What PEC bill pay is and how to use it
PEC bill pay is the online payment system run by Pecos County Electric Cooperative, a utility serving parts of West Texas. You can pay your electric bill through their website, by phone, or by mail — each method has different timing and fees. The fastest way to avoid a late payment is to set up automatic payments directly from your bank account, which PEC processes at no extra charge.
PEC serves customers in Pecos County and surrounding areas. If you receive a bill from PEC, you are a member of the cooperative, and you have several ways to settle what you owe. Understanding which payment method works for your situation — and when the payment actually posts to your account — keeps you from accidentally falling behind.
Key Takeaways
- PEC processes online payments and automatic bank transfers at no fee, but online payments take one to two business days to post.
- Paying by phone through PEC's automated system or with a representative costs a convenience fee that varies depending on the payment method you choose.
- Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach PEC and post to your account, so send them well before your due date.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account is the most reliable way to avoid late fees, since the payment posts on a schedule you control.
- Your PEC bill shows the due date, late payment fee amount, and disconnection date if payment is not received — check these dates before choosing a payment method.
Paying online through the PEC website
Log in to your PEC account at the cooperative's website using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the amount of your last bill. Once you are logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option — the exact wording depends on which version of the website you are using.
Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Payments made by bank account transfer are free and take one to two business days to post. Payments by debit or credit card may carry a convenience fee set by PEC's payment processor. After you submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation number — save this for your records.
Do not assume the payment has posted to your account immediately. PEC shows pending payments separately from posted payments on your online account. If your due date is within two business days, paying online may not stop a late fee from being added. In that case, paying by phone with a representative or setting up an automatic payment is faster.
Automatic payments from your bank account
Automatic payments are the most reliable way to pay on time every month without having to remember a due date. You can set this up through your PEC online account or by calling PEC directly. You will need your bank account number and routing number, which you can find on a blank check or by logging into your bank's website.
Once automatic payments are active, PEC withdraws the amount you choose — either your full bill or a fixed amount — on a date you select. The withdrawal typically posts within one to two business days. If your bill amount changes month to month, you can set PEC to deduct your full balance each month, or you can log in and adjust the amount before the payment date.
If you need to stop or change an automatic payment, log into your PEC account or call the cooperative at least three business days before the scheduled withdrawal date. Stopping a payment after it has already been processed is harder and may require a dispute with your bank.
Paying by phone or through an automated system
You can pay your PEC bill by calling the cooperative's customer service line. PEC offers both an automated phone system and the option to speak with a representative. Both routes charge a convenience fee — the amount depends on whether you pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information.
Automated phone payments are usually processed faster than speaking with a representative, but both methods post to your account within one to two business days. If your due date is tomorrow, paying by phone is faster than mailing a check but slower than setting up an automatic payment today for future bills.
When you call, have your account number and payment method ready. The system will confirm the amount, the date the payment will post, and give you a confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to dispute the payment later.
Mailing a check or money order
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Pecos County Electric Cooperative. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address listed on your PEC bill — this address is where payments are processed, not where customer service is located.
Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is fewer than ten days away, mailing a check will not stop a late fee. PEC marks payments as late based on the date they post to the account, not the date you mail them.
Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the money order receipt for your records. If PEC does not post the payment within two weeks, contact customer service with your confirmation number or receipt.
Late fees, disconnection, and what to do if you cannot pay
Your PEC bill shows the due date and the late fee amount — typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. If payment does not post by the due date, PEC adds the late fee to your next bill. If you remain unpaid past a certain number of days, PEC will send a disconnection notice with a final date to pay before your service is shut off.
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact PEC immediately. Some cooperatives offer payment plans or hardship programs that let you spread the cost over several months. The sooner you call, the more options you may have before disconnection proceedings begin.
If your service is disconnected, PEC charges a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance. Reconnection can take one to three business days. Avoiding disconnection by paying on time or setting up a payment plan is far cheaper than paying reconnection fees later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my online payment went through?
Log back into your PEC account and look for the payment in your transaction history. The payment will show as "pending" for one to two business days, then move to "posted" once it clears. If you do not see it within three business days, contact PEC customer service with your confirmation number.
Can I pay someone else's PEC bill?
Yes, but you will need their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account. If you are paying regularly for someone else, ask PEC whether you can be added as an authorized payer on the account.
What happens if I overpay my bill?
PEC will credit the overpayment to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact customer service and request one. Refunds typically take one to two billing cycles to process.
Is there a fee for paying online with a bank account?
No. PEC does not charge a fee for online payments made by bank account transfer. Credit and debit card payments may carry a convenience fee set by the payment processor, which PEC discloses before you complete the transaction.
What if I pay late by accident?
Contact PEC customer service as soon as you notice the late payment. Some cooperatives will waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history and call before disconnection proceedings begin. There is no harm in asking, and calling quickly gives you the best chance.