Lane-Scott Electric’s Pay Ahead Power program gives members control of their electric account! There is no deposit, no late fees, no due date, and no monthly statements. You choose when and how much electricity to purchase.
Pay Ahead Power gives you the flexibility to pay how much you want, when you want, as long as you maintain a balance on your account. Think of it as putting fuel in your vehicle. Your vehicle has a gauge that allows you to monitor when you need to fill up. You can choose to purchase small amounts every few days or fill up the tank and not worry about it for several weeks.
Not only will you have more control over your payments, but you will also be more aware of your energy consumption. Pay Ahead Power members must create a SmartHub account, which is our member online account management website and app. This free service allows members to access billing and account information, make payments, manage account information, and monitor usage at any time. Since you are paying as you go, you will be monitoring your account more frequently and notice when your usage is higher or lower.
How Do I Get Started?
The first step is to complete a Pay Ahead Power service agreement with Lane-Scott Electric by calling our office during business hours. A minimum balance of $50 must be established on your Pay Ahead Power account. Existing members who have a credit on their account or who still have an existing deposit will be able to transfer that balance to their Pay Ahead Power account. New members enrolling in this program will not have a deposit. If at any time, you opt out of the program into traditional billing, a deposit may be required based on the member’s credit risk score initiated by the Cooperative.
How It Works
Electricity is purchased before you use it. You are responsible for monitoring your balance on SmartHub and making payments when you want. Payments can be made by any of our payment methods. Instantaneous payments can be made either through SmartHub, or with our automated pay-by-phone system at 1-855-356-6351. When your account runs low, you will receive an email letting you know it’s time to recharge your account. Text message notifications are also available but must be selected by the member in SmartHub. If funds in your account run out, electrical service will be automatically disconnected. You will be notified again by email (by text if selected) that your account has been disconnected. If this happens, you will need to recharge your account with a minimum of $25.
The rate structure, including energy charges, taxes, franchise taxes, and the customer charge are the same as Lane-Scott Electric’s residential rate structure.
Who Can Participate
All residential accounts are eligible for Pay Ahead Power. Access to SmartHub is required to participate, as it is the tool that allows members to monitor their account. The member is responsible for updating their SmartHub account with a valid email address, and phone number (if text notifications are selected). Failure to receive the low balance and no balance notifications will not avoid termination of power. *Heat pump metered residential accounts with two meters do not qualify for this program.
Lane-Scott Electric knows a one-size-fits-all bill payment approach does not work for everyone. This is why we offer more options, like Pay Ahead Power, to fit your personal lifestyle.
To get started or with questions about the program, call our office at 620-397-5327 during normal business hours.