FAQs

Prepaid Metering is a pay-as-you-go electric service. With this billing option, you pay in advance for the electricity you will be using and your prepaid account balance decreases as electric service is delivered.

A minimum $100 payment will be required to create a prepaid balance on the account.

No. To start a Prepaid Metering account, a $100 payment is required; payments can then be made in $5 or more increments.

Only Residential accounts with an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter qualify for participation in the Prepaid Metering rate. Members on budget billing, net metering rate, or renewable resource rate are not eligible.

Members with Prepaid Metering may monitor account balance information via SmartHub, email notifications, text notifications, or by calling MVEA’s automated payment system.

Participants can make payments toward their Prepaid Metering balance at any time to ensure their account maintains a credit balance. The minimum amount that can be applied is $5.

If your payment is returned by the bank for insufficient funds or a stop payment, and the payment reversal reduces your electric account balance to zero or below, your service will be disconnected.

No. Members who are on Prepaid Metering service will not receive late fees.

You are responsible for setting up your notifications using SmartHub either online or by using the app.

Power will be disconnected once your account no longer has a credit. Disconnects will be immediate and without further notification including weekends, holidays, or during severe weather conditions.

Power will be reconnected once a $10 minimum credit is applied to the account’s prepaid balance. There are no fees associated with a disconnect on a Prepaid Metering account.

If a Prepaid Metering account is disconnected and no payments are made within 10 days, your account will be considered inactive, and a final bill will be mailed to your last known address.

No, the billing rate is the same as our standard residential rate. The monthly grid access is the same as well, just pro-rated daily.

Your prepaid bill is updated daily at 12 p.m.; you will not receive a monthly billing statement.

Payments will be applied to your account once received by MVEA.

Yes. MVEA will require full payment, and may require a deposit, as a condition of service.

Registering for account management through SmartHub takes less than 3 minutes! Check out these helpful step-by-step guides to registering your account today!

• Register your SmartHub account online (PDF)
• Download and register your SmartHub account using the mobile app (PDF)

Additional Resources

• MVEA Rates web page: Includes the official Prepaid Metering rate sheet.
• MVEA Payment Options web page: Includes information about additional payment options and account management tools.

Please call us at (800) 388-9881, we are here to help.

We want to offer as much clarity up front. Call us prior to setting up your Energy Star Member Portfolio will help ensure that:

• All of your data is collected in the most efficient way
• You are successful when setting up your portfolio

Set up your Energy Star Member Portfolio.

After you have spoken with one of our Member Service Representatives, please use the step-by-step instructions to set up your Energy Star Member Portfolio.

Step-by-Step Instructions (PDF)

We can start sharing your data.

After you have established your account with Energy Star Member Portfolio and added Mountain View Electric Association as a contact we will be:

1. Notified
2. Able to start sharing your data

If at any point in setting up your Member Portfolio you have questions, please do not hesitate to call us again. We are happy to assist!

The fastest and easiest way to find local deals is to download the free Co-op Connections app on your mobile device. Once you register, you can search for all the local and national discounts near you! You can also use your desktop computer to search for deals by visiting the Co-op Connections website.

Download the mobile device app for your Android or Apple iOS to find the deals near you!

It’s simple! You can show your mobile app, or print out the offer from your computer, to get discounts on dining, services, and at retail locations.

Healthy Savings is the place for you. By visiting the Healthy Savings site you can locate providers near you, print a copy of the Co-op Connections program, complete a prescription price comparison, and more! There are medical savings on prescriptions, eye care, dental care, chiropractic services, hearing aids, laboratory, and imaging.

*Co-op Connections is a discount card, not an insurance. It offers great savings, but cannot be used in conjunction with your insurance.

Co-op Connections is a joint effort to help co-op members support area businesses. This is a free advertising program. MVEA facilitates the program for our 50,000+ members as an added benefit of being a member of our co-op.

MVEA promotes this program through our monthly magazine, website, social media, and bill inserts.

