FAQs

Your bill is due upon receipt and is considered late one day after your bill due date.  Late payments are assessed a 5% penalty fee.  A five-day grace period will be automatically allowed on the account, and a delinquent notice will be mailed to confirm the last date to pay prior to possible suspension of services.

Bill dates are determined by your meter location for efficiency in our meter reading operations.  If the billing and due dates are inconvenient, you may be interested in these options:

Sign up for an automatic bank draft or Auto Pay using a debit or credit card or e-check.

Pre-pay your bill at any time. If you over-pay, you will have a credit on your account toward the next bill.

For assistance, visit with a DEMCO member services representative Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 at 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626). 

• Local Office:  Payment may be made at your local branch office in cash, check, and money order. 
• By Mail:  Use the provided envelope that accompanies your bill. DEMCO Payment Processing, PO Box 95000, Baton Rouge, La. 70895-9000
• Online:  You can "Pay Now" or login to your MyDEMCO account at www.demco.org to pay by debit or credit card or by electronic check (direct debit from your checking account).
• By Phone:  Call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) Option 2, then follow the voice prompts. 
• By Bank Draft, Debit or Credit Card:  Go to your MyDEMCO account portal and click on Billing & Payments or "Bill & Pay" on the MyDEMCO mobile app. Select "Auto Pay Program" and follow the prompts. Your total amount due must paid before you enroll in Auto Pay. 
• Alternate Payment Locations:  For a list of approved alternate payment sites, go to Member Services/Payment Locations.  Please note that using an alternate off-site payment facility may delay receipt of your payment by 1 to 3 business days; however, your account will be credited for the date that it was paid at the alternate site.
• VanillaDirect Pay: You can pay your bill with cash at participating VanillaDirect Pay locations, such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7 Eleven, Walgreens and CVS. VanillaDirect Pay charges a $1.50 fee for each transaction. You must use your MyDEMCO account when you VanillaDirect Pay. To access your MyDEMCO account specific barcode for your cash payment to post correctly, click to Register or Log In now. You will need to either print the barcode or have the cashier scan the barcode from your mobile device in order to make the payment. Your cash payment will post in real time when you use the 'Pay by Cash' (VanillaDirect Pay) feature using your MyDEMCO mobile app.For details about this payment option, visit Member Services/Payment Locations.

Your monthly bill will be paid using bank draft, credit or debit card on the due date listed on your bill.

Members who pay using the Auto Pay program are eligible to win a $50 gift card. Winning account numbers are published in each issue of our co-op magazine Along these LINES. 

To log on to your MyDEMCO account, go to the log-page at www.DEMCO.org/MyDEMCO. Videos are available to help you register your account.

FAQs are provided to assist you in setting up your account preferences.

Your account number is printed on your bill. You can also find your new MyDEMCO account number at www.DEMCO.org/account-lookup-form

If you have already updated your username to your email address, click here to go to our password reset page. There, you’ll be asked to enter some information: your account number, last name or business and the email address associated with your DEMCO account. Click “Submit.” Next you’ll answer a security question (either billing ZIP code or most recent bill amount), then enter and confirm your new password. You also might be able to retrieve your password from your preferred website browser.

After logging in to your new MyDEMCO account, click on the “My Profile” tab, then the “Update My Paperless Settings” tab. Toggle the “Paperless” button to “ON,” and click “Yes.”

On our mobile app, log in, click the “More” tab at the bottom, click “Settings,” then “Paperless Billing.” Toggle the button to the left and click “Yes.”

Yes, you can! Register your MyDEMCO account to view and print your bills. Click HERE for easy setup or HERE for a video tutorial or HERE for more detailed information.

There are a number of factors that influence the total amount due on your electric bill.

