What is prepaid billing?

With prepaid billing, you pay for electricity how and when you choose. Purchasing electricity before you use it allows you to manage your budget and pay how much you want, when you want.  Better yet, there are no security deposits or fees. Instead of a monthly billing statement, your usage and balance are calculated daily. Track your usage by phone or online.

How does prepaid billing work?

You purchase electricity before you use it. Payments can be made when you want to; either online, over the phone, or in person at Capital Electric’s office. When your account runs low, you will get an alert by phone and email that lets you know it’s time to add funds to your account.

Who can participate in the program?

Capital Electric members receiving electric service under the residential rate or where technological capabilities exist. To verify if your service is eligible to be on Prepaid Billing, please contact our billing department by phone at 701-223-1513 or email us at css@capitalelec.com.   

How much will it cost to set up a prepaid billing account?

There is no enrollment fee to setup up a prepaid account. Simply get started with only a $25 credit balance on your account. NOTE: To obtain a $25 credit balance, existing accounts must also pay for the current unbilled usage as of the prepaid start date.

Will I pay a deposit?

No! Prepaid members do not pay a deposit. Current Capital Electric members will have any existing deposit used to pay any past-due balance on their account, and the rest will be applied to their prepaid account balance.

How can I check my balance?

Go to the www.capitalelec.com/smarthub page and click on Login to get your daily account balance. You can also call 1-877-853-5928 (toll free) to receive automated information regarding your prepaid account. Access information is provided when your account is established.

How much money should I keep in my prepaid account?

It’s up to you! Buy energy to last for a few days or several months!

How do I make payments?

Payments can be made at our office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Online payments can be made 24 hours a day at www.capitalelec.com. Access information will be provided when your account is established. Credit and debit cards and electronic check payments can also be made over the telephone 24 hours a day by calling 1-877-853-5928.

What if my account runs low?

Prepay is a self-managed program. You will receive a low-balance notice by email and telephone based on the number of days of usage you have remaining. This will give you time to purchase power before the meter will automatically disconnect. If you do not purchase more power, the meter will stop and the power will turn off. Once a payment is made to establish a credit on the account, your power will be reconnected.

How do I sign up for Prepaid Billing?

1.  Call, email or stop by our office to verify that your electric service is eligible for pre-paid. (Most residential services are eligible.)

2.  If your electric service is eligible for pre-paid, you can enroll using the online prepaid billing form.  You can also come to our office at 7401 Yukon Drive and sign up for the program.

3.  An employee will explain how the process works and verify your notification information.

4.  After members sign up for the program, they begin receiving email and phone notifications regarding low-balance alerts. If they do not prepay for additional electric service before their account balance drops to zero, the co-op’s automatic meter-reading system will disconnect the consumer’s meter until a payment is received. After the co-op receives prepayment, the meter will immediately be reconnected. 

For more information on Capital Electric’s Prepaid Billing program, call our office at 701-223-1513 or download our Prepaid Billing Brochure. 

To learn more about other payment options go to Payment Options or call the co-op at 701-223-1513.