How to pay Horry Electric Cooperative online, by phone, or by mail
Horry Electric Cooperative, which serves parts of South Carolina including Horry County, lets you pay your bill through three main routes: their website, by phone, or by mailing a check. The fastest option is online through their member portal at horryelectric.com, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call Horry Electric's customer service line at 843-365-2100. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payments made online or by phone are usually posted to your account within one business day. If you mail a check, allow 7 to 10 days for it to arrive and clear, and always include your account number on the check itself.
Horry Electric also accepts payments at their office locations during business hours. You can find the nearest office and hours on their website. Some members set up automatic payments from their bank account to avoid late fees and ensure the bill is paid on time each month.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at horryelectric.com, by phone at 843-365-2100, by mail, or in person at a Horry Electric office.
- Online and phone payments post within one business day; mailed checks take 7 to 10 days.
- Automatic monthly payments prevent missed due dates and late fees.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill.
Understanding your Horry Electric bill structure
Your Horry Electric bill has several parts: the customer charge, the energy charge, and any taxes or fees. The customer charge is a fixed monthly fee that covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the grid, regardless of how much electricity you use. The energy charge is based on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) you consumed that month, multiplied by Horry Electric's per-kWh rate.
Horry Electric's rates vary depending on whether you are a residential, commercial, or agricultural member, and rates can change when the cooperative files a rate adjustment with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Your bill will also show any applicable taxes and, if you are on a time-of-use or seasonal rate, different charges for different times of day or seasons. Check the rate schedule section of your bill or Horry Electric's website to see which rate applies to your account.
Many members also see a fuel and purchased power adjustment on their bill, which reflects changes in the cost of generating and buying electricity. This adjustment can go up or down month to month and is separate from the base energy rate.
What to do if your bill is higher than expected
A sudden spike in your bill usually comes from one of three causes: a change in your usage, a meter reading error, or a rate change. Start by comparing your current month's kWh to the same month last year. If usage is similar but the bill is higher, a rate increase is likely the cause. Horry Electric's website lists any approved rate changes, and you can also call customer service to ask when rates last changed.
If your usage has genuinely jumped, look for changes in your home: a new appliance, a broken air conditioner running constantly, or a water heater malfunction can all drive consumption up. Check your heating and cooling settings, and look for signs of a leak or electrical fault. If you suspect a meter reading error, contact Horry Electric and ask them to verify the reading. They can send someone to inspect the meter or compare your usage pattern to previous months.
If you believe the bill is incorrect, do not ignore it. Call 843-365-2100 and ask for a meter investigation. Horry Electric will review the reading and your account history. If an error is found, they will adjust your bill and explain the correction in writing.
Payment assistance and hardship programs
Horry Electric offers a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for members who are struggling to pay their bills. This program is run through the South Carolina Department of Social Services and provides one-time bill payment help to households that meet income limits. You can learn more about LIHEAP through Horry Electric's website or by calling their customer service line.
If you are facing a temporary hardship, contact Horry Electric directly to discuss your situation. The cooperative may be able to work out a payment plan or connect you with local resources. Many cooperatives have emergency funds or partnerships with community organizations that can help members in crisis. Do not wait until your service is disconnected to reach out—cooperatives are often willing to work with members who communicate early.
Horry Electric also offers budget billing, which spreads your annual energy costs evenly across 12 months. This can make your bill more predictable and easier to budget for, especially if you live in an area with extreme seasonal heating or cooling needs.
How to read the meter and track your own usage
Your Horry Electric meter measures electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). If you have a traditional dial meter, it has five dials that spin as you use electricity. Read the dials from left to right, writing down the number each pointer has just passed. If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower number. Your bill's kWh is the difference between this month's reading and last month's reading.
Many newer meters are digital and display the reading as a simple number on a screen. These are easier to read and less prone to error. If Horry Electric has installed a smart meter at your home, you may be able to view your usage online in near-real-time through the member portal, which helps you spot unusual consumption right away.
Tracking your own meter reading each month gives you a way to catch errors before they appear on your bill. Write down the reading on the due date of your bill, and compare it to what Horry Electric reports. If there is a large discrepancy, contact the cooperative immediately.
Avoiding late fees and service disconnection
Horry Electric's due date is printed on your bill, usually 15 to 20 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, a late fee is added to your account. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee—check your bill or call customer service to confirm the exact amount.
If your bill remains unpaid after the due date, Horry Electric will send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a specific date by which you must pay to avoid service being shut off. If service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance. Reconnection can take several days, leaving you without power.
The best way to avoid this is to set up automatic payments or mark your calendar with the due date. If you know you will miss a payment, call Horry Electric before the due date and ask about a payment plan or extension. Cooperatives are often more flexible than for-profit utilities if you reach out early and show a willingness to work toward a solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set up automatic payments with Horry Electric?
Yes. Log into your account on horryelectric.com and select the automatic payment option, or call 843-365-2100 to enroll by phone. You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee is added to your account. If payment is not received by the disconnection notice date, your service will be shut off. You will then owe a reconnection fee to restore power, in addition to your unpaid balance and any late fees.
How do I know if my meter is reading correctly?
Compare your kWh usage month to month and year to year. If usage suddenly spikes without a change in your habits or appliances, contact Horry Electric and ask for a meter investigation. They can verify the reading and adjust your bill if an error is found.
Does Horry Electric offer budget billing?
Yes. Budget billing spreads your annual energy costs evenly across 12 months, making your bill more predictable. Contact Horry Electric at 843-365-2100 or through their website to enroll.
What should I do if I cannot afford my bill?
Contact Horry Electric immediately at 843-365-2100 to discuss a payment plan or hardship options. The cooperative also participates in LIHEAP, a state program that provides one-time bill payment help to low-income households. Ask about local community resources as well.