Here are some of the first things to check:

• Check the number of days of service on your bill. Are there more days between readings than on your previous bills?
• Be sure to compare how many days are in this billing cycle compared to previous billing cycles. 
• Compare the usage from the same month last year to the current month.  You can view 13 months of data on the front of your bill, using the chart provided.
• You can check last year’s usage by examining the comparisons section of your bill or by accessing your account online.
• Check for any charges beyond the current electric service on the bill.  Have past due amounts been added to the total? Are there miscellaneous charges added to the bill?  Check for outdoor lighting or meter-based surge protector rental fees, etc.
• Take note if any of your appliances that are considered to be large power users in your home have been running more than normal or in need of servicing.  For example, the air conditioner in hot weather or the heating system in cold weather may need servicing.
• Check the water heater temperature setting, and take note when you have extra dishes, laundry, baths, and showers.
• Always ensure that your home has proper insulation and air leaks are minimized.

Your DEMCO bill provides detailed information about your meter reading, your energy usage, current and historical usage and even the weather during the billing period. You will also see a notation about your meter reading - how many days were included in the current billing cycle and how your meter was read – either automatic ‘AUTO’ reading or estimated ‘EST’ reading. 

Since estimated bills are not based on actual usage, it is critical that members take notice when ‘EST’ is noted on the bill. This means that your actual meter reading was not received by our system, so your usage was estimated. As a result, you should look for an ‘AUTO’ reading on your next bill which will be a true-up bill, that reflects actual kWh usage using your actual meter reading. Since the amount is usually higher than was estimated, DEMCO will gladly set up a payment arrangement to help spread your balance across future bills.

Our system spans across 8,886 miles, and much of it is rural. With 43 substations and metering points and 113,500 meters, there are times when a meter reading doesn’t make it to us. When this happens, we do our very best to address and resolve the issue. If you are affected by an estimated bill or you have an error on your bill, please reach out to DEMCO using any of the methods listed below:

• ‘Contact Us’ at www.DEMCO.org.
• Visit your MyDEMCO account portal to report an outage, pay your bill, start, stop or transfer service and more!
• Visit www.DEMCO.org for information, FAQs, energy efficiency tips, DEMCO rate book, and more.
• Download the free MyDEMCO mobile app for iPhone and Android users.
• Connect with Us! on social media platforms FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
• Member service representatives are available M-F 8-12; 1-4:30
  • Call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) Option 2
• Visit a DEMCO member service center M-F 8-12; 1-4:30 (closed 12-1).

Meter Tampering & Power Theft What’s Ours What’s Yours? The meter is DEMCO’s property.

DO NOT CUT THE SEAL. Please notify DEMCO immediately if the meter seal is missing so that DEMCO can inspect and reseal the meter.

DO NOT ENTER THE METER BASE. Please call 1-844-MyDEMCO to request meter installation or meter removal. There is no charge to the member for DEMCO to disconnect and make a facility safe prior to performing electrical repair or installing a generator.

ONLY DEMCO authorized technicians are permitted to install and remove meters.

Failure to comply can result in severe injury or death. Meter tampering also compromises the safety of DEMCO’s electrical system, exposes the general public to potential hazards, and can result in the assessment of multiple fees, reconnection delays due to parish permitting requirements, and the risk of unsafe meter operation.

POWER THEFT IS A CRIME that includes:

• Utility Theft: Any attempt or action which prevents the meter from correctly registering the amount of electricity used by the member or the removal of the meter disconnect device.
• Power Diversion: A form of utility theft that includes any method used to divert electricity.
• Meter Tampering: Any tampering which directly or indirectly results in, or could result in, the theft of electricity. This includes damage to the meter seal and other locking devices.
• Breaking a meter seal, opening a meter base, removing a meter, or altering the electric service in any manner.

Intentional or not, if your electric service is altered by anyone other than a DEMCO-authorized technician, power theft may occur, and your service may be disconnected.

What happens when meter tampering or power theft is discovered?

• If your meter is installed or removed by a non-DEMCO technician, DEMCO will disconnect your service.
• Law enforcement may be called when any instance of power theft is detected.

If a meter is disconnected due to meter tampering or power theft, what are the fees associated with the reconnect?