Simply fill out the Co-op Connection Partner Agreement Form.

Absolutely! We want this to be a win-win for everyone. If you would like to adjust, change/add an offer, or discontinue your offer, you may do so at any time. Simply call (719) 494-2654 or Email Erica.

• Operation Round Up funds stay right here in the MVEA service territory.
• Funds are used for the benefit of our members and not used to pay electric bills or for political or religious purposes.
• The program serves the needs of the people dealing with catastrophic situations that prevent them from sustaining basic needs.

Sign-Up Now!

It is easy! Start contributing by clicking the “Sign Up Now” link above or by calling (719) 495-2283 and we will simply round your electric bill up to the next whole dollar each month.

• The extra change – an average of 50 cents a month or $6 a year – is your contribution to the program.
• The most it can cost you is just under $12 a year!
• Contributions are tax-deductible and your January bill will list your annual contributions.

Want to Give a Little More?

• When you enroll, you also have the opportunity to give a one-time extra donation to the Operation Round Up Fund.
• The additional amount you contribute is completely up to you!
• This additional one-time donation will be allocated to charitable organizations or individuals in the same manner as the regular (average of $0.50 a month) contributions.

• The program is administered by the volunteer Round Up Board of Directors.
• This is an independent board of community leaders who grant funds according to the policies.
• MVEA is not involved in the determination of funds.

• If you are facing a crisis and are an MVEA member, you may apply for assistance from the Round Up Fund by filling out the entire Individual & Family Operation Round Up Grant Application (PDF)
  • Payment will not be sent to individuals or a family unit. Please be sure to follow the checklist provided. There is no need for special binding as copies of your application will be made for each director.
• Organizations and Agencies in MVEA’s service territory or who provide service to MVEA’s territory please fill out the Organization Operation Round Up Grant Application (PDF)
  • There is no need for special binding as copies of your application will be made for each director.
• The Round Up Board meets in January, March, May, July, September, and November to review both individual and organizational applications received. The board has special meetings to review individual applications only in February, April, June, August, and October. See below for the application deadlines.
• Applications as a PDF file only can be emailed to the Operation Round Up Coordinator.
• Decision letters will be mailed out within the next two business days after the meeting.

Any citizen of the United States can join CARE.

ACRE members must meet at least 1 of these qualifications:

• Directors
• Managers
• Salaried employees
• Salaried attorneys employed by the cooperative
• Consumer-owners (members) of a rural electric system belonging to NRECA

Spouses and the immediate family of eligible individuals are eligible to join ACRE.

The CARE/ACRE membership year runs from January 1 through December 31. If you join anytime between these 2 dates, your membership will be eligible for renewal on January 1.

• CARE and ACRE both raise money through memberships
• CARE raises money through special fundraising activities (Such as the auction held in conjunction with CREA’s fall meeting)

• January 2023
• February 2023
• March 2023
• April 2023

This easement addresses the addition of a fiber optic line which MVEA will use to supplement its electric grid.

MVEA is updating their package of rights to install fiber in the existing easement area and is asking for a voluntary easement before exercising Colorado’s broadband Easements Statute.

While there may be exceptions, generally, it will follow our existing electric distribution infrastructure.

• Underground fiber infrastructure will be built using bores and trenching
• Overhead fiber lines will be installed on existing above-ground electrical infrastructure (below our electric lines).

Only if existing infrastructure needs to be replaced or upgraded. MVEA’s electric distribution system, including more than 6,200 miles of energized line and 24 substations, regularly receives scheduled upgrades and maintenance as part of our focused effort to provide safe and reliable electricity to the membership.

As an electric cooperative, MVEA’s rates and structure are influenced by the principle that all members shall pay an equitable and reasonable investment back into the cooperative to maintain a sound financial position and reliable services. For a little over $1 per day, the grid access charge ensures each member is contributing to operating, maintaining and improving MVEA’s system for existing and future members alike.

