Welcome to our guide on Brunswick Electric Cooperative's services and resources! We understand the importance and convenience of having reliable and efficient electricity, which is why we are committed to providing top-notch services for our members. In this article, we will cover everything from starting and stopping service, to billing and payment options, to our power outage map, and how to get in touch with us. Whether you are a long-time member or a new customer, this article will serve as a useful reference for all your electric needs. So, let's dive in and discover how we can help you make the most out of your Brunswick Electric Cooperative experience.
What is Brunswick Electric Cooperative?
Brunswick Electric Cooperative (BEC) is a non-profit electricity distribution cooperative that serves over 100,000 customers in the counties of Brunswick, Columbus, and Bladen in North Carolina. It was established in 1939 and has been providing reliable and affordable electricity to its members for over 80 years.
BEC is a member-owned cooperative, which means that its customers are also its owners. This structure allows the cooperative to prioritize the needs and interests of its members over profits. As a result, BEC offers competitive electricity rates and invests in programs and initiatives that benefit its members and the community.
Service Coverage Area
Brunswick Electric Cooperative's service area spans over 2,000 square miles and covers both rural and urban areas. In Brunswick County, BEC serves communities such as Southport, Shallotte, and Leland. In Columbus County, it provides electricity to towns like Whiteville and Tabor City. In Bladen County, BEC serves Elizabethtown and other neighboring towns.
Location
The headquarters of Brunswick Electric Cooperative is located at 795 Ocean Highway West in Supply, North Carolina. This is where its administrative offices, call center, and member services are located. BEC also has two district offices – one in Shallotte and another in Whiteville – for convenient access to its members.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your electricity service or want to report a power outage, you can contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative by phone or email. Their customer service representatives are available 24/7 to assist you. You can reach them at 1-800-842-5871 or email at memberservices@bemc.org. You can also visit their website, www.bemc.org, for more information.
Billing and Payment Options
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers various billing and payment options to its members. You can choose to receive your bill electronically through email or paperless billing, or have it mailed to your address. You can also set up automatic payments through your bank account or credit card for ease and convenience. BEC also offers budget billing, which allows you to spread out your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments.
Start/Stop Service
If you need to start or stop your electricity service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative, you can easily do so by contacting their customer service team. You will need to provide your account information and the date you want the service to be turned on or off. BEC also offers online forms for starting and stopping service for added convenience.
Power Outage Map
In the event of a power outage, Brunswick Electric Cooperative has a power outage map available on their website. This map shows the current outages and the estimated time for power restoration. Members can also report outages through the website or by calling the outage hotline at 1-800-682-5309.
Brunswick Electric Cooperative is more than just an electricity provider. It is a member-owned cooperative that prioritizes the needs and interests of its members. With its reliable service, competitive rates, and various payment options, BEC continues to serve and support the communities it serves.
How to Start/Stop Service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative
Starting or stopping service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways. Here are some of the options and steps you can take:
1. Online
You can easily start or stop service by visiting the Brunswick Electric Cooperative website. Simply navigate to the “Start/Stop Service” page and fill out the necessary information. You will need to provide your account number, service address, and contact information. Make sure to submit the request at least two business days before the desired start or stop date.
2. Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can start or stop service by calling the Brunswick Electric Cooperative customer service line. The representative will guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. It is recommended to call at least two business days before the desired start or stop date to ensure timely processing.
3. In-person
If you prefer a face-to-face interaction, you can visit one of the Brunswick Electric Cooperative offices to start or stop service. Be sure to bring your account number and a valid form of identification. The representative will assist you with the process and answer any additional questions you may have.
4. Automatic Transfer
If you are moving within Brunswick Electric Cooperative's service area, you can set up an automatic transfer of service. This will ensure that your new residence receives electricity on the desired start date without any interruptions. You can request an automatic transfer by contacting customer service via phone or in-person.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to start or stop service?A: It is recommended to submit your request at least two business days before the desired start or stop date. This will ensure timely processing of your request.
Q: What information do I need to provide when starting/stopping service?A: You will need to provide your account number, service address, and contact information.
Q: Can I start or stop service online?A: Yes, you can easily start or stop service by visiting the Brunswick Electric Cooperative website and filling out the necessary information on the “Start/Stop Service” page.