• All tamper fees, in addition to a maximum $275 deposit, and the connect fee are required prior to reconnecting.
• $200 tampering fee
• $28.50 missing/damaged red disconnect meter collar
• $150.00 missing/damaged meter
• $10.00 per day for unmetered usage

(Depending on parish permitting requirements, members may be required to get a permit to reconnect after tampering has been found; fees and timelines vary by parish.)

Who is responsible for the fees associated with meter tampering or power theft?

• If the DEMCO account is active, the current member will be assessed tampering in addition to usage charges.
• If the account is inactive and tampering or power theft has been found, a lease/ownership and ID are required to determine where tampering fees will be applied.

The credit a member receives from solar panel usage is included on the bill listed as Retail Energy Credit and Retail PCA Credit.

Click here for more information.

DEMCO's 2021 avoided cost rate is $0.06158 per kWh.

Applications to connect service can be made by phone, in the office, or online using your MyDEMCO account.

The applicant will be required to furnish personal information, billing information, and personal identification numbers as well as information pertinent to the address for which the connection applies.  All applications for service will be subject to a credit check to determine if a security deposit is required.  If applicable, receipt of permits and deposits is required in advance of service. 

For assistance Contact Us and we will reach out to you directly or call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) and follow the phone prompts.

Each parish or city sets their own ordinance pertaining to building and electrical inspections.  In some areas, the Louisiana State Health Department will also require a separate permit and inspection.  The requirements for these inspections will vary with the parish or city in which you live.  Our Customer Service Department will inform you at the time of application if a permit is required for the area or address that you are moving to.  It is important to note that in most parishes the permit specifically must be issued with the same name that the utility account is listed in.

Please make your request at least 3 working days in advance of the desired disconnect date and no further in advance than 25 days.

For assistance Contact Us and we will reach out to you directly or call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) and follow the phone prompts.

BEFORE YOU DIG, call 8-1-1 at least two full workdays before excavation is scheduled to begin or visit https://www.louisiana811.com/locate-request for internet ticketing and other tools to assist you. If calling from out of state or near state geographical boundaries, dial 811 or toll-free 1-800-272-3020.

The service is free to everyone, including homeowners and contractors alike, to help prevent hitting the various utilities that are underground. 

Using color paint, utilities will be marked which serves to notify any operators of underground utilities or facilities in an area before you dig.

If you experience an outage or have an electric emergency, call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-866-693-3626) Option #1 any time, day or night.

You may also report an outage online at www.demco.org or using your MyDEMCO account portal or MyDEMCO mobile app.

The free MyDEMCO mobile app is available at the Apple App Store and GooglePlay.  

Visit www.DEMCO.org and click the CONTACT US button

OR

Log In to your MyDEMCO account to report your street light or security light issue.  

You can also make a report using Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 or call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) or Contact Us and we will reach out to you directly.  

In cases where homes are equipped with an external breaker, our connector will turn the external breaker to the OFF position for safety once the meter is connected.  Members should always turn their internal breakers to the OFF position for safety prior to connection.  Once connected, check your inside breaker panel (and any external main breaker if your home is equipped with one) to ensure that all breakers are in the ON position.  If you do not receive power once all breakers are in the ON position, or if you are not sure where to locate the breakers in your home, please contact DEMCO for assistance to check for any problems.

For help Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 or call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) #3. 

Operation Roundup® is an assistance program operated separately from DEMCO.  The program derives its funds from participating members who choose to contribute.  For participating members, monthly bills will be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar.  These few remaining cents each month go into a fund that is handled and dispersed by the DEMCO Foundation.  Assistance from the DEMCO Foundation is available to DEMCO members only through qualifying applications.  These funds are allocated for assistance other than electric bills. Operation Roundup® is voluntary and can be started or stopped at any time the member chooses.  For more information visit www.demco.org and click the DEMCO Foundation navigation link under the Community tab.

