If payment is not received by the due date, a Notice of Termination will be mailed at least ten days prior to the stated date of disconnection. This will be the only and final notice before disconnection. A late fee for each delinquent account will automatically be added to the member’s bill. BCEC disconnects delinquent meters between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the date specified for Notice of Termination. We do not disconnect the day before a weekend or on a day the Cooperative will be closed.
If disconnected for non-payment, reconnection will occur only after the total amount due, including collections fees, are paid in full. An additional deposit amount may also be required for reconnection. A $25 reconnect fee per member is charged. BCEC will make every effort to restore service upon full payment of the delinquent amount on the same business day, however, payments after 4 p.m. may not be reconnected until the following business day. BCEC will not reconnect after business hours.
Collection charges and fees are as follows:
- Disconnection Fee- $25 per member
- Reconnect Fee - $25 per member; After business hours reconnect fee - $250.00
- Insufficient Check and Draft Charges - $25
- Delinquent Fee – a one-time penalty not to exceed five percent (5%) on each delinquent account will be added directly to member’s bill
- Additional/Deposit- If Applicable
Payments returned insufficient to BCEC more than two times within a 12-month period require the member to pay by cash for the ensuing 12-month period. All returned NSF payments returned by the bank to BCEC are subject to disconnection within three days. An additional security deposit and applicable fees may also be required.
Written payment arrangements can be made at least 24 hours before the disconnect date to avoid disconnection, limited to three (3) per 12-month period. A member may also be referred to financial assistance agencies. Failure to comply with the terms of a payment arrangement is considered non-payment.
Deposits on an account will be applied to the owed balance only after disconnection has occurred and a balance remains due. When the member requests reconnection, any remaining balance and charges will be required along with a deposit to reinstate membership and reconnect service.
Disconnection of service does not relieve the member from any obligation owed to BCEC or lessen or change any agreements or obligations in any manner.
If a member or someone permanently living in the member’s household requires electrical life-sustaining equipment, they may apply to be enrolled in the BCEC Critical Care Program Registry. Submission of the application does not automatically result in qualifying for the program. BCEC will work with any residential member with a critical care condition who is delinquent to avoid disconnection in an effort to prevent any person residing at that residence becoming seriously ill or more seriously ill if service is discontinued. However, being enrolled in the program does not relieve a member of the obligation to pay for electric service.