San Bernard Electric Cooperative (SBEC) delivers reliable electric service to members in Bellville, Columbus, Hockley, Hallettsville, and surrounding areas in Texas. Monthly bills include usage charges with a clear due date printed on each statement. Timely payment prevents late fees and service interruptions.
- For the most current details on accounts and billing, visit the official Payment Options page at https://www.sbec.org/payment-options where you can review all methods and enroll in services.
- You can also make a secure one-time payment directly through the official Pay Now portal at https://sbec.smarthub.coop/PayNow.html using only your name and account number.
Guest Pay / One-Time Payment Option
San Bernard Electric Cooperative offers a convenient Pay Now one-time payment option through its official SmartHub system—no full account login required. This guest-style feature is ideal for occasional users or those who prefer to pay manually without creating a profile.
To complete a one-time payment:
- Visit https://sbec.smarthub.coop/PayNow.html.
- Enter your name and account number from your bill.
- Provide payment details using a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or bank account (ACH).
- Review the amount and submit for immediate confirmation.
Payments are processed securely and typically post the same or next business day. You will receive an on-screen receipt. The portal is fully secure and mobile-friendly.
Online Account Management with SmartHub
Create a free SmartHub account at https://sbec.smarthub.coop/ for full 24/7 access. Once registered, you can view current and past bills, track usage history, enroll in paperless e-billing, report outages, and manage your San Bernard Electric Cooperative account from any device or the free SmartHub mobile app (available on Apple and Android). The portal supports both one-time Pay Now and recurring options.
Automatic Payments (Bank Draft or Credit Card Draft)
Enroll in free Auto Pay (Bank Draft or Credit Card Draft) through SmartHub. This option automatically deducts the billed amount from your checking or savings account or charges your card on the due date each month, eliminating missed payments and late fees. You can modify or cancel Auto Pay anytime through the portal.
Pay by Phone
Pay your bill by credit or debit card (or check) via the automated system at 1-855-941-3519 (updated number effective June 5, 2024). The system is available 24/7. For billing questions or assistance, the same number connects you to representatives during business hours.
Mail Payments
Mail your payment with a check or money order (payable to San Bernard Electric Cooperative) using the return envelope provided with your bill or the remittance address on your statement. Include your full account number on the check. Do not send cash. Allow 5–7 business days for mail delivery and processing. This option is completely fee-free.
In-Person & Drive-Thru Payments at Offices
Visit any SBEC office in person or use the drive-thru window during regular business hours for payments. Cash, checks, and credit/debit cards are accepted where available. Staff can assist with billing questions and payment arrangements.
Office locations and hours:
- Bellville Office: 309 West Main, Bellville, TX 77418 – Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, phone (979) 865-3171
- Columbus Office: 4258 Hwy 71, Columbus, TX 78934 – Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for lunch), phone (979) 732-8346
- Fields Store Office: 29244 FM 1488, Hockley, TX 77447 – Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, phone (936) 372-9176
- Hallettsville Office: 1686 HWY 90A East, Hallettsville, TX 77964 – Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed 11:30 AM–12:30 PM for lunch), phone (361) 798-4393
A night depository is available at drive-thru locations for after-hours check or money order deposits.
Cash Payments at Walmart
Pay with cash at any Walmart MoneyCenter or Customer Service Desk. Present your current bill stub; a $0.88 convenience fee applies. Payments post within 3–4 business days.
Contact Customer Service
Reach San Bernard Electric Cooperative at toll-free 1-800-364-3171 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM) for billing inquiries, payment arrangements, or portal assistance. Pay-by-phone line: 1-855-941-3519. Main office: 309 West Main, Bellville, TX 77418.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my San Bernard Electric bill online without creating an account? Yes. The official Pay Now portal at https://sbec.smarthub.coop/PayNow.html allows one-time payments using only your name and account number.
What payment methods does San Bernard Electric Cooperative accept? SmartHub and phone accept credit/debit cards and bank accounts (ACH). Mail accepts checks or money orders. Cash is available at Walmart or offices.
Are there convenience fees for San Bernard Electric payments? No fee for official SmartHub, Auto Pay, phone, or mail payments. A $0.88 fee applies for cash payments at Walmart.
Where do I mail my San Bernard Electric payment? Use the return envelope provided with your bill or the remittance address on your statement. Always include your account number on the check.
What are the in-person payment hours? Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM at all offices (Columbus and Hallettsville close for lunch 11:30 AM–12:30 PM). Drive-thru and night depository available.
How do I set up Auto Pay for my San Bernard Electric bill? Enroll through SmartHub. It is free and deducts automatically on the due date.
What services does San Bernard Electric Cooperative provide? Reliable electric service to members in Bellville, Columbus, Hockley, Hallettsville, and surrounding areas in Texas.
How do I get help with payment arrangements or billing issues? Call 1-800-364-3171 during business hours. Flexible arrangements are available through customer service.
