Still Here for You, Even at a Distance


COVID19 has brought many changes to our communities, and is affecting the way we live, work and interact. Throughout the pandemic, one thing has remained constant – our commitment to serve you and your energy needs in a safe manner. We are one of the many essential services responding to the national emergency, and our employees are working for you. Our linemen are ensuring our members, communities and businesses have the power they need.

 

The health and safety of our members, our communities, and our employees is always Victory Electric’s highest priority. During this challenging time, the cooperative will be doing its part to limit the spread of the virus while providing the electric service necessary to keep our members comfortable as they adjust to changes in their daily routines and procedures. Victory Electric’s critical business operations are expected to continue without interruption. We are following the pandemic situation very closely and we will continue to monitor recommended practices as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and state officials.

 

Thank you for your understanding as we take measures to ensure the health and safety of al so we can continue meeting the needs of our members. Our homes are more important to us than ever before, they are a safe haven where we are spending more time. As schools turn to online learning, and the telecommuting workforce continues to grow, we are here to keep the lights on for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of May 29th, 2020 our office is open. Victory Electric is resuming normal operations and has reopened its office for business, effective immediately. Additional safety measures have been deployed to protect visitors and employees as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“When the office closed to members in March due to COVID-19, employees worked hard to ensure members received the same level of service they would otherwise expect, but it will definitely be good to get back to a ‘normal’ routine and be able to see and interact with our members at the office,” said CEO Shane Laws.

Why we previously closed our office to the public

Victory Electric’s concern for community extends to the health and welfare of each and every member, neighboring friends, and all those we do business with each day. As news continues to emerge regarding the spread of the COVID19, Victory Electric joined cooperatives and other utilities around the nation in taking appropriate measures to promote the health and safety of our members, employees and the general public. This included closing office lobbies.
 

New office safety procedures

Victory Electric is continuing to monitor the latest COVID-19 developments and is following recommendations from local officials, KDHE, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We implemented additional safety precautions to protect both our members and employees, including:

  • Requiring all members entering the office to wear a mask at all times.
  • Adding directional signs and social distancing floor markers to help visitors remain at least six feet apart.
  • We ask members to enter the office unaccompanied. For those members who need someone to accompany them, please limit it to ONE other adult.
  • Enhancing cleaning and disinfecting procedures throughout our office and lobby area.
  • Requiring employees to wear masks and sanitize hands frequently.

 

As the pandemic continues, Victory Electric understands members may choose to continue social distancing and contactless means of doing business, such as phone calls, online and phone payments, and email, whenever possible to reduce the risk of exposure. Most services can be handled remotely, reducing the need to visit our office.

 

If you have not done so, sign up for your SmartHub online account and/or download the SmartHub mobile app. Some of the features of the SmartHub website and mobile app include:

 

Other ways to contact us:

We understand some members may be facing unusual financial hardships due to the pandemic, and your cooperative is dedicated to working with members to set up payment plans and keeping the lights on. If you are unable to pay your bill, we urge you to contact Victory Electric as soon as possible to set-up a payment plan.

  • If you are unable to pay your past due balance, please call or visit our office to set up a payment arrangement before June 11.
  • Victory Electric is willing to work with members and accept payments they can afford, and discuss the length of time needed for a payment arrangement.
  • Learn more about payment arrangements and guidelines.
  • Should a member default on the payment arrangement during the cold weather rule time period (November 15 to March 15), the members will NOT have the ability to create a new payment arrangement. When cold weather rules ends on March 15, the member will owe 100% of the balance due, per normal cold weather rule guidelines.
  • For members looking for additional assistance paying bills, Victory Electric provides a list of local agencies who offer bill payment assistance.

 

Disconnections, late fees and penalties have been reinstated.

  • Victory Electric will resume sending delinquent notices May 28 and 29 with a disconnect date of June 11. There will be NO late fees or penalties assessed.
  • The next round of delinquent notices sent in late June WILL resume charging late fees and penalties.

In March, Victory Electric made the decision to suspend electric disconnect procedures for nonpayment and eliminate late fees through May in an effort to promote the health and safety of our employees and members, and to lessen the strain on members who might be facing unexpected or unusual financial strain due to COVID-19.

 

Disconnections, late fees and penalties have been reinstated.

  • Victory Electric will resume sending delinquent notices May 28 and 29 with a disconnect date of June 11. There will be NO late fees or penalties assessed.
  • The next round of delinquent notices sent in late June WILL resume charging late fees and penalties.