Many services that we use in our homes or businesses have some form of a monthly charge to help cover the cost of providing the service, the infrastructure, and the support of the service. It might be called a service charge, basic charge, fixed charge or monthly minimum charge. At MVEA, we call it a grid access charge, and it offsets the cost to operate and maintain our system and to ensure our service is available to all members at the flip of a switch, independent of their monthly energy use.

What does it help offset? MVEA’s grid access charge helps offset many of the regulatory and business requirements associated with the costs of operating an electric cooperative and providing a service: the operation, repair and maintenance of MVEA’s entire system of lines (including materials), meter testing, pole inspection, tree-trimming, interest, depreciation, and property tax expenses, as well as insurance. These expenses are relatively fixed; they do not vary according to your electricity use. The advantage of having fixed costs covered by fixed charges is the ability to maintain a sound financial position and reliable services that are not influenced by fluctuating kilowatt-hour sales.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission is MVEA’s wholesale power supplier. As such, any change to their power generation portfolio to meet the requirements of regulatory policy is a shared experience.

In January, Tri-State celebrated the year anniversary of announcing their Responsible Energy Plan. “When we announced our REP with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis last January at the Colorado Capitol, we knew that it would be a difficult, but achievable effort to transform Tri-State into a 21st century cooperative,” said Duane Highley, Tri-State CEO. “We accomplished a great deal in 2020, but we have more work to do in the coming years.”

Renewable energy, gride resiliency, and reliability are hot topics that people feel very strongly about. For regular readers of Colorado Country Life magazine, this is a familiar topic. Since 2019, we have discussed Colorado’s rapidly evolving energy landscape: large-scale policy change driven by the decreasing cost of renewable energy, increasing support for an energy portfolio change by Colorado’s elected officials, the passing of House Bill 19-1261 “A Climate Action Plan to Reduce Pollution,” and the announcement by Tri-State, MVEA’s wholesale power supplier, to create a Responsible Energy Plan to meet regulatory demands. The changes started in 2019 were rapid, sweeping, and, at times, surprising.

We regularly receive questions and feedback from members who would like to see a more diverse energy mix adopted and a step back from the large-scale push towards renewable energy as a one-size-fits-all approach. They ask what they can do to slow or reverse the changes.

Transversely, we also regularly receive questions and feedback from members who support the energy landscape changes to a more robust renewable portfolio. “Keep adding more renewables to your portfolio,” is just as common a sentiment as the other perspective.

In recent years, power generation portfolio changes, that include significant carbon-reduction regulations, have been driven by voter demand and backed by legislative policy. And, the carbon-reduction regulations rely heavily on generation portfolio changes by the energy sector.

Whether you support or oppose the industry changes, we encourage all MVEA members to visit the Responsible Energy Plan page to learn more about Tri-State’s Responsible Energy Plan. Members may also find the following websites helpful:

• The Colorado Energy Office website provides timely information about evolving state policy.
• The U.S. Department of Energy website includes informative articles and helpful resources at a national level.
• The National Rural Electric Association website provides timely information about policies, issues, and emerging trends that impact electric cooperatives throughout the U.S.

The ability to interconnect with the grid is called Net Metering. Net Metering measures the energy:

• Used from MVEA (the grid)
• Generated from your renewable system

Your Energy & Renewable System

• If your renewable system generates more energy than you use, the excess energy produced is fed into the grid and a credit, called banked use, is applied to your bill.
• If you use more energy than your renewable system generates, then the grid will back you up and provide the power you need.

If you are looking for a more detailed explanation of our Net Metering program, read the 20.42 Net Metering Rate (PDF).

So, you are excited and want to get this project started, but you don’t know what to do first. No problem. Here is how to get started:

1. Prior to starting an installation, submit a request for a preliminary screen
2. You will receive an email to notify you of the status of your request

Systems are limited to a total aggregate nameplate generating capacity, from a single type or multiple types of renewable not greater than:

• 10 kilowatt (kW) A.C. for residential rate classes
• 25 kW A.C. for all rate classes other than residential

Systems may be downsized or denied based on the results of the preliminary screen.

