888-254-3526, by mail, or at their office in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
- Online payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks should arrive at least five business days before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at the office.
- Setting up automatic payments through the member portal removes the risk of forgetting a due date and ensures consistent on-time payment.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date, and service disconnection can occur if your account falls significantly behind.
Paying online through the Chelco member portal
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through Chelco's online member portal. Visit the Chelco website and log in with your account number and password. If you do not have a login, you can create one by entering your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number or the phone number on file.
Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance or a partial amount. Chelco accepts payments from a checking or savings account (ACH transfer) or a debit card. ACH transfers are free and typically post within one business day. Debit card payments may carry a small processing fee, which Chelco will disclose before you confirm the transaction.
After you submit your payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records. The portal also shows your payment history, so you can verify that past payments have posted correctly.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. In the member portal, select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" and choose the account or card you want to use. You can set the payment to occur on a specific date each month, such as the 15th or the day after you receive your paycheck.
Chelco allows you to set the payment amount as either the full bill or a fixed dollar amount. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it covers at least your minimum charges so your account does not fall behind. You can pause or cancel automatic payments at any time through the portal, and Chelco will send you a confirmation email when the setting changes.
Automatic payments from a checking or savings account are free. This method is especially useful if you have an irregular schedule or tend to forget due dates, because the payment happens without your intervention each month.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can pay by phone by calling Chelco's customer service at 1-888-254-3526. Have your account number and payment method (checking account, savings account, or debit card) ready. Phone payments are processed the same day and typically post within one business day. There is no fee for ACH payments by phone, though debit card payments may have a processing charge.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Chelco and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill, which is typically Chelco's main office in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Allow at least five to seven business days for mailed payments to arrive and post. If your due date is approaching, mail is the slowest option and carries the risk that your payment will not arrive in time.
You can also pay in person at Chelco's office during business hours. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method. In-person payments post immediately, making this the fastest option if you need to avoid a late fee on the same day.
Understanding late fees and disconnection
Chelco charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. Late fees are added to your next bill, increasing the amount you owe.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 to 45 days past the due date (the exact timeline depends on Chelco's policies), the cooperative may disconnect your service. Before disconnection, Chelco will send you a notice and may attempt to contact you by phone. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact Chelco immediately to discuss a payment plan or to make a partial payment to keep your service active while you arrange the full amount.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, ask Chelco about budget billing or payment plans. Budget billing spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months, reducing the shock of high summer or winter bills. Payment plans allow you to pay your past-due balance in installments rather than a lump sum.
What to do if your payment does not post
Check your payment status in the member portal within one business day of making the payment. The portal shows pending payments and posted payments separately. If your payment shows as pending, it will post within 24 hours. If more than 24 hours have passed and the payment still shows as pending, contact Chelco customer service.
If you paid by mail and your payment has not posted after seven business days, contact Chelco with your check number and the date you mailed it. Chelco can search their records to confirm receipt. If the check was lost in the mail, Chelco may ask you to stop payment on the original check and send a new one, or to pay by phone or online instead.
Keep your confirmation numbers from online or phone payments for at least 30 days. If there is a dispute about whether a payment was received, the confirmation number proves you submitted it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Chelco bill with a credit card?
Chelco does not accept credit card payments directly through their portal or by phone. You can pay only with a debit card, checking account, or savings account. If you want to use a credit card, you would need to pay the credit card company first and then pay Chelco from your bank account.
What happens if I pay more than my bill amount?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Chelco will apply the credit to your next month's bill. If you move or close your account, you can request a refund of any remaining credit balance.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online?
ACH payments (from a checking or savings account) are free. Debit card payments may have a small processing fee, which Chelco discloses before you confirm the transaction. Phone and mail payments are also free.
How do I know my payment deadline?
Your due date appears on your bill, typically 20 days from the bill date. You can also log into the member portal to see your due date. If you set up automatic payments, Chelco will process the payment on the date you choose, so you do not have to track the due date yourself.
What if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?
Contact Chelco customer service to discuss a payment plan. You can pay part of your bill now and the rest in installments over the next few weeks or months. Paying something before the due date shows good faith and may help you avoid a late fee or disconnection notice.