The relevant statutes upon which the following cooperatives, as expropriating authorities, rely on can be found at the following websites:

• La. R.S. 19:1 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=81688
• La. R.S. 19:2 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81784
• La. R.S. 19:2.1 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81785
• La. R.S. 19:2.2 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81786
• La. R.S. 19:3 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81812
• La. R.S. 19:4 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81821
• La. R.S. 19:5 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81822
• La. R.S. 19:6 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81824
• La. R.S. 19:7 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81825
• La. R.S. 19:8 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81826
• La. R.S. 19:9 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81827
• La. R.S. 19:10 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81689
• La. R.S. 19:11 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81699
• La. R.S. 19:12 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81708
• La. R.S. 19:13 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81718
• La. R.S. 19:14 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81762
• La. R.S. 19:15 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=81772
• La. R.S. 19:16 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=814756
• La. R.S. 12:403 http://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=76503

DEMCO charges an application fee of $100 per pole for each request.

Submit your completed application and fee to: DEMCO, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 ATTN: Joint Use 

Download the application by clicking here.

If you see 'EST' on your bill, this means we did not receive your meter reading, so the amount on your bill may not reflect actual usage.

Please contact DEMCO to report the issue so we can get an accurate reading on your meter.

Your DEMCO bill provides detailed information about your meter reading, your energy usage, current and historical usage and even the weather during the billing period. You will also see a notation about your meter reading - how many days were included in the current billing cycle and how your meter was read – either automatic ‘AUTO’ reading or estimated ‘EST’ reading. 

Since estimated bills are not based on actual usage, it is critical that members take notice when ‘EST’ is noted on the bill. This means that your actual meter reading was not received by our system, so your usage was estimated. As a result, you should look for an ‘AUTO’ reading on your next bill which will be a true-up bill, that reflects actual kWh usage using your actual meter reading. Since the amount is usually higher than was estimated, DEMCO will gladly set up a payment arrangement to help spread your balance across future bills. 
Our system spans across 8,886 miles, and much of it is rural. With 43 substations and metering points and 113,500 meters, there are times when a meter reading doesn’t make it to us. When this happens, we do our very best to address and resolve the issue. If you are affected by an estimated bill or you have an error on your bill, please reach out to DEMCO using any of the methods listed below:

• ‘Contact Us’ at www.DEMCO.org.
• Visit your MyDEMCO account portal to report an outage, pay your bill, start, stop or transfer service and more!
• Visit www.DEMCO.org for information, FAQs, energy efficiency tips, DEMCO rate book, and more.
• Download the free MyDEMCO mobile app for iPhone and Android users.
• Connect with Us! on social media platforms FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
• Member service representatives are available M-F 8-12; 1-4:30
  • Call 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626) Option 2
• Visit a DEMCO member service center M-F 8-12; 1-4:30 (closed 12-1).

Your final bill will be mailed to the name and address we have on listed on the account. If any credit balance remains on the account, it will be refunded separately from the final bill, to that same address.

Green line: Power lines are Energized; no outage

Red line: Power outage Confirmed

Orange line: Power outage is Probable – Now, when the outage system predicts that the line is out based on the phone calls that it receives, instead of staying green it will display orange. The orange line means that we have received an outage report, but crews have not yet confirmed the outage and the extent of the outage.

• When DEMCO receives an outage report through MyDEMCO, from our website, or through the automated 1-844-MyDEMCO phone system, the outage and areas that may be affected will be reflected on our outage map as an orange line.
• Once the outage is verified, it will turn to red.
• When power is restored, the line will turn back to green.

Since electric power is used prior to being billed, a member deposit is required prior to connection or to continue service as a guarantee of payment.  This protects DEMCO and our members from those who use electricity and then leave without paying for the electricity they used.  These losses could impact all DEMCO members if incurred, and by requiring deposits in specified amounts DEMCO is hoping to keep costs down for all members and to mitigate losses from potential unpaid bill amounts.  

A member deposit is collected prior to service connection. 

What Happens to a Deceased Member’s Account?

A “DECEASED” note is placed on the member’s account and a 90-day transfer/disconnect process begins.

