Burlington Electric Cooperative (BEC) has been providing reliable and affordable electricity to the residents of Vermont for over 75 years. As a member-owned organization, BEC serves its community by prioritizing sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in its operations. One of the ways BEC strives to meet these goals is by offering various services and resources to its customers. In this article, we will explore the different options available for starting and stopping service, managing billing and payments, accessing the power outage map, and reaching out to BEC for assistance or inquiries. As a customer of BEC, it is crucial to be familiar with these services and tools in order to have a seamless and satisfactory experience with your electricity provider.
What is Burlington Electric Cooperative?
Burlington Electric Cooperative, also known as BEC, is a not-for-profit electric distribution utility company located in Burlington, Vermont. It is owned by its members, who are also its customers, and operates as a cooperative, meaning that profits are distributed back to the members in the form of capital credits. BEC's main business is to provide reliable and affordable electricity to its members in its service coverage area.
Overview of BEC's Services
Burlington Electric Cooperative provides electricity to over 36,000 homes and businesses in the state of Vermont. Its service coverage area includes the city of Burlington and surrounding towns such as South Burlington, Colchester, and Williston. The co-op has been in operation for over 100 years, providing its members with dependable and sustainable energy solutions.
Located at
Burlington Electric Cooperative's main office is located at 585 Pine Street, Burlington, Vermont. It also has a satellite office in South Burlington for customer convenience.
Phone Number and Contact Information
For general inquiries, customers can contact BEC's main office at (802) 864-7442. For emergencies, such as power outages, customers can call the 24/7 outage hotline at 1 (888) 835-4672. The co-op also has a customer service email, info@burlingtonelectric.com, and a customer service chat option on their website.
Website URL
BEC's website, www.burlingtonelectric.com, is the go-to resource for all things related to the co-op. Customers can access their account information, pay their bills, and report outages through the online portal. The website also provides information on energy-saving tips, renewable energy options, and community programs.
How to Start/Stop Service at Burlington Electric Cooperative
Burlington Electric Cooperative offers convenient options for customers looking to start or stop service. You can choose the most suitable method to start or stop your service and manage your account easily.
Start Service
To start your service with Burlington Electric Cooperative, you have the following options:
1. Online: You can visit the official website of Burlington Electric Cooperative and click on the "Start Service" option. Fill out the required information, such as your contact details, location, and preferred start date, and submit the form. The cooperative will process your request and get your service started on the requested date.
2. Phone: You can also call Burlington Electric Cooperative's customer service at 1-800-649-2877 and provide them with the necessary information to start your service. A customer service representative will assist you and guide you through the process.
3. In-person: Customers can also visit any of the Burlington Electric Cooperative office locations to start their service. You will need to fill out a form and provide a valid government-issued ID and proof of residence.
Stop Service
To stop your service with Burlington Electric Cooperative, you can use the following methods:
1. Online: Similar to starting service, you can log in to your account on the cooperative's website and click on the "Stop Service" option. Fill out the required information and submit the form. Your service will be terminated on the requested date.
2. Phone: You can also call the customer service number and inform them about your decision to stop your service. They will guide you through the process and schedule your service termination.
3. In-person: You can visit any Burlington Electric Cooperative office and fill out a service termination form. Make sure to provide a valid ID and your account number for faster processing.
FAQs
1. How much notice do I need to give to start or stop my service?Customers are advised to provide at least two business days' notice to start or stop their service. This allows Burlington Electric Cooperative enough time to process the request.
2. Are there any fees for starting or stopping service?There are no fees for starting or stopping your service with Burlington Electric Cooperative.
3. How can I pay my electric bill?Burlington Electric Cooperative offers various payment options, including online payment, automatic payment, in-person payment at any of their offices, or by mail.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions or concerns regarding starting or stopping your service, you can contact Burlington Electric Cooperative's customer service at 1-800-649-2877 or visit their website for more information.
Burlington Electric Cooperative strives to provide excellent customer service and make the process of starting or stopping service as convenient as possible for their customers. Choose the most suitable option and manage your electric service hassle-free.
Power Outage Map
At Burlington Electric Cooperative, we understand that power outages can be frustrating and inconvenient. That's why we provide our customers with a Power Outage Map that shows the current status of our electric service. This map is regularly updated to provide accurate information to our customers.
