Billing & Payments

Flexible, Secure, and Hassle-Free Ways to Pay Your TEC Bill

Thumb Electric Cooperative offers flexible payment options to make managing your monthly electric or fiber bill simple and stress-free. Whether you prefer to manage your account online, automate your payments, or need help during challenging times, we offer a variety of solutions to meet your needs.

Pay Your Bill Online

Manage your account anytime, from anywhere.

Visit TEC’s secure SmartHub portal to pay your bill, view usage, and manage your account preferences—all in one place.

Automatic Bank Drafts

A secure way to pay on time—every time.

Save time and eliminate late fees with our no-cost automatic payment plan that withdraws your payment directly from your checking or savings account.

  • TEC Advantage bills are withdrawn on the 1st of each month

  • TEC Electric & Fiber bills are withdrawn on the 22nd of each month

Why Choose Bank Draft?

  • Save time — no writing checks or mailing payments

  • Avoid late fees and postage costs

  • Payments are always on time—even when you're away

  • Easy to sign up and free to use

How to Enroll:

Download and return the appropriate enrollment form along with a voided check or savings deposit slip.

  • Download TEC Advantage Enrollment Form (PDF)

  • Download TEC Electric & Fiber Enrollment Form (PDF)

Have questions? Check our FAQs below or call us at 1-800-327-0166.

Credit or Debit Card Autopay

Simple, secure payments—without lifting a finger.

Enroll in automatic payments using your Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card and never worry about missing a due date again.

  • All payments are withdrawn on the 15th of each month

  • You’ll still receive your monthly statement for reference

Benefits of Using a Credit or Debit Card:

    • No checks, no postage, no hassle

    • Never miss a payment or incur late fees

    • Safe and secure processing

    • Free service—no additional fees from TEC

How to Enroll:

Download the Credit Card Autopay Enrollment Form and return it to TEC by mail.

    • Download Credit Card Enrollment Form (PDF)

Payment Assistance

Support When You Need It Most

Thumb Electric Cooperative understands that sometimes financial hardship or unexpected situations can make it difficult to keep up with your utility bill. Below are programs and resources available to qualifying members that can provide temporary payment assistance or shutoff protection.

MPSC Shutoff Protection Programs

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) offers shutoff protection programs for eligible utility customers, including:

  • Seniors (65+)

  • Low-income households

  • Active-duty military

  • Medically vulnerable individuals

If you qualify, you may be able to avoid service interruption while working toward a manageable payment plan.

Download the Medical Certification Form (PDF)

This form is required if you or someone in your household has a medical condition that could be worsened by the loss of electricity.

Local Support Resources

If you’re struggling to pay your bill, we encourage you to contact 2-1-1, a free and confidential service that connects people with local resources and support, including utility assistance. Visit 211.org or call 2-1-1 from any phone.

You can also reach out directly to your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office for assistance programs that may apply:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

SmartHub Account & App Support

Thumb Electric Cooperative uses SmartHub to give members easy, secure access to their electric and fiber accounts—anytime, anywhere. Below are answers to common questions to help you get started and make the most of your account.

Getting Started

  • Click My Account. If you’re already enrolled in E-Bill, use your existing login. New users can follow the prompts to register.

  • Yes. Your current username and password will work in SmartHub.

  • Yes. Credit card and bank account details from E-Bill will carry into SmartHub securely.

App vs. Web Access

  • Both offer full account access. The app is designed for smartphones and tablets with mobile-friendly tools. The web version provides additional customization, like detailed notifications and personal profile settings.

  • Yes. All data is encrypted, and no personal information is stored on your device. Just remember, if you save your login on your phone, anyone with access to it can view your account.

  • Search SmartHub (one word) in the Apple App Store or Google Play. It’s free.

    • App: iOS 3.1+ and Android 2.1+

    • Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and IE 9+ (older versions may not support some features)

Billing & Payments

  • Yes. You can view and pay all accounts through the web or app, either in full or partially by selecting the account and entering the desired payment.

  • No. You can continue paying as usual—SmartHub simply adds more options.

  • Yes. Log in to SmartHub on the web, go to My Profile > Update Printed Bill Settings, and toggle paper billing off.

Usage, Metering & Notifications

  • Yes. Both the app and website offer usage graphs, markers, and trends to track energy use over time.

  • Yes. Submit readings from the Enter Meter Reading option online or under Bill, Pay & Reading in the app.

  • On the web, go to Notifications > Manage Contacts to add email/text alerts. Then click Manage Notifications to choose what alerts to receive.

Outages

  • Yes. Use the Report an Outage feature in the app or web. You can select the correct service location and view outage status if known.

  • If your area is already affected by a known outage, it will be displayed on your screen, so you don’t need to re-report it.

Account Details & Navigation

  • Yes. You can view, manage, and pay for all of your TEC accounts from a single SmartHub profile.

  • The data is real-time, but refresh your browser or app screen if it’s been open for a while.

  • Tap Map, then select the address and open GPS directions on your device.

  • Remove SmartHub from your browser's Compatibility View settings to display content properly.

  • For web, we recommend 1280 x 1024 for optimal viewing.

Still Need Help?

Contact our team at 1-800-327-0166 or use our Contact Us page for more assistance.