New applicants' credit will be checked from Online Information Services upon application submission to determine if a security deposit is needed.
Current members with 12 consecutive months of service with no more than two late payments and were never disconnect for nonpayment of services may be eligible to have the security deposit waived.
Find everything you need to know to set up Residential service here.
A deposit can be refunded after 12 months of billing history with no more than two late payments. After this requirement is met, a member can expect to see their deposit credited to their electric account within three months.
If a member disconnects service within the 12 month period, the deposit is credited toward the final bill.
Power Cost Recovery Factor is the amount of money charged to generate electricity from our power supplier, Brazos Electric Cooperative, that was not included in our rate base structure. PCRF can change from month to month, based on the cost of the fuel used to generate electricity. The money collected for PCRF is on a penny for penny basis, which means we only collect the amount needed to recover the increase in power costs.
When you apply and accept service you become a member-owner of Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Each member contributes a $25.00 membership fee, which is fully-refundable when a member leaves the system. As a member-owner, you have the right to vote and Annual Meeting and District Meeting, as well as elect members to the Board of Directors. Tri-County Electric Cooperative's bylaws fully explain your rights and responsibilities as a member-owner.
For members wanting the convenience of consistent monthly budgeting, the average payment plan may be for you. This payment plan is designed to help smooth the seasonal swings in your electric bill.
To qualify for the average payment, a member needs 12 months of kWh usage and no more than two late payments. To sign up or for more information, please call 817.444.3201.
Electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities distribute electricity to end-users. The main difference between the two entities is in the business model. Electric cooperatives are not-for-profit organizations while investor-owned utilities are owned by stockholders who may not be consumers of the provider.
Cooperatives are set up to provide services at cost to member-owners. Money made in excess of expenses is returned to the members in the form of patronage capital, or capital credits.
Yes, a member can schedule a payment through their online member portal or TCEC Connect. A payment must be scheduled on or before the due date.
On our current meter system, members cannot choose their bill due date. We have over 110,000 meters set up on cycles based on location within the service territory.
Our employees read meters electronically using hand-held devices by driving routes throughout the service territory.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas sets certification boundaries for all electric providers in Texas. Certifications are either single-certified to a single utility provider or dual-certified/triple-certified to multiple providers. If you live in area that is dual-certified or triple-certified, your developer chose to work with Tri-County Electric Cooperative.
For existing service, Tri-County Electric Cooperative can connect service during the next business day after all account initiation requirements are met. For same-day connection, an additional $50.00 fee will apply.
If you are leaving the system and need to disconnect service, we can disconnect during the next business day.
A member can set up auto draft in the member portal by following these steps:
- Log in to the member portal
- Go to "Draft Payment Options"
- Select the tab at the top of the sub menu titled "Setup New Draft"
- Select "Credit Card Draft" or "Bank Draft"
- Select the electric account(s) you would like the draft applied to
- Agree to terms and you will be directed to the next page. With a bank draft, enter information and then agree to the terms
- Save
For assistance or more information, please call 817.444.3201.
A member can update their auto draft information in their member portal by following these steps:
- Draft Payment Options
- Remove draft
- Submit
- Set up new draft
- Submit
Your updated draft information will appear under Accounts.
For assistance or more information, please call 817.444.3201.
A member can update their stored credit card information in their member portal by following these steps:
- Account Management
- Check Removed stored credit card information
- Submit
This will remove any stored credit cards on your account.
For assistance or more information, please call 817.444.3201.
To update your mailing address, please call our Member Services department at 817.444.3201.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative provides a list of organizations that may provide members with payment assistance. Click here for a list of community assistance agencies.
A member does not have to be on location to connect or disconnect power.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative's system requires maintenance to provide reliable service. We will occasionally need to interrupt power to homes and business to safely perform system maintenance. We do our best to inform all affected members before the interruption. We appreciate your patience and understanding when we do have a planned outage.
The majority of temporary power interruptions are caused by equipment installed on our power lines to detect faults and correct the condition before an outage can occur. Many of these temporary faults are caused by trees or animals, like squirrels, birds and snakes. Tri-County Electric Cooperative strives to provide reliable service to all our member-owners. If you experience any momentary interruptions on a regular basis, please contact us so we can investigate your concerns.