Pay My Bill
Review your residential bill and pay by check, credit card or Automatic Bank draft.
Got a Question?
Can’t find the answer in the Frequently Asked Questions below? Contact us for help here.
Ways to Save
Current UCEMC Residential Rates can be found here along with forms to apply for Automatic Bank Draft service, service, the Alternate Payment program, Project Help, Budget Billing, and the UCEMC Pre-Pay Program.
My Membership
UCEMC is a not-for-profit cooperative owned by those it serves. Find answers to many billing and policy questions in the Members Handbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How can I better manage and budget my energy bills each month?
You can save money with tips and tools to lower your energy usage. Check out our conservation tips featured throughout the UCEMC webpage. UCEMC offers Budget Billing to its residential members in equal monthly amounts for electric service at that specific location. The equal monthly amount is based on the member’s past use history, credit experience and other sources of information for future use at this location. The Budget Billing form can be reviewed here. Budget Billing Form. Also please check out energy savings tips here.
-
Have rates gone up?
During the hottest days of summer and the bitter-cold days of winter, there is a common misconception that electric cooperatives increase the rates to make a profit. Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit, owned by those it serves, and has rates approximately 20% lower than the national average. 82 cents of every dollar collected by UCEMC is paid to Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the power used by our members and the remaining 18 cents is used to operate the cooperative. Additional information regarding rates is available in our NEWSROOM.
-
What else could contribute to high electric bills?
Do you have a heat pump? During extremely low temperatures, heat pumps switch to auxiliary or emergency heat to help heat the home and when activated, that can draw up to three times the amount of electricity. Reduce the temperature on your water heater for savings of 7 to 11%! Set the thermostat to the “normal” setting or 120 degrees, unless the owner’s manual for a dishwasher requires a higher setting. Make sure you turn off the breaker to your water heater before opening the panels. Insulate the first five feet of pipe coming out of the top of your water heater; or the entire length until the pipe goes into the wall if that is less than five feet. Check the lighting. Install Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). CFLs are a good choice for home lighting because they use less energy than incandescent bulbs, produce the same output, and last up to 10 times longer. Each bulb can save $40 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime. Learn more about energy savings tips here.
-
I use a space heater on the coldest days, why is my electric bill so high?
Using a space heater over long periods of time – especially in a large room - can lead to substantial energy costs. For example, a 1,500-watt space heater operating 12 hours a day will cost almost $50 each month. For more information on appliance energy costs and consumption visit ENERGY.GOV.
-
I use gas to heat my home, why is my electric bill so high?
Gas furnaces have electric-powered blowers to move the hot air through the ductwork. To help maintain the desired temperature in your home, the furnace is running for longer periods of time. Electric humidifiers used during extremely cold weather could also add to increased energy consumption. Be sure to replace heating and cooling system filters once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keeping the unit clean and properly adjusted will reduce energy use and save up to 5% on heating and cooling costs. Keep forgetting to do that? Tip: get in the habit of replacing your filter when you receive your monthly electric bill.
-
Why is my bill higher this month?
Heating and cooling account for more than half of an average member’s electric bill. One way to save is to turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) in the winter. Every degree of setback for eight hours a day can reduce heating bills by 1-3%. In the summer, turn up your thermostat to 78 degrees (or higher) in the summer. Every degree you raise your thermostat for eight hours a day in the summer can reduce cooling bills by 3-5%. Your HVAC unit runs longer during prolonged periods of extremely hot and bitterly cold weather because it’s working to keep your home interior at the temperature you have chosen on the thermostat.
-
If my power goes out, how do I report it?
If you experience a power outage, call your local UCEMC office immediately:
- Carthage: (After Hours) - 1-800-261-2940
- Gainesboro: (After Hours) - 1-800-261-2940
- Livingston: (After Hours) - 1-800-261-2940
- Cookeville: (After Hours)- 1-800-261-2940
-
How do I become a UCEMC member?
To become a member of UCEMC, you’ll need to fill out the New Service Application linked below and provide a photo I.D. and another official form of identification.
Signing up for your new service is easy!
- Fill out the Membership Application and provide the two official forms of I.D. as requested.
- Fill out the Proof of Occupancy Form.
- Provide proof of property ownership (Deed) or Lease Agreement.
Scan and email, fax, or mail copies of your completed documents to the UCEMC district office near you:
District Office Links:
-
How do I apply for Residential Service, What forms are required, and how much will it cost to connect service in my name?
A new member must submit a Residential Application, as well as a Proof of Occupancy form:
- Member will also need to provide two forms of identification, such as a Driver’s License, Social Security card, or business identification, and the completed Proof of Occupancy form.
Member may submit the application and documents in one of the following ways:
In-person at one of our district offices:
- Carthage - 138 Gordonsville Hwy., Carthage, TN 37030
- Cookeville - 1794 W. Broad Street, Cookeville, TN 38501
- Gainesboro - 1085 N. Grundy Quarles Hwy., Gainesboro, TN 38562
- Livingston - 320 Celina Hwy., Livingston, TN 38570
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax to the District office nearest the new construction:
- Cookeville – 931-526-7494
- Carthage – 615-735-0610
- Gainesboro – 931-268-2125
- Livingston – 931-823-1333
If submitting by email or fax, please allow 1-2 business days for UCEMC to contact you.
Once we have received the application and necessary documents, UCEMC will run a credit history to determine fees. See board policy No 5-13 R-24:
Documents
-
How do I disconnect service?
Please contact your UCEMC district office nearest you by phone - 1-800-261-2940 - or in-person M-F hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Same day service is not gauranteed.
*Participate in PrePay. The POWER YOUR WAY program from Upper Cumberland Electric is an option for our members seeking an alternative way to pay for their service. The program allows participants to avoid a deposit and monthly bills, customize their payment schedule, purchase energy when convenient, and monitor their own consumption. Learn more here.
Energy Right Services
- Water Heater
- Valley Renewable Energy
Services
- Info Package for New Service
Programs
- Alternate Pay Date
- Bank Draft
- Budget Billing
- Project Help
TVA provides regulatory oversight for your local power company’s rates and service practices. If you have an issue or complaint that you have not been able to resolve with your local power company, TVA’s Complaint Resolution Process may be able to help.
There are four ways to begin the process: