SOUTHERN MARYLAND – Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) recognizes that the ongoing federal government shutdown is creating financial hardships for many local families. As a community-focused cooperative, SMECO is committed to helping members affected during this challenging time.
SMECO is offering multiple protections for residential members who may be experiencing hardship due to the shutdown. To assist members facing temporary financial strain, the cooperative is:
- Offering extended payment arrangements for members having difficulty paying their electric bills
- Waiving otherwise applicable late payment fees and good-faith payments normally required to establish a payment plan
- Suspending disconnections for nonpayment for impacted members
- Providing referrals to local energy assistance programs
In addition, if service to an impacted member is disconnected for nonpayment without SMECO’s knowledge of the member’s eligibility status, upon request by the impacted member, the cooperative will reconnect service without requiring any reconnection payment, reconnection fees, or deposit.
“Many of our members work for the federal government or contractors, and we understand that a disruption in income can create real stress,” said Sonja Cox, SMECO president and CEO. “As a cooperative, we are here to support our members and our community.”
Members who need assistance are encouraged to contact SMECO’s customer care team at 1-888-440-3311 to explore available options. SMECO will accept a verbal statement from the member confirming their federal and furloughed status. Cooperative representatives will work with each member individually to determine the best solution for their situation.
SMECO – The Cooperative Difference
SMECO was incorporated in 1937 and is one of the 15 largest electric cooperatives in the United States, with more than 178,000 member accounts in Charles County, St. Mary’s County, southern Prince George’s County, and most of Calvert County.
Electric cooperatives are shaped by the communities they serve, because co-ops are owned by their customers. Co-op members elect the men and women who serve on the board of directors. Members share the responsibility of ownership by financing the cooperative’s operations, but they also share its rewards.
At the end of each year, SMECO’s margins (profits) are allocated to members’ capital credit accounts. SMECO uses its profits to invest in new construction, system improvements, and facility upgrades. The board of directors regularly evaluates the financial condition of the co-op and determines when members will receive a refund. Since 1937, SMECO has refunded more than $128 million.
As a cooperative, SMECO will always put its members first and be responsive, reliable, and resourceful—the power you can count on.
Follow SMECO on Facebook and Twitter. The SMECO 24/7 mobile app is available at www.smeco.coop/247.
its ok to feel like SMECO doesn’t handle OHEP correectly,