Absolutely! We want this to be a win-win for everyone. If you would like to adjust, change/add an offer, or discontinue your offer, you may do so at any time. Simply call (719) 494-2654 or Email Erica Meyer.

• Our Electric Outdoor Power Equipment giveaways are open to all MVEA residential members in good standing.
• Current or former MVEA employees, affiliates, related entities, and the immediate family members and household members of all such employees are not eligible to participate.
• Participants must agree to contest rules and restrictions.

• During the entry period (August 1 - October 31, 2023), complete the giveaway entry form
•  Two winners will be selected and announced in November.

Two words: beneficial electrification. Also commonly called “strategic electrification” and “efficient electrification,” beneficial electrification is a term for replacing direct fossil fuel use (e.g., propane, natural gas, gasoline) with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs AND benefits the end-user (in this case, electric co-op members). Rapidly evolving innovations in energy technologies are creating new ways to use electricity rather than on-site fossil fuels. Beneficial electrification examples include: electric vehicles, water heaters, appliances (large and small), and outdoor power equipment.

A great example of a beneficial electrification change that can make a big difference is the humble lawnmower. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has shared the following statistics: Each summer weekend, about 54 million Americans mow their lawns, amounting to 800 million gallons of gas per year. The emissions from one four-stroke lawnmower operating for one hour are equivalent to an average vehicle traveling 500 miles. At least 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled annually just filling these lawnmowers.

While there is an initial investment when making the beneficial electric switch, switching over to electric outdoor equipment, appliances and technologies can save money over time since they never need to be refueled and the cost of electricity is below that of other fuel sources.

After signing up for the giveaway, make sure to visit our rebates page to take advantage of our rebate selection.

• January 2025
• February 2025
• March 2025
• April 2025
• May 2025
• June 2025
• July 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025

• January 2026
• February 2026
• March 2026
• April 2026
• May 2026
• June 2026
• July 2026
• August 2026

When members switch to paperless billing, auto-pay, or both, they save on their electric bill each month and automatically get entered into our $300 bill credit quarterly drawing.

• Enroll in paperless billing and get $0.50 credit every month.
• Enroll in bank account auto-pay and get $0.50 credit every month.
• Do both and get a $1 bill credit every month.

How to sign up for paperless billing on the SmartHub website (existing users):

• Log into SmartHub
• Click on Settings
• Click on Update My Paperless Settings.
• Toggle “Paperless” switch to “ON”

How to sign up for paperless billing on the SmartHub app (existing users):

• Open the SmartHub app from your mobile device
• Log into SmartHub
• Select Settings
• Select Paperless Billing
• Toggle switch to the right to turn “ON”

If you do not have a SmartHub account yet, please sign up here to get started.

If you need assistance signing up for paperless billing please call our office and one of our Member Service Representatives will be able to assist you (800) 388-9881.

• Members must have or create a SmartHub account to enroll in the Switch & Save program.
• Switch & Save credits are dependent upon continued monthly enrollment and will terminate upon discontinuance of paperless billing or bank account auto-pay through SmartHub

Budget billing is available to eligible members in good standing, and provides 12 equal monthly billing amounts for electric use. Budget amounts are calculated from the member’s previous 12 months’ bills and adjusted for any rate changes that were effective during the year. The budget amount will be recalculated annually and the difference between actual use and the total amount the member has paid will be evaluated.

To learn more, or to see if you are eligible for, Budget Billing:

• Visit our Rules and Regulations Billing section 11.0 page.
• Call our offices to speak with a Member Services Representative at (800) 388-9881.

Prepaid Metering is a pay-as-you-go electric service and a new way to pay for your electricity. You pay in advance for the electricity you will be using – no late fees or security deposit required.

Prepaid benefits include:

• No deposit required
• No late fees
• No collection or reconnect fees
• Easier budgeting
• Timely information about electric usage

We offer our members two ways to pay online:

1. SmartHub: our official online payment portal which allows you to make a payment, view billing history, manage your account, view your usage, and more.
2. One-Time Payment: make an online payment without having to create an account or log in.