How to View the Power Outage Map
To view the Power Outage Map, follow these simple steps:
- Visit our website at www.burlingtonelectric.com
- Click on the "Power Outage Map" button located on the top right corner of the homepage
- The map will display the current status of our electric service, including the affected areas and the estimated time of restoration
- Use the zoom in and zoom out feature to get a closer look at a specific area
- Click on the "Legend" button to understand the different symbols on the map
- You can also view the map on your mobile device by downloading our BEC App
Report an Outage
If you experience a power outage, it is essential to report it to us as soon as possible. You can report an outage by following these steps:
- Contact our 24/7 customer service hotline at (802) 863-4511
- Provide your account number or the phone number associated with your account
- Follow the prompts to report the outage or speak to a customer service representative
- You can also report the outage through our BEC App
Learn About the Power Restoration Process
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Here are three things you should know about our power restoration process:
- We prioritize restoring power to essential services such as hospitals, police stations, and fire stations first
- Our linemen carefully assess the damage caused by the outage and make necessary repairs before restoring power
- In cases of severe weather or widespread outages, it may take longer to restore power. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these situations
Tips During a Power Outage
Here are some tips to keep in mind during a power outage:
- Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to our hotline
- Unplug your electronics and appliances to prevent damage from power surges when the power is restored
- Avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer unnecessarily to keep your food cold for longer
- Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards
At Burlington Electric Cooperative, we strive to provide our customers with reliable and efficient electric service. We understand the inconvenience of power outages and are committed to restoring power as quickly as possible. We hope our Power Outage Map, along with our other services, will help make the process easier for our customers. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is always happy to assist you.
Billing & Payment Options
As a member-owned cooperative, Burlington Electric Cooperative (BEC) strives to provide its customers with convenient and flexible billing and payment options. We understand that our customers have different preferences and schedules, which is why we offer a variety of methods for paying your electric bill.
Online Billing & Payment
One of the most popular and convenient ways to pay your BEC bill is through our online billing and payment system. This secure platform allows you to view your bill and make payments directly from your computer or mobile device. You can even set up automatic payments so you never have to worry about missing a due date.
Automatic Bank Draft
If you prefer to have your bill paid automatically without having to remember due dates, you can enroll in our automatic bank draft program. With this option, your bill will be automatically deducted from your bank account on the due date each month. This ensures timely payments and eliminates the hassle of writing and mailing a check.
Traditional Mail-in Payments
If you prefer to pay your bill through traditional mail, we accept payments sent by check or money order. Simply mail your payment to the address listed on your bill and be sure to include your account number on the check or money order.
In-Person Payments
If you would rather make your payments in person, you can visit our office during business hours to pay your bill. We accept payments by cash, check, credit, or debit card. Our friendly customer service representatives will be happy to assist you in completing your payment.
Pay by Phone
For those who prefer the convenience of paying by phone, we offer a 24/7 automated phone system for bill payments. Simply call the number listed on your bill and follow the prompts to make your payment using a credit or debit card.
Energy Assistance Programs
BEC also offers assistance programs for eligible low-income customers to help with their electricity bills. These programs, such as the Low Income Heat Assistance Program and the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund, provide financial assistance and resources to those in need.
At BEC, we are committed to providing our customers with flexible and accessible billing and payment options. We understand that unexpected circumstances can come up and cause financial hardships, which is why we offer various assistance programs to help our members. If you have any questions or need assistance with your billing and payment options, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our Customer Service Team
Our dedicated customer service team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about your billing and payment options. You can reach us by phone or email during business hours, or visit our office in person for face-to-face assistance.
whether you prefer to pay your bill online, by phone, or in person, BEC has a billing and payment option that will work for you. We are committed to providing our members with convenient and flexible options to make managing your electricity bill as easy as possible. And if you ever experience a power outage or have any questions, our customer service team is always here to help. Thank you for choosing Burlington Electric Cooperative as your energy provider.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Burlington Electric Cooperative's services, there are several ways to reach us.
Phone:You can call our customer service line at 1-800-544-7794 during our regular business hours of Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to assist you with any inquiries regarding your start/stop service, billing and payment options, or power outages.
