Membership Fee
Each member-owner contributes a $25.00 membership fee, which is fully-refundable when a member-owner leaves the system.
New Account Initiation Charge
A $20.00 connect fee is made for processing an application and initiating new service, either at an existing location or a new service.
Security Deposit
A new member-owner may be required to make a deposit before service is provided if the credit for any type of service does not meet the cooperative's standards. If you obtain a letter of credit from a previous electric utility provider stating your past 12 consecutive months of service had no more than two late payments and you were never disconnected for nonpayment, we will waive the security deposit.
Late Fee
A 5% late fee will be added to a member's account if the bill is not paid by the due date.
Trip Charges
Anytime a member-owner requests a Tri-County Electric Cooperative employee visits their property for standard operating practice (connection, reconnection, trouble report investigation, etc.) This excludes outage restoration.
- Regular working hours: $50.00
- After hours: $80.00
Service Charges
- After hours reconnection: $50.00 connection fee, plus a $80.00 trip charge
- Disconnect for nonpayment: $20.00
- Reconnect for nonpayment: $20.00
Meter Tampering
Unauthorized individuals who are found to be tampering with, have gained unauthorized access into metering equipment, tampered with electrical devices supplying power to metering equipment shall be prosecuted to the highest extent permissible by law.
When meter tampering, equipment tampering or trespassing to gain access to Tri-County Electric Cooperative owned equipment or easements is suspected or found, the member will be charged a $2,500 tampering fee and charged all costs associated with replacing or repairing damaged electrical equipment and other direct costs of restoring electrical service.
AMI Meter Tampering
For tampering with an AMI meter, the member will be charged the following fees:
- Meter charge: $150
- Trip fee: $150
- Tamper fee: $2,500
- Estimated electric use
- Any damages to facilities plus actual costs
View the full Meter Tampering/Theft of Power policy here.
Meter Test
Upon the first request by a member-owner, Tri-County Electric Cooperative will charge $0.00 for the test and a $50.00 trip charge. Should any additional meter tests be requested within a four year period of the first test, there will be a $15.00 meter test charge plus a $50.00 trip charge. The $15.00 charge will be refunded if the meter fails to meet accuracy standards set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Return Check
A $20.00 charge will be applied for each check or other form of payment returned or dishonored. A member-owner may be required to pay by cash, money order or certified check after payment is returned or dishonored two or more times in a 12-month period.