Q: Can I set up automatic transfer of service when moving within the service area?A: Yes, you can request an automatic transfer by contacting customer service via phone or in-person.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or need assistance with starting or stopping service, you can contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative customer service via phone or by visiting one of their offices. You can also visit their website for more information and resources.
Billing & Payment Options
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers several convenient billing and payment options for its customers. You can choose to receive your bill by mail or opt for paperless billing and receive your bill electronically. You can also make payments online, by phone, via mail, or in-person at one of their offices. Brunswick Electric Cooperative also offers budget billing, which allows you to spread out your electricity costs evenly throughout the year. This can help with budgeting and avoiding high bills during peak seasons.
Power Outage Map
In the event of a power outage, Brunswick Electric Cooperative has a power outage map on their website that is updated in real-time. This map allows you to see the affected areas and estimated time for power restoration. You can also report a power outage through the map or by contacting customer service.
starting or stopping service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative is a simple process that can be done online, by phone, or in-person. They also offer various billing and payment options and provide a power outage map for real-time updates. If you have any questions or need assistance, you can always contact their customer service. Brunswick Electric Cooperative strives to provide convenient and efficient services to their customers.
Power Outage Map
Keeping its customers informed and prepared during power outages, Brunswick Electric Cooperative provides a detailed power outage map on its website. The map allows customers to view the current outages in their area, helping them plan accordingly. Here’s how you can easily access and use the power outage map:
How to View the Power Outage Map
Step 1: Visit the Brunswick Electric Cooperative website.
Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “Outages” tab located on the top right corner of the page.
Step 3: A dropdown menu will appear, click on “Power Outage Map”.
Step 4: The map will load and display the current outages in the area.
The map is constantly updated to provide accurate information to the customers. In case of any outages, the map will display the affected areas, the estimated time for restoration, and the number of customers affected.
Report an Outage
In case of a power outage, customers are advised to report it immediately to Brunswick Electric Cooperative. Reporting an outage helps the cooperative to identify the affected areas and work towards restoring the power as soon as possible. Here’s how you can report an outage:
Step 1: On the “Outages” tab, click on “Report an Outage”.
Step 2: You will be directed to a page where you can enter your account number and phone number.
Step 3: Click on “Submit”.
You can also report an outage by calling the cooperative’s customer service number provided on their website.
Learn about the Power Restoration Process
At Brunswick Electric Cooperative, the safety and well-being of their customers is a top priority. During a power outage, their team works diligently to restore the power as quickly and safely as possible. Here are three steps of the power restoration process:
1. Preliminary Assessment: As soon as an outage is reported, the cooperative’s team starts by assessing the cause and impact of the outage. This helps them determine the best approach for restoration.
2. Restoration: Once the preliminary assessment is completed, the team starts working on restoring the power. They follow a systematic process to ensure that the power is restored to all affected areas.
3. Verification and Follow-up: After the power has been restored, the cooperative’s team conducts a verification process to ensure that all affected areas have received power. In case of any missed areas, follow-up restoration is done to ensure all customers have been reconnected.
Tips
To prepare for a power outage, here are a few tips from Brunswick Electric Cooperative:
1. Have a communication plan: Make sure you have a way to communicate with family and friends during a power outage.
2. Keep emergency supplies: Have a supply of food, water, flashlights, and batteries in case of a prolonged outage.
3. Stay away from downed power lines: If you come across a downed power line, stay away and report it immediately to the cooperative.
The power outage map provided by Brunswick Electric Cooperative is a helpful tool for its customers. By regularly checking the map, staying informed and prepared during outages becomes easier. With their prompt response and efficient power restoration process, the cooperative ensures the comfort and convenience of its customers at all times.
Billing & Payment Options
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers a variety of convenient billing and payment options for its members. Members can choose from traditional paper billing or opt for paperless billing through our online portal. By taking advantage of paperless billing, members can reduce clutter and help the environment by cutting down on paper usage.In addition to paperless billing, members can also choose from various payment methods. Payments can be made online through our secure payment portal, through automatic bank draft, by phone, or by mail. Our online portal also allows members to view their billing history and make payments at their convenience.
For members who prefer to pay in person, we have several authorized payment locations throughout our service area. Members can visit any of these locations to make a payment using cash, check, or credit card.
We understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes make it difficult to pay bills on time. That is why we offer payment arrangements for our members who may need a little extra time to pay their bill. Members can contact our customer service team to discuss setting up a payment arrangement that works for their individual needs.
Members who are enrolled in our budget billing program can also benefit from stable and predictable monthly payments. With budget billing, members pay the same amount each month based on their average annual energy use. This helps members avoid seasonal fluctuations in their bills and makes budgeting for energy costs easier.
For added convenience, Brunswick Electric Cooperative also offers members the option to set up recurring payments. With this option, members can choose to have their bill automatically paid on a specific date each month. This eliminates the need to remember to make a payment each month and ensures that bills are paid on time.
In the event of a power outage, members can also use our online portal to report and track the status of the outage. Our outage map provides real-time updates on outages in our service area, so members can stay informed about when their power is expected to be restored.
With all of these convenient billing and payment options, Brunswick Electric Cooperative strives to make managing energy costs as easy as possible for our members. We are committed to providing exceptional service and support to our members, and we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our offerings.
If you have any questions about our billing and payment options, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our customer service team is always happy to assist you and provide any information you may need. Thank you for choosing Brunswick Electric Cooperative as your energy partner.
Contact Us
For any inquiries, concerns, or feedback, Brunswick Electric Cooperative is always available to assist you. We value our members and strive to provide the best service possible. Below are the various ways to contact us:
- Phone: Give us a call at 1-800-867-0353. Our customer service representatives are available from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to assist you with any inquiries or concerns you may have.
- Email: You can also reach us through email at help@brunswickelectric.com. Our team will make sure to respond to your email within 24 hours.
- Online Form: You can fill out the online form on our website and send us a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
- In-Person: If you prefer face-to-face interaction, you can visit our office located at 795 Ocean Highway West, Supply, NC 28462. Our office is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We highly encourage our members to contact us if they have any concerns or feedback. Your input is valuable to us as it helps us improve our services and better serve our members.
In case of any emergencies, such as power outages, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately. Our team is available 24/7 to address any issues and restore power as quickly as possible.
Thank you for choosing Brunswick Electric Cooperative. We are committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to our members. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we are always here to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I start or stop my electric service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative?To start or stop your electric service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative, you can either call their customer service line at 1-800-842-5871 or visit their website and fill out the online form. You will need to provide basic information such as your name, address, and desired start or stop date. There may also be a deposit required for new customers.
2. What are the available billing and payment options for Brunswick Electric Cooperative?
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers a variety of billing and payment options to their customers. You can choose to receive your bill in the mail or through email. They also offer automatic bank draft, which will deduct the amount from your bank account each month. Other payment options include paying in person at one of their local offices, by phone, or through their online payment system.
3. How can I check for power outages in my area?
Brunswick Electric Cooperative has a power outage map on their website that allows you to check for outages in your area. The map is updated in real time and provides information on the estimated time of restoration and the cause of the outage, if available. You can also report a power outage through this map.
4. How can I contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative through their customer service line at 1-800-842-5871. You can also visit one of their local offices during business hours or fill out the contact form on their website. Additionally, the cooperative has a presence on social media where you can reach out for assistance.
5. Can I make changes to my account online?
Yes, you can make certain changes to your account online through Brunswick Electric Cooperative's website. This includes updating your contact information, setting up automatic payments, and viewing your billing and payment history. However, if you need to make changes to your service or have specific questions, it is best to contact their customer service line or visit a local office.
6. What should I do in case of a power outage?
In case of a power outage, you should first check the power outage map on Brunswick Electric Cooperative's website to see if the outage has been reported. If not, you can report the outage through the same map or by calling their customer service line. It is also important to stay away from any downed power lines and to turn off and unplug any major appliances to prevent damage from power surges when the power is restored.
7. Is there an option for renewable energy with Brunswick Electric Cooperative?
Yes, Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers a renewable energy option for their customers through their Green Power program. This allows customers to choose a percentage of renewable energy to be included in their electricity supply. It is a great way to support clean energy and help reduce your carbon footprint.
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers a variety of services and options for their customers to ensure a smooth and efficient experience. Their customer service team is readily available to assist with any questions or concerns, and their website provides all the necessary information and resources. Whether it's starting or stopping service, paying bills, or reporting a power outage, Brunswick Electric Cooperative strives to provide reliable and convenient services for their members.