Email:
If you prefer to communicate via email, you can send us a message at info@burlingtonelectric.com. We strive to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
Online Contact Form:
We also have an online contact form available on our website. Simply fill out the form with your name, email, and message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
In-person:
For those who prefer face-to-face interaction, you can visit one of our customer service centers located at 585 Pine Street or 793 North Avenue in Burlington. Our representatives will be happy to assist you with any inquiries.
At Burlington Electric Cooperative, we value our customers and are committed to providing excellent customer service. We understand that issues may arise, and we are here to help resolve them in a timely and efficient manner. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for any assistance you may need.
In addition to contacting us directly, we also have several resources available on our website to help answer any questions you may have. Our Start/Stop Service page provides information on how to start or stop service with us, as well as any necessary forms. Our Billing and Payment Options page outlines the various methods available for paying your electric bill, including online options and automatic payments. We also offer a Power Outage Map on our website, which is updated in real-time to provide information on any current outages in our service area.
Thank you for choosing Burlington Electric Cooperative as your energy provider. We are dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to our members. If you have any further questions or feedback for us, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to help and improve our services for our valued customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Burlington Electric Cooperative
Q: How can I start/stop my service with Burlington Electric Cooperative?
A: To start or stop your service with Burlington Electric Cooperative, you can call our customer service line at 1-800-622-6897 or visit our website and fill out the online form. Please have your account information and desired start/stop date ready when contacting us.
Q: What are the available billing and payment options for Burlington Electric Cooperative?
A: Burlington Electric Cooperative offers a variety of billing and payment options for our customers. These include online payments, automatic bank draft, pay by phone, payment at our office or a local drop box, and mail-in payments. We also offer budget billing and paperless billing for added convenience. Please visit our website for more information on each payment option.
Q: What should I do in the event of a power outage?
A: In the event of a power outage, please check our Power Outage Map on our website to see if your area is affected. You can also report an outage by calling our outage hotline at 1-800-622-6897. Please have your account number or phone number associated with your account ready when reporting an outage. It is also important to stay away from any downed power lines and to never attempt to remove debris or trees near power lines.
Q: How can I contact Burlington Electric Cooperative for further assistance or inquiries?
A: There are a few ways to contact us for further assistance or inquiries. You can call our customer service line at 1-800-622-6897, email us at customerservice@burlingtonelectric.com, or visit our office located at 585 Pine Street, Burlington, VT. You can also connect with us on social media for updates and announcements.
Q: Can I make changes to my account information online?
A: Yes, you can make changes to your account information online by logging into your account on our website. You can update your contact information, request paperless billing, and manage your payment options. You can also view your current and past bills online.
Q: What should I do if I have a question about my bill or usage?
A: If you have any questions about your bill or usage, you can call our customer service line at 1-800-622-6897 or email us at customerservice@burlingtonelectric.com. Our team will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Q: How can I report a streetlight that is not working?
A: If you notice a streetlight that is not working, you can report it to Burlington Electric Cooperative by calling our customer service line at 1-800-622-6897 or by filling out the online form on our website. Please provide the location and pole number of the streetlight when reporting it.
Q: Is there a way to save energy and lower my electric bill?
A: Yes, Burlington Electric Cooperative offers energy efficiency programs and tips to help our customers save energy and lower their electric bill. You can visit our website to learn more about our energy efficiency programs or call our customer service line for personalized recommendations.
Q: What should I do if I smell gas?
A: If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call our emergency hotline at 1-800-622-6897. Do not use any electrical switches, open flames, or make any phone calls in the vicinity of the gas odor. Once you are at a safe distance, report the gas smell to our emergency hotline and wait for further instructions.
Q: What are the office hours for Burlington Electric Cooperative?
A: Our office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. You can also reach our customer service line at 1-800-622-6897 during these hours. Our emergency hotline is available 24/7 for any urgent matters.
1. How do I start or stop service with Burlington Electric Cooperative?
To start or stop service with Burlington Electric Cooperative, you can follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Burlington Electric Cooperative website and navigate to the "Start/Stop Service" page.
- Choose whether you want to start or stop service.
- Fill out the required information, such as your name, address, and contact information.
- If starting service, make sure to provide the date you want service to begin and any additional details.
- If stopping service, provide the date you want service to end and any forwarding address for the final bill.
- Submit the form and wait for a confirmation from Burlington Electric Cooperative.
