Pedernales Electric Cooperative bill payment methods and where to find them
Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) serves parts of central Texas, including areas around Austin, Blanco, and Gillespie counties. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient method for most people is online through their account portal, where you can also see your usage and set up automatic payments.
PEC does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website or for payments by phone. If you use a third-party payment service or pay through a credit card processor, that service may charge its own fee — check before you confirm the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at pec.coop using your account number and password, or call 1-888-554-4732 to pay by phone without a fee.
- Set up autopay through your online account to have your bill paid automatically each month on the date you choose.
- Mail payments to the address on your bill, but allow 7 to 10 days for the payment to reach PEC and post to your account.
- If you are behind on your bill, contact PEC directly to discuss payment plans or hardship programs before your service is disconnected.
- Your bill shows your account number, current balance, and due date — keep this information handy when you pay by phone or mail.
Paying online through the PEC website
Go to pec.coop and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Account" section. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a 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 or your service address.
Once you are logged in, you can see your current balance, due date, and payment history. To make a one-time payment, select the payment option, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment date. The payment will post to your account within one business day if you pay before 5 p.m. central time on a business day.
Autopay is set up in the same portal. Choose "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment," select the amount (usually your full bill), and pick the date each month when you want the payment to come out of your bank account. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call PEC's customer service line at 1-888-554-4732. Have your account number and the amount you want to pay ready. A representative will take your payment information and confirm the transaction. Phone payments are processed the same day and will show on your account within one business day.
If you prefer to mail your payment, write a check or money order and include the payment stub from your bill. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is specific to PEC's payment processing center. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to arrive and post to your account. Do not mail cash.
Keep a record of the check number or payment confirmation number if you pay by phone. If you do not see the payment on your account after the expected time, you can contact PEC with this information to track it down.
Understanding your bill and due dates
Your PEC bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, any balance from the previous month, and the total amount due. The due date is usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, PEC typically extends the deadline to the next business day.
Your bill also breaks down your charges: the base customer charge (a fixed monthly fee), energy charges (based on how much electricity you used), and any taxes or other fees. If you use more electricity during peak hours or seasons, your rate may be higher during those times — check your bill to see if you are on a time-of-use rate or a standard rate.
If you do not receive your bill by the expected date, log into your online account to see your current balance and due date. You can also request that PEC email your bill to you instead of mailing it, which speeds up delivery.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will miss your due date, contact PEC before the deadline. Call 1-888-554-4732 and ask about a payment plan or extension. PEC may be able to give you a few extra days to pay, or set up a plan where you pay part of the bill now and the rest later.
If you are facing a hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other financial strain — ask about PEC's hardship programs. These programs may offer extended payment plans, bill discounts, or other assistance. The sooner you contact PEC, the more options you will have. If your account is already past due, PEC may still work with you rather than disconnect your service immediately.
PEC must give you notice before disconnecting your service for non-payment. The notice will include the amount owed, the date service will be cut off, and how to contact PEC to discuss your options. If you receive a disconnection notice, call immediately — even a partial payment or a commitment to a payment plan can stop the disconnection.
Setting up autopay and managing your account
Autopay is the easiest way to make sure your bill is paid on time every month. Once you set it up through your online account, the payment comes out of your bank account automatically on the date you choose. You can change the payment date, pause autopay temporarily, or cancel it whenever you need to.
Your online account also lets you see your daily or hourly usage (depending on your meter type), compare your usage to previous months, and get alerts when your bill is ready. Some PEC customers have smart meters that report usage in near-real-time, so you can see how much electricity you are using as you use it.
If you move or want to close your account, log into your online portal or call PEC to request a final bill. Make sure to pay any remaining balance and provide a forwarding address so PEC can send you a refund if you have a credit on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up right away?
Online payments made before 5 p.m. central time on a business day usually post within one business day. If you paid after hours or on a weekend, it may take until the next business day. Check your online account to confirm the payment went through. If more than two business days have passed and you do not see it, call 1-888-554-4732 with your confirmation number.
Can I pay someone else's PEC bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online using their account number, or call and provide the account number when you pay by phone. The payment will post to that account. If you want to set up regular payments for someone else, ask PEC about third-party authorization options.
What happens if I overpay my bill?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. PEC will apply the credit to your next month's bill. If you move or close your account with a credit balance, PEC will refund the amount to you by check or to the bank account you used to pay.
Does PEC accept credit card payments?
PEC's website accepts payments from checking or savings accounts at no fee. If you want to pay with a credit card, you can use a third-party payment processor, but that service will charge a fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment). Check the fee before you confirm the transaction.
How do I know if my payment was successful?
When you pay online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Log into your account the next business day to confirm the payment posted. You can also call 1-888-554-4732 and give them your confirmation number if you want to verify the payment was received.