SMECO Customer Service Number — Practical Guide for Members

Overview: Why the customer service number matters

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is a member-owned electric utility serving portions of St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties and parts of southern Maryland. For members, direct phone access to SMECO’s customer service functions is often the fastest route to resolve billing questions, report outages, request new service, schedule disconnects/reconnects, or enroll in payment plans. While many interactions are available online, a properly handled phone call can prevent service interruptions and resolve complex account or safety issues in minutes.

This guide explains where to find the SMECO customer service number, what to expect when you call, the exact information you should have ready, alternative contact methods, and how to use the number effectively for outages, billing disputes, and service requests.

Where to find the SMECO customer service number

The single most reliable place to find SMECO’s current customer service number is SMECO’s official contact page: https://www.smeco.coop/contact-us. SMECO prints the current phone number on every mailed bill and on the account statement header (your physical bill or PDF). If you use the SMECO mobile app or the online account portal, the customer service number and an outage-reporting link are displayed prominently within the account dashboard.

If you can’t access the website, look on the back of the physical bill, the welcome packet you received when service started, or the meter installation paperwork. These documents list the same phone number(s) SMECO publishes for billing inquiries, outage reporting, and emergency service. Always verify the number from SMECO’s site if you suspect a call is not legitimate.

What to expect when you call — customer service workflow

When you call SMECO, calls are routed by service type: billing and payments, new service/start/stop, outage and emergency reporting, and commercial accounts. Expect initial automated prompts during peak periods; SMECO labels menu options clearly and provides an outage-reporting shortcut 24/7. During business hours you can reach a live representative for account-specific issues; after hours, outage reporting is handled by an automated system or on-call dispatch.

Typical handling times: brief account inquiries (balance, due date) are resolved in 3–10 minutes; complex issues (billing disputes, meter investigations, new service quotes) can take 15–45 minutes or require a follow-up. If a representative opens a ticket or work order (for example, to dispatch a line crew or schedule a meter test), you should receive a reference number you can use in subsequent calls or emails.

Information to have ready (most valuable checklist)

• Account number (from bill) — the single most useful identifier; keeps hold times short and prevents misrouting.
• Service address and phone number on file — confirmed spelling and zip code expedites verification and safety checks.
• Recent payment details — amount and date of last payment or screenshot of online transaction for billing disputes.
• Exact description and timing of the problem — outage start time, whether neighbors are affected, presence of visible damage or downed lines.
• Meter number or last meter read (if available) — useful if you suspect meter or billing errors or when requesting a meter test.

Reporting outages and emergencies

SMECO provides 24/7 outage reporting. When you call to report an outage, be prepared to provide the service address, account number, and whether any safety hazards exist (downed wires, sparks, electrical smell). If you are reporting an outage via the web portal or mobile app, use the “Report Outage” function — it often allows you to report multiple addresses and indicates estimated restoration times when a crew is assigned.

For life-safety issues (e.g., medical devices that require power), inform the agent immediately so SMECO can escalate restoration priority or help arrange temporary solutions. After an outage report is filed, ask for the outage ticket number and expected restoration status; keep that ticket number for follow-up or to check progress online.

Billing, payment options, and programs

SMECO supports multiple payment channels: online bill pay via the account portal, automatic bank drafts (ACH), payment by phone, authorized payment locations, and pay-by-mail. If you call customer service to set up a payment arrangement or budget plan, confirm exact terms (amount, number of installments, fees) and ask for a written confirmation number or email summary. SMECO also offers assistance referrals for low-income members — ask the representative about Maryland’s energy assistance programs (LIHEAP/MEAP) and any local cooperative hardship options.

When disputing a charge, request the detailed usage history and meter reads for the disputed interval. If a meter test or field inspection is necessary, SMECO will create a service order; there may be fees for certain tests unless the meter is confirmed faulty. Make sure to get the schedule and any expected cost estimates before authorizing work.

Security, scams, and verification tips

Scam calls impersonating utilities are common. Legitimate SMECO representatives will never demand immediate payment via uncommon channels (gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers) or threaten immediate disconnection without prior written notice. If a caller pressures you for immediate payment or personal information, hang up and call the number printed on your bill or SMECO’s official contact page to verify.

To verify a caller: ask for the agent’s name and employee ID, request a callback number, and confirm any account details only after you have called back using SMECO’s official number. Keep records of suspicious calls and report them to SMECO and local law enforcement if a scam is attempted.

Additional resources and follow-up

For up-to-date contact details, working hours, and online services visit SMECO’s official website at https://www.smeco.coop and the contact page at https://www.smeco.coop/contact-us. The site lists forms for service applications, outage maps, energy-efficiency programs, and downloadable guides for new members. If you require a written confirmation of a call or an escalation to management, request an email summary and a reference number during your initial call.

Finally, keep a personal emergency plan: note SMECO’s published outage procedures, alternative charging and refrigeration options, and local community resources. Having the account number and service address readily available and knowing the official SMECO contact channels will make any interaction faster and more effective.