- If you have any issues or questions, you can also contact Burlington Electric Cooperative directly through their website or by phone.
2. What billing and payment options are available for Burlington Electric Cooperative customers?
There are several billing and payment options available for Burlington Electric Cooperative (BEC) customers. First and foremost, customers can choose to receive their bills through mail or email, depending on their preference. BEC also offers the option for customers to enroll in automatic payments, which deduct the amount due from their designated bank account or credit card each month.
In addition, BEC has an online portal where customers can view their account information, make payments, and set up payment reminders. This provides a convenient and paperless option for customers who prefer to manage their account electronically.
BEC also offers the option for customers to pay their bills in person at their office, located in Burlington, Vermont. For those who are unable to make it to the office during business hours, there are several authorized payment locations throughout the state where customers can pay their bills in person.
Lastly, customers can also choose to pay their bills over the phone by calling BEC's customer service line. This option allows for a quick and easy payment process.
BEC provides a variety of billing and payment options to accommodate the needs and preferences of their customers. From traditional mail-in payments to convenient automatic payments, BEC strives to make the billing and payment process as seamless as possible for their customers.3. Is there a power outage map that can show me any current outages in my area?
Yes, Burlington Electric Cooperative has a power outage map that allows customers to view any current outages in their area. This map can be accessed through the cooperative's website. Simply navigate to the "Power Outage Map" section and enter your location or zoom in on the map to see the affected areas. The map also provides information on the number of customers affected and estimated time for power to be restored. This tool is extremely useful for customers who may be experiencing a power outage and want to stay informed on the status. It is just one of the many convenient features that Burlington Electric Cooperative offers to its customers.
4. How can I contact Burlington Electric Cooperative for any questions or concerns I may have?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Burlington Electric Cooperative, there are several ways you can contact them:
1. By phone: You can call their customer service line at 1-800-649-2877 during business hours.
2. Via email: You can send an email to their customer service team at customerservice@burlingtonelectric.com.
3. Through their website: You can visit their website and use the online contact form to send a message to their customer service team.
4. In person: If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit their main office at 585 Pine Street, Burlington, VT.
5. Social media: You can also reach out to them through their social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter.
No matter which method you choose, Burlington Electric Cooperative is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
5. Are there any special programs or resources available for customers who may be struggling to pay their electric bill?
Yes, Burlington Electric Cooperative offers several programs and resources for customers who may be struggling to pay their electric bill. One option is the Budget Payment Plan, which allows customers to pay a fixed amount each month based on their past usage, making it easier to budget for their bill. There is also the Energy Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible low-income customers. Additionally, the Cooperative has a Home Energy Assistance Team (HEAT) program, which offers free weatherization services to eligible customers to help reduce their energy costs. Customers can also reach out to the Cooperative's Member Services team for personalized payment plans and resources. These programs and resources demonstrate the Cooperative's commitment to supporting customers during challenging times.
All good things must come to an end, and that includes your time with Burlington Electric Cooperative. Whether you are moving to a new location or simply switching to another service provider, we are here to help you through the process. Below, you will find all the information you need to start or stop service, manage your billing and payments, and report any power outages.
Start/Stop Service:
If you are moving to a new location, you will need to start a new service with us. You can do this by filling out our online form or by contacting our customer service team at (800) 544-4857. We will need your new address and move-in date to set up your account. You can also use the same online form or phone number to stop your service if you are moving or switching to a new provider.
Billing & Payment Options:
We offer several convenient ways to pay your bill, including online payments, automatic payments, and payment by phone. You can also choose to receive your bill electronically through our eBill option. If you have any questions about your bill or payment options, our customer service team will be happy to assist you.
Power Outage Map:
In case of a power outage, you can check our online outage map to see if your area is affected and get an estimate of when power will be restored. You can also report an outage through our website or by calling our outage hotline at (800) 952-2667. Our crews work around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact Us:
If you have any further questions or concerns, our customer service team is available to assist you. You can reach us at (800) 544-4857 or via email at info@burlingtonelectric.com. We value our customers and strive to provide the best service possible.
We want to thank you for being a valued member of Burlington Electric Cooperative. We are proud to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our community, and we hope to continue serving you in the future. If you have any feedback or suggestions for us, we would love to hear from you. Thank you for your support and best wishes for your future endeavors.