• • Day 1:  Certified letter mailed to member with a request service transfer to new responsible party.
  • Day 60:  If request for transfer of service is not received, DEMCO will mail a second certified letter to request service transfer to new responsible party. This letter states that if the account is not transferred within 30 days, electric service will be disconnected. NOTE: If a service transfer application is pending for the location, requirements for service must be satisfied within 30 days to avoid an interruption of service.
  • Day 90:  If request for transfer of service is not received, DEMCO will terminate service on the following business day.

As a family member of the deceased, may I call in to report the death of a member, so that surviving family members will no longer incur expenses for the electricity?

Anyone can notify DEMCO of an account holder’s death; however, DEMCO requires verification of death in the form of a death certificate or obituary notice to disconnect the account.

If I do not reside at the address of the deceased member, what is my financial responsibility if a billing amount is due?

To pay the account balance of the deceased member, visit www.DEMCO.org and click the ‘Pay Now’ button. You will need the account number to complete this transaction. You can also call DEMCO at 1-844-MyDEMCO (1-844-693-3626 #3) for assistance.   Depending on the circumstances we will agree to provide the family with the balance on the account and update the forwarding address so that the final bill can be received.

Requirements for Transfer of Service:

• Apply for service
• Deposit (if applicable, based on credit check)
• Occupancy Permits (if applicable, based on parish permitting requirements)

Additional Information:

• DEMCO staff is prohibited from initiating any action on a deceased member’s account including, but not limited to:
  
  • Payment Arrangements
  • Service Orders (except for hazards)
  • Updates to Contact Information
  • Sharing Account Details and Bill Prints
• If/when service of deceased member is disconnected for non-payment, it shall not be reconnected in the name of the deceased member.

How do I find and pay on the account of a deceased member to avoid disconnect?

Visit www.DEMCO.org and click on Pay Now; you will need the account number to pay on the account. Callers wishing to obtain the balance on deceased members account should be directed to the Pay Now feature.

What do I need to provide to DEMCO in order to discuss a deceased member’s account?

Anyone can notify DEMCO of an account holder’s death; however, DEMCO requires verification of death in the form of a death certificate or obituary notice to disconnect the account.

Surviving Spouse – Provide death certificate that lists your name as surviving spouse to DEMCO. A permit may be required by the parish, and we can advise you on that when you contact us.

Family Member – Provide death certificate or copy of obituary, Apply for Service at the deceased member’s service address; Obtain required permit

Why is a Power of Attorney insufficient for DEMCO to discuss specifics about a deceased member’s account?

• Power of Attorney (POA) documents expire upon the death of the principal. POA privileges can no longer be used to transact business on behalf of the member if the member is deceased.

Why can’t DEMCO employees discuss or share details of a deceased member’s account, with family members or acquaintances?

DEMCO cannot discuss bill, payment, Service Orders (except for hazards), nor can we update contact information, or share account details and bill print history. Please read ‘What do I need to transfer service of deceased member to my name for more information’.

What do I need to do to transfer service of deceased member to my name?

Surviving Spouse – Provide death certificate that lists your name as surviving spouse to DEMCO. A permit may be required by the parish, and we can advise you on that when you contact us.

Family Member – Provide death certificate of copy of obituary, Apply for Service at the deceased member’s service address; Obtain required permits.

Why is there a Permit Requirement to transfer service to my name?

Permit requirements are set forth by local municipalities. DEMCO is required to abide by those established rules when proving electric service to our members.

I live in the home of the deceased member, but plan to sell or lease the home. What do I do about the electricity bill?

If you are benefitting from service at the location of the deceased member – even if you plan to lease or sell the home – you are encouraged to either place the account in the name of the estate or transfer the service to yourself until a new responsible party is identified.

Otherwise, DEMCO will proceed with the 90-day transfer/disconnect procedure.

Service at the service address of a deceased member has been disconnected. As a family member or friend, I will be living in the home. Can I reconnect service in their name?

No, if service was connected following the 90-day transfer/disconnect procedure due to non-payment, it shall not be reconnected in a deceased member’s name. You will need to follow the procedure for a new service application and obtain permits.