 

If you are unable to pay your bill, we urge you to contact Victory Electric as soon as possible to set-up a payment plan.

  • If you are unable to pay your past due balance, please call or visit our office to set up a payment arrangement before June 11.
  • Victory Electric is willing to work with members and accept payments they can afford, and discuss the length of time needed for a payment arrangement.
  • Learn more about payment arrangements and guidelines.
  • Should a member default on the payment arrangement during the cold weather rule time period (November 15 to March 15), the members will NOT have the ability to create a new payment arrangement. When cold weather rules ends on March 15, the member will owe 100% of the balance due, per normal cold weather rule guidelines.
  • For members looking for additional assistance paying bills, Victory Electric provides a list of local agencies who offer bill payment assistance.

If you think you are going to miss a payment or your payment is going to be late, we highly encourage members to call our office and speak to a member service representative about your options.

Social distancing? We are happy to help you stay healthy! Most regular business you do with Victory Electric can be handled from the comfort of your home. We offer several free and easy ways to pay your bill. If you need assistance, please call our members service representatives during business hours (Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 620-227-2139, or visit victoryelectric.net/payment-choices.

Phone

  • Our automated pay-by-phone system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-999-8494. It is as simple as calling and following the voice prompts. This is a FREE service allowing you to make a payment by phone with a credit card, debit card or check with NO fees. We recommend using your account number when calling to ensure accuracy. Also, be prepared to create a four-digit PIN number. For security reasons and to comply with federal Red Flag Rules, Victory Electric employees cannot take your credit/debit card or check information over the phone via our local phone number; you must call 866-999-8494 to pay by phone.

Online

  • Visit SmartHub to set up your online account. Log in any time from your computer, tablet or smartphone to your account to make payments, view your billing history, set up AutoPay, check your electric use, and more. SmartHub is also available as a mobile app in the Apple Store or Google Play Store. Learn more about SmartHub.
  • SmartHub QuickPay is a great option for those members who don’t have time or don’t wish to create a SmartHub account but still want to make a payment online with a credit or debit card. This method does not require you to create an account with a username and password.

Mail

  • Victory Electric’s monthly bill comes complete with a return envelope you can insert your check and mail back to us at P.O. Box 1335 or P.O. Box 1398, Dodge City, KS 67801. 

AutoPay

  • AutoPay is a no hassle solution for paying your monthly electric bill. The recurring payment program pays your monthly electric bill directly from the financial institution or credit/debit card of your choice on the bill’s due date. AutoPay can be set up from the convenience of your home or office via SmartHub with these simple steps. If you prefer not to set up AutoPay through SmartHub, complete this form for bank draft only. The form can be mailed back to our office or dropped into one of our drop boxes and a member services representative will set up your AutoPay account. If you have questions, call our office and a Victory Electric member service representative will be happy to explain the process. Learn more about AutoPay.

Secured Drop Boxes

We have two conveniently located drop boxes to deposit payments. The first drop box is at Victory Electric's headquarters on the south side of the building to the west of the front door. The second drop box is located in downtown Dodge City by the City of Dodge City building at 806 N. 2nd Avenue.

Cash

  • The full amount of cash received will be applied to your account, and any credit left will be applied to your next bill.
  • Cash must be placed in an envelope with either your account number or a copy of your electric bill statement to ensure it is applied to the correct account (print legibly)
  • Please do NOT fold, bend or wad up your envelope, as it could get jammed in the drop box and prevent others from depositing payments
  • For security purposes, please deposit in the drop box at Victory Electric’s office ONLY

Money Order

Fill out money order legibly with a pen in large, dark letters so the details are clear

  1. Write VICTORY ELECTRIC in the “PAY TO” field
  2. Clearly print your NAME and ADDRESS or in the “ADDRESS” field
  3. Record your ACCOUNT NUMBER
  4. Sign YOUR NAME in the “PURCHASER/FROM/SIGNATURE” area on the front of the money order
  5. Leave the back of the money order blank, as this is where the recipient must sign
  6. To ensure your payment is applied to the correct account, place the money order in an envelope with the name, address and account number or your electric bill statement.
  7. Please do NOT fold, bend or wad up the envelope, as it could get jammed in the drop box and prevent others from depositing payments
  8. Keep the detachable money order receipt for your records as a proof of purchase

Checks

  • Checks must be placed in an envelope with either your name and account number or a copy of your electric bill statement to ensure it