What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Flathead Electric Bill
Flathead Electric is an electric company cooperative serving customers in Kalispell, Libby, Bigfork, Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse, Lakeside and Whitefish, Montana. The company offers online account enrollment, peak time rebate program and a kid’s korner to teach children about energy and energy conservation. As a cooperative, there may be a membership application and membership fee required before starting service.
How to Pay the Bill
Despite being a small electric cooperative, Flathead Electric offers customers several options for making on-time payments.
Pay online: You can pay your Flathead Electric bill online at https://ebill.flatheadelectric.com/css/. Customers must register for an account online before processing payment. You must have your account number, last name of the person on the account or business name and a valid email address to register.
Pay automatically: Automatic payments are processed through credit cards, debit cards, savings accounts or checking accounts. You must register for an online account and click the SET UP button on your account page to start automatic payments.
Pay with a credit card or debit card: Flathead Electric accepts credit and debit cards with Visa, Mastercard or Discover logos. Payments are processed through your online account.
Pay by phone: Call 1-877-761-4637 to make a payment by phone. This is an automated system. You will need your Flathead Electric account number to make payment. If paying with a checking account, have the last four digits of the account holder’s social security number handy.
Pay at a drop box: Drop boxes are located in each of the cities serviced by Flathead Electric.
- Bigfork – Lake Hills IGA
- Columbia Falls – Super 1 Foods, Glacier Drug in Pamida, Smith’s Foods
- Hungry Horse – Food Mart
- Kalispell – Albertson’s, Flathead Electric Drive-Up Window, Rosauers, Smith’s Foods, Super 1 Foods
- Lakeside – Flathead Bank
- Libby – Flathead Electric Office
- Whitefish – Super 1 Foods, Safeway
Questions About Your Billing Statement or Account?
At times utilities companies ad additional charges, such as late payment fees, disconnection and connection fees as well as returned check fees that we never discussed with you. If you do not understand the additional charges on you billing statement or account, we recommend visiting the Flathead Electric FAQs. You can also find out more about the assessed fees on your billing statement or account by calling customer service at 1-877-761-4637.
How the Penalty Fees Work
Customers having trouble making a Flathead Electric bill payment on-time may be subject to service fees.
- Disconnect fee: Flathead will charge a minimum of $200 if your service is disconnected for non-payment.
- Field collection: If a representative comes to your address to collect payment the fee is $30.
- Reconnect fee: $40 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Reconnect fee (after hours): $150
- Returned item fee: $35 per instance.
I Can’t Make a Payment
Levelized billing: Flathead Electric is located in the cold state of Montana. Levelized billing helps customers eliminate the energy bill spikes in the winter. Customers will spend more in the spring, summer and fall than normal, but winter energy bills will be smaller.
LIHEAP – Customers can apply for low-income utility assistance through the LIHEAP home energy assistance program by calling 1-800-344-5979. Income guidelines are as follows:
- One person: $21,660
- Two people: $29,140
- Three people: $36,620
- Four people: $44,100
Energy Share of Montana – Energy Share of Montana is offered by the same Community Action Partnership that offers LIHEAP. Contact information is the same. Benefits are awarded by a local committee.
Neighbors in Need – This Christian program offers one-time benefits for families in need. Monies are available for utilities bills and other emergency needs like auto repair and food.
50% Charge Waiver – Customers qualifying for the LIHEAP program also qualify for this credit. Most customers are awarded a credit $8 per month.
Will They Help Me Pay My Bill?
Flathead Electric offers contact information for various programs offering customer support. Are there any programs offered by this company we forgot to mention?
