Got Questions? We Have Answers!
We know electric service can raise a few questions, and we're here to help! Below, you'll find answers to the most common ones we receive from our members.
Before purchasing any onsite generation equipment, it must be reviewed and approved by Cherokee Electric Cooperative (CEC) for connection to our electrical distribution system. To ensure safety, power quality, and system reliability, CEC has established specific procedures and standards. A completed application, system evaluation, and engineering approval are required before any equipment is purchased or installed.
If you experience a power outage, please contact Cherokee Electric Cooperative right away so we can begin restoring service as quickly as possible. While landline phones usually continue to work during outages, call volume may be high—especially during large-scale events. Before calling, we encourage you to check the outage map below to see if your area is already affected. Our advanced meters now automatically report outages to us, helping speed up the restoration process.
To report an outage, call us at 800-952-2667 or 256-927-5524. Be ready to provide your account number, the name and phone number associated with the account, and if possible, your meter number to help us locate the issue faster.
To report an outage, call us at 800-952-2667 or 256-927-5524. Be ready to provide your account number, the name and phone number associated with the account, and if possible, your meter number to help us locate the issue faster.
The residential deposit amount (either $150 or $300) is based on your credit. Once you complete your membership application, we will run a credit report to determine the deposit amount. Once the membership fee ($5), deposit, and service connection fee ($35) are paid, your power will be automatically connected, if eligible. Others will be connected in 1 to 3 business days.
Our main office is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:15 PM (lobby and drive-thru).
Membership Fee – $5.00
Required before service begins. Not transferable. May be applied to unpaid bills upon termination. Any remaining balance will be refunded after service ends.
Security Deposit
Also required before service starts. Not transferable. May be applied to unpaid bills upon termination. Any remaining balance will be refunded after service ends.
- Residential: Minimum of $150.00
- Commercial: Minimum $300.00 or 2 months' usage
- Industrial: Based on contract
- Connect Fee: $35.00
- Seasonal Reconnect Fee: $100.00
- Transfer Fee: $35.00
- Returned Check Fee: $30.00
- Meter Test: $25.00 (if meter is accurate within ±2%)
- Service/Administrative Fee: $35.00
- Late Payment Penalty: 5% on first $5,000, 1% thereafter
- Outage Call (if it is an issue on the Consumer side of the meter): $30 (M–F, 7:30–3:30), $50 after hours
- Pole Rental: $30/month + kWh usage
- Events (Carnivals, Revivals): Fee varies per event
- Underground Service: Contact our office
- Convert Overhead to Underground: Total construction cost
- Collection Fee: $35.00
- Note: If eligible, payments made for disconnection of service will result in auto reconnect. Others are not available after 3:30 on weekdays or on weekends.
- Install: $90 (+$500 if pole required)
- Turn-On Existing: $25 (free if installed with meter)
- Commercial: Same as above, plus make-ready costs
- Monthly Fee: Varies by light type
- Unauthorized Seal Cut: $150
- Tampering Investigation: $500
- Deposit After Tampering: $400 minimum
- *CEC will estimate usage for tampering cases
Before digging on or around your property, always contact Cherokee Electric Cooperative to have underground lines properly located. Whether you're installing a fence, planting a garden, or building a pool, it’s crucial to know if electric or other utility lines are buried nearby. Accidentally striking an underground power line can cause service outages—and even result in serious injury or death.
For more information, click below to visit the Alabama 811 website.
For more information, click below to visit the Alabama 811 website.
Cherokee Electric Cooperative offers the convenience and safety of outdoor lighting to its members. A monthly fee applies for this service, which provides all-night illumination using standard overhead lights mounted on utility poles.
Lights operate automatically from approximately 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Cherokee Electric will replace bulbs and maintain the equipment during regular business hours when requested by the member.
Additional lighting options may be available, including various fixture types and sizes. An engineer can help you determine the best solution for your home or business.
For more information or to apply for outdoor lighting, please contact our Customer Service Center.
Lights operate automatically from approximately 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. Cherokee Electric will replace bulbs and maintain the equipment during regular business hours when requested by the member.
Additional lighting options may be available, including various fixture types and sizes. An engineer can help you determine the best solution for your home or business.
For more information or to apply for outdoor lighting, please contact our Customer Service Center.
Doxo.com is a third-party online bill payment service that may appear to be affiliated with Cherokee Electric Cooperative — but it is not.
While Doxo allows users to pay bills online, they do so by mailing a check on your behalf. This process can delay the posting of your payment.
Because Doxo is not connected to Cherokee Electric, we cannot control their fees or guarantee when your payment will be received. This delay could result in late fees or even disconnection for non-payment.
To ensure your payment is secure and applied directly to your account, please use our official Online Bill Pay system by visiting our website. It's fast, safe, and completely free.
Cherokee Electric offers our members the ability to pay their bill online by clicking the Bill Pay button on the top right of this website or click the Bill Pay button below. With Online Bill Pay you will be able to view and pay your bill.
Note: If your account is subject to disconnection after the due date on your bill, you agree to a $35 fee, and some accounts may auto-reconnect once payment is made.
Prior to creating an online bill pay account, you must:
If you are making a payment after the disconnect date on your bill, please contact our office.
Note: If your account is subject to disconnection after the due date on your bill, you agree to a $35 fee, and some accounts may auto-reconnect once payment is made.
Prior to creating an online bill pay account, you must:
- Have an updated email address on file with Cherokee Electric
- Have an updated phone number associated with your electric bill
- Create a username and password
If you are making a payment after the disconnect date on your bill, please contact our office.
The easiest way to monitor your energy usage is through our online portal. Once logged in, you can view daily usage trends alongside temperature data, and even sign up for text or email alerts to stay informed.
You can also track your usage directly from your electric meter. Our meters display the following information:
You can also track your usage directly from your electric meter. Our meters display the following information:
- kWh – Total energy consumed (kilowatt-hours)
- kW – Peak 24-hour demand
- V – Voltage level
- A – Amperage (current flow)