Pee Dee Electric Cooperative: Service Area, Rates, and How to Connect

What Pee Dee Electric Cooperative covers and who can join

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility serving rural areas across six counties in northeastern South Carolina: Chesterfield, Darlington, Florence, Marlboro, and parts of Dillon and Sumter. The cooperative operates as a not-for-profit, meaning revenue beyond operating costs returns to members as capital credits rather than going to shareholders.

Membership is open to anyone living or working within the cooperative's service territory. Unlike municipal utilities or investor-owned companies, Pee Dee functions as a democratic organization where members vote on board decisions and policies. If you live in one of the six counties the cooperative serves, you can request a connection by contacting their office directly.

The cooperative maintains roughly 28,000 miles of distribution lines serving approximately 60,000 members across its territory. Service includes residential customers, farms, small businesses, and industrial operations. The cooperative also manages its own power generation and purchasing agreements to supply electricity to members.

Key Takeaways

• Pee Dee Electric Cooperative serves six counties in northeastern South Carolina: Chesterfield, Darlington, Florence, Marlboro, and parts of Dillon and Sumter.
• As a member-owned cooperative, the organization returns profits to members through capital credits rather than paying external shareholders.
• New members can request service by contacting the cooperative's office with proof of property ownership or lease and a valid ID.
• The cooperative offers budget billing, time-of-use rates, and programs for low-income members and seniors.
• Outage reporting and account management are available through the cooperative's website, phone line, or mobile app.

How to set up service with Pee Dee Electric

To start service, contact Pee Dee Electric Cooperative directly at their main office in Darlington or through their website. You will need to provide proof of property ownership or a signed lease, a valid government-issued ID, and information about the property where you want service connected. The cooperative will verify that your address falls within their service area and schedule a connection appointment.

A deposit may be required depending on your credit history and payment record. The amount varies by individual circumstances. Once approved, a technician will install a meter at your property and activate your account. Most new connections take place within one to two weeks, though timing can vary based on the distance from existing lines and the complexity of the installation.

If you are moving to a property already served by Pee Dee, you can transfer service by contacting the cooperative with your move-in date. Provide the property address and your contact information. The cooperative will close the previous account and open a new one under your name.

Rate structures and billing options

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative charges rates based on a tiered structure that varies by customer class—residential, commercial, and industrial rates differ. Residential rates include a base monthly charge plus per-kilowatt-hour usage charges. The cooperative publishes its rate schedule on its website, and rates are reviewed and adjusted periodically by the member-elected board.

The cooperative offers budget billing, which averages your annual electricity costs and spreads them evenly across twelve months. This option helps households with unpredictable income or those who want stable monthly bills. You can enroll through your account online or by calling the cooperative's billing department.

Members may also have access to time-of-use rates if they install compatible smart meters or participate in demand-response programs. These rates charge different prices during peak and off-peak hours, rewarding members who shift usage to lower-cost times. Ask the cooperative whether this option is available for your property type and location.

Programs for low-income members and seniors

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative participates in the South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps may be able to access households pay heating and cooling costs. The program is administered through the state and local community action agencies. Members can learn about LIHEAP through the cooperative's office or by contacting their local community action agency directly.

The cooperative also offers assistance programs for seniors and disabled members. These may include bill payment extensions, reduced rates during extreme weather, or connections to additional state and federal resources. Contact the cooperative's member services department to discuss your situation and learn what programs may be available to you.

During winter and summer months, the cooperative typically suspends disconnections for non-payment for members facing hardship. This protection does not erase the debt, but it provides time to arrange payment or connect with assistance programs. Call the cooperative immediately if you are struggling to pay your bill.

Outage reporting and emergency service

To report an outage, call Pee Dee Electric Cooperative's outage hotline or use the mobile app if you have it installed. The app allows you to report outages, check outage status in your area, and estimate restoration time. During major storms or widespread outages, the cooperative updates its website and social media with information about affected areas and crew deployment.

The cooperative maintains a 24/7 emergency line for urgent issues such as downed power lines, electrical hazards, or gas smells near electrical equipment. Do not touch downed lines or attempt repairs yourself. Report the hazard immediately and keep others away from the area until a technician arrives.

For non-emergency questions about your account, outages, or service, you can reach member services during business hours through the main office phone number or email. Response times vary, but the cooperative aims to address routine inquiries within one business day.

Online account management and payment methods

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative offers online account management through its website portal. Members can log in to view current and past bills, check usage history, report outages, and update contact information. The portal also displays real-time outage maps and allows you to sign up for outage alerts via text or email.

Payment options include online payment through the website, automatic bank draft, phone payment, mail, and in-person payment at the cooperative's office. Automatic bank draft is often the most convenient option and can be set up through the online portal or by calling member services. There is typically no fee for online or automatic payments, though some payment methods may carry a small processing charge.

The cooperative also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. The app provides the same account access as the website plus push notifications for outages and billing alerts. Download the app from your device's app store and log in with your account credentials.

Energy conservation programs and rebates

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative encourages members to reduce energy consumption through various conservation programs. The cooperative may offer rebates for upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances, installing heat pumps, improving insulation, or adding solar panels. Rebate amounts and program details change periodically, so check the cooperative's website or call member services for current offerings.

The cooperative also provides energy audits for members interested in understanding where their home or business uses the most electricity. An auditor will assess your property and recommend cost-effective improvements. Some audits are free or low-cost, depending on the program.

Educational resources about energy efficiency are available on the cooperative's website, including tips for reducing heating and cooling costs, managing water heating, and using appliances efficiently. These resources are free and do not require membership changes or special enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a capital credit and how do I receive mine?

A capital credit is your share of the cooperative's annual profits, allocated based on how much electricity you used that year. The cooperative's board decides when to retire (pay out) accumulated capital credits to members. Payments are typically made as bill credits or checks. You can ask the cooperative when the next retirement is scheduled and how much you have accumulated.

Can I install solar panels and sell power back to Pee Dee Electric?

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative does allow net metering for members who install solar systems, meaning excess power you generate can flow back to the grid and offset your bill. The process requires approval before installation and a compatible meter. Contact the cooperative's solar or renewable energy coordinator to discuss your project and learn about any rebates or incentives available.

What happens if I cannot pay my bill?

Contact the cooperative immediately if you are having trouble paying. The cooperative may offer payment arrangements, bill extensions, or connections to assistance programs like LIHEAP. Do not ignore a bill notice—the sooner you reach out, the more options are available to you.

How do I report a billing error or dispute a charge?

Call member services or log into your online account to report a billing concern. Provide specific details about the charge you question and any supporting information, such as meter readings or photos. The cooperative will investigate and respond within a set timeframe, typically 30 days. You can request a formal dispute process if you disagree with the outcome.

Does Pee Dee Electric offer service to businesses?

Yes, the cooperative serves commercial and industrial customers throughout its six-county territory. Business rates and service terms differ from residential rates. Contact the cooperative's commercial services department to discuss your business's power needs and receive a quote.