1. How do I start or stop service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative?
If you are looking to start or stop service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative, the process is simple and can be completed online or over the phone.
To start service, you will need to provide the cooperative with your contact information, as well as your new address and the date you would like your service to begin. This can be done by filling out an online form on the cooperative's website or by calling their customer service line.
If you are moving and need to stop service, you will need to provide the cooperative with your current address, the date you would like your service to end, and a forwarding address for your final bill. This can also be done online or by phone.
Brunswick Electric Cooperative offers convenient billing and payment options, including online bill pay and automatic payments. They also have a power outage map and a 24/7 customer service line for any concerns or questions you may have.
If you have any further questions or would like to start or stop service, you can contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative through their website, phone number, or by visiting one of their local offices.
2. What billing and payment options are available to me as a customer?
As a customer of Brunswick Electric Cooperative, you have access to a variety of billing and payment options to make managing your electricity account easier and more convenient. One option is to enroll in paperless billing, which allows you to receive your bills electronically and make payments online. You can also set up automatic payments, where your bill will be automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card on a specified date each month. Alternatively, you can make payments by mail, phone, or in person at one of our local offices. For added convenience, we also offer a mobile app that allows you to view and pay your bill on your smartphone. With these options, managing your account has never been easier.
3. Is there a power outage map or system I can access to stay updated on any outages in my area?
Yes, Brunswick Electric Cooperative provides a Power Outage Map on their website for customers to stay updated on any outages in their area. The map can be accessed by clicking on the "Power Outage Map" tab on the homepage, or by directly visiting the URL: https://outage-maps.bemc.org/. The map is constantly updated with real-time information and customers can view the current outages, estimated restoration times, and the number of customers affected. Additionally, customers can sign up for outage alerts via email, text, or phone call to receive updates on any outages affecting their account. This system allows customers to stay informed and make necessary arrangements in case of a power outage.
4. How can I contact Brunswick Electric Cooperative for any questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Brunswick Electric Cooperative, there are several ways you can contact them:
1. Phone: You can call their customer service hotline at 1-800-842-5871 during their operating hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. This is the quickest and most direct way to get in touch with a representative.
2. Email: You can also send an email to info@brunswickelectric.com with your inquiry and they will respond as soon as possible.
3. Online Contact Form: On their website, there is a contact form where you can fill in your name, email, phone number, and message. This is a convenient option if you prefer to communicate through email rather than over the phone.
4. Social Media: Brunswick Electric Cooperative is also active on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. You can send them a direct message or post on their page for any questions or concerns.
Whichever method you choose, rest assured that Brunswick Electric Cooperative is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and will address any inquiries or concerns promptly.
5. Are there any additional fees or charges associated with starting or stopping my service?
When it comes to starting or stopping your service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative, you may be wondering if there are any hidden fees or charges that you should be aware of. This is a valid concern, as many utility companies do charge additional fees for various services. However, in the case of Brunswick Electric Cooperative, there are no additional fees or charges associated with starting or stopping your service.
How do we know this?
This information can be found on the cooperative's website, where it states that there are no fees for starting or stopping service. This transparent approach is refreshing, as it helps customers feel confident that they will not be surprised by unexpected costs when it comes to their electric service. In addition, the cooperative also offers multiple billing and payment options, including online bill pay, automatic payments, and a budget billing plan, all with no extra fees.
It is important to note, however, that Brunswick Electric Cooperative does require a security deposit for customers who are starting service for the first time. This deposit is refundable and varies based on the type of service and credit history. This information can also be found on the cooperative's website, providing customers with all the necessary details upfront.
customers can rest assured that there are no additional fees or charges associated with starting or stopping service with Brunswick Electric Cooperative. This level of transparency and customer-friendly approach helps to build trust and satisfaction with the cooperative's services.
Brunswick Electric Cooperative provides its members with reliable and affordable electric service. We offer a variety of billing and payment options, making it convenient for members to manage their accounts. Our power outage map ensures transparency and timely updates during any interruptions in service. We are always here to help and encourage members to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you for choosing Brunswick Electric Cooperative for your electricity needs.
