FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

2026 Special Elections:

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2026 Special Elections:

Can I get my deposit waived?

How do I set up new service?

When is my deposit refunded?

My bill has a PCRF charge each month. What is this?

What is a membership fee and what are the advantages and responsibilities of being a member of Tri-County Electric Cooperative?

Do you have an average payment plan?

How is an electric cooperative different from an investor-owned electric company?

Can I schedule a payment?

Can I choose my bill due date?

How is my meter read?

What and when is the Annual Meeting? District Meeting?

Why is Tri-County Electric Cooperative my only choice in providers?

How many days does it take to connect or disconnect service?

How do I set up Auto Pay?

How do I sign up for text and email notifications?

How do I update my mailing address?

Do you offer any assistance programs to help pay my bill in time of need?

Does a member need to be onsite for connect/disconnect?

Why would I get a notice telling me to expect a power outage on a certain date and time?

Why do my lights sometimes blink?

Connect with Us

Mailing Address

Member Service

Quick Links