Call our pay-by-phone number at (855) 963-3485.

Our automated system is a secure, hassle-free way to make a one-time payment using a credit/debit card.

We are open Monday – Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our offices can take cash, checks, and all major credit cards as forms of payment.

Falcon Office: 11140 E. Woodmen Rd. Falcon, CO 80831

Limon Office: 1655 5^th St. Limon, CO 80828

If writing a check, use blue or black ink to ensure your payment can be processed properly.

Our payment kiosk, located in the drive-thru on the east side of the Falcon office building, offers members a quick and secure way to make payments anytime, 24/7. Simply drive up, follow the on-screen instructions, and complete your payment in minutes—making account management easy and convenient.

Send your payment, along with the payment stub to:

Mountain View Electric Association | PO Box 176085 Denver CO 80217-6085

*If you are making a payment to prevent a disconnect, you should not mail your payment. Instead, personally deliver the check or pay in person in the office or call our pay-by-phone number at (855) 963-3485.

Also known as electronic funds transfer (EFT), the amount of your bill is automatically withdrawn from your checking account, savings account or credit/debit card. You will still receive your monthly bill informing you of the amount that will be withdrawn from your account on the specified day.

You’ll no longer have to worry about writing a check, paying for postage, or mailing out your payment. Plus, your payment is always on time.

How to sign up for Auto Pay on the SmartHub website (existing users):

• Log into SmartHub
• Click on Billing & Payments
• Click on Auto Pay Program
• Click on Sign Up for Auto Pay and follow the instructions.

How to sign up for Auto Pay on the SmartHub app (existing users):

• Open the SmartHub app from your mobile device
• Log into SmartHub
• Select Bill & Pay
• Select Auto Pay Program and follow the instructions.

If you do not have a SmartHub account yet, please sign up here to get started.

Receive your bill via email. If you ever need to review or look at current or past bills, you can access them through MVEA’s SmartHub online portal or app.

Enrolling in paperless billing will help save MVEA money on postage and printing, which helps us pass savings onto you! Your bills and payment records are accessible on SmartHub – no more hard copies.

How to sign up for paperless billing on the SmartHub website (existing users):

• Log into SmartHub
• Click on My Profile
• Click on Update My Paperless Settings.
• Toggle “Paperless” switch to “ON”

How to sign up for paperless billing on the SmartHub app (existing users):

• Open the SmartHub app from your mobile device
• Log into SmartHub
• Select Settings
• Select Paperless Billing
• Toggle switch to the right to turn “ON”

If you do not have a SmartHub account yet, please sign up here to get started.

MVEA members have access to MoneyGram to make payments with cash. MoneyGram services are located within thousands of retailers.

To make a payment, bring the following items to a MoneyGram location:

• Cash in the amount of your payment plus the $1.50 MoneyGram fee
• Your MVEA account number
• Receive code: 15113

To find the MoneyGram location nearest you visit MoneyGram’s website or call (800) 926-9400.

• Review the Photo Calendar Submission Guidelines & Requirements below.
• If all the guidelines have been met, submit your photo online using our form below, or mail it to Mountain View Electric Association, Attn: Communications, 11140 E. Woodmen Rd. Falcon, CO 80831.
• If you have questions, please email MVEA’s Communications Department.

• Photos must have horizontal/landscape orientation.
• Photos must be taken within MVEA’s service territory.
• Only MVEA members, directors, employees, and their family members are eligible to participate in the photo calendar contest.
• High-resolution digital entries are preferred. The minimum resolution required is 300 dpi. The resolution of digital photos printed on home printers is too low for commercial printing.
• Photos will not be accepted without a completed entry form which can be found below. Submit a separate entry form for each photograph.
• By entering the contest, photographers give MVEA permission to publish images from the photo contest calendar, in Colorado Country Life magazine, print and digital publications, on social media, and MVEA’s website.