Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to establish a new account?
If You are New to Habersham EMC
A credit check will be conducted to determine a security deposit amount. Security deposits range from $0 to $600 and must be paid in addition to the membership fee before the account can be set up.
Please provide the meter number (an eight or nine-digit number inside the glass of the meter).
HEMC requires one business day’s notice to set up the new account. It is possible to have same day service for an additional fee.
New accounts may be set up over the phone (when paying applicable fees with a debit or credit card) or in the HEMC offices in Clarkeville or Cleveland.
If You are an Existing HEMC Member
You will need the meter number in order to establish another account. Any outstanding bills must be paid before the new account can be set up. A Member Services Representative will review your existing accounts to assess if an additional security deposit and meter fee are required.
If you are constructing a new building, you will need to apply for temporary service through Member Services. Please bring with you to the office in Clarkesville or Cleveland:
- Photo ID
- Plat
- Approximate size of the building and list of electrical appliances, etc.
This information will assist the engineer in calculating the size of the service needed. Once this information is provided it will be forwarded to the Engineering Department, which will contact you with any further questions or to schedule an appointment.
How are deposits determined?
Habersham EMC bases security deposits on a credit check. When your credit information is pulled online, HEMC employees do not see your credit rating, just a deposit amount you should be charged.
If you maintain a good payment history (meaning no late payments), your security deposit will automatically be refunded after two years.
Any payment received after 5 PM on the due date is considered a late payment.
If you move outside HEMC service territory before two years have elapsed, the security deposit and membership fee will be applied to your final bill with any excess being sent to you as a refund check.
If you still owe after the deposit and membership fee have been applied, a bill will be sent to you.
How do I sign up for SmartHub notifications?
With this feature enabled, you will be able to receive real-time updates about outages, energy usage, events in your area like planned outages and maintenance, and power restoration.
You will only receive these if your notifications are turned on in your settings. Once you have enrolled in SmartHub, follow the link below for easy steps to enable notifications.
How to Sign Up for SmartHub Notifications
How do I get to a HEMC office?
Visit Contact Us for address and directions.
What are the HEMC office hours?
Visit Contact Us for current office hours.
Can you explain my bill?
Visit Explanation of Bill for detailed information on how to read your bill.
What are my payment options? Where can I pay my bill?
Visit Payment Options to learn about ways to pay your bill and payment dropoff locations.
When will my power be cut off for non-payment?
Accounts are subject to disconnection at any time after the due date.
The only way to guarantee there is no interruption in your service due to non-payment is to remit the bill in full by the due date.
How do I make an extension on my bill?
If you are unable to pay your bill in full, please contact a Member Service Representative at HEMC.
Please keep in mind that you must call before the due date in order to make an extension.
Once a bill is past due and subject to disconnect, an extension is no longer an option.
Also, once an extension is made the terms must be kept or the service will be disconnected immediately and the bill must be paid in full with any and all applicable fees before the power will be restored.
If you would like to propose a payment extension, please fill and submit the Payment Extension Proposal Form. After reviewing your account and your proposal, a Member Service Representative will notify you and let you know if an extension will be allowed.
My power is out, what should I do?
Learn about the steps you should take at the Report an Outage page.
How is the power restored?
Learn about the entire process at the How Power is Restored page.
What is the blinking light in my meter?
Don’t panic. It is not arcing nor is it on fire. The light is a normal function and just shows that the meter is communicating with the Habersham EMC headquarters.
