A new applicant's credit will be checked through Online Information Services when you submit an application to determine if a security deposit is needed.
Current members who have 12 consecutive months of service with no more than two late payments, and no disconnections for non-payment, may be eligible to have the security deposit waived.
New service can easily be requested online. All information is available on our Start. Transfer. Stop. page.
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.
PCRF - Power Cost Recovery Factor - is a rate mechanism used to true-up the actual cost of wholesale generation and transmission services versus budgeted costs. PCRF is a pass-through component, meaning Tri-County Electric Co-op passes wholesale generation and transmission costs to our members at our cost without markup.
When you apply for and accept service, you become a member of Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Each member contributes a $25 membership fee, which is fully refundable when you leave the system. As a member, you have the right to attend the co-op’s annual meetings and to vote in the election of directors. Tri-County Electric Cooperative's bylaws fully explain your rights and responsibilities as a member.
If you prefer the convenience of consistent monthly budgeting, the average payment plan may be for you. This plan is designed to help smooth out the seasonal swings in your electric bill.
To qualify for the average payment plan, you need 12 months of electric use with no more than two late payments. To sign up, or for more information, please contact the member service team.
Both electric cooperatives and investor-owned utilities distribute electricity to end-users. The main difference is the business model. Electric co-ops are not-for-profit organizations, owned by their consumers, who are “members.” Investor-owned utilities are owned by stockholders, who may not be consumers of the electric provider.
Cooperatives are set up to provide services at cost to their members. 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 MyTriCountyTX. A payment must be scheduled on or before the due date.
Please contact Member Service to discuss available options.
Almost all of our meters have been upgraded to two-way communicating “smart” meters, which send your data directly to the cooperative’s office. This system gives us the data we need to pinpoint problems, find and fix outages, and better distribute electric power during bad weather events.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas sets certification boundaries for all of the state’s electric providers. Areas are either single-certified – giving a single utility the right to serve it – or dual- or triple-certified to allow for multiple providers. If you live in an area that is dual- or triple-certified and you’re a Tri-County Co-op member, it’s because your developer, given a choice, opted to work with Tri-County Electric Co-op.
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 may set up Auto Pay by completing one of the following options:
How to sign up on the MyTriCountyTX website:
- 1. Click on Billing & Payments
- 2. Clock on Auto Pay Program
- 3. Click on Sign Up for Auto Pay and follow instructions
How to sign up on the MyTriCountyTX app:
- Select Bill & Pay
- Select Auto Pay Program and follow instructions
If you do not have access to the online member portal, please contact our member services team.
You may choose how you receive notifications from MyTriCountyTX (email or SMS) by updating your notifications preferences.
- Log in to your MyTriCountyTX account
- Click on "Notifications"
- Click Manage Contacts to add or change your email address and phone numbers
- Enter verification code to activate
- Click on Manage Notifications to set up SMS and email alerts
For assistance or more information, please contact our member service department.
To update your mailing address, please contact the member service team.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative provides a list of organizations that may offer payment assistance.
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.
Most temporary power interruptions are caused by equipment installed on our lines that is designed to detect faults and correct the condition before a full-scale outage occurs. Many of these temporary faults are caused by trees, or by animals like squirrels, birds or snakes, that get into the lines. Tri-County Electric Cooperative strives to provide reliable service to members. If you experience interruptions on a regular basis, please contact us so we can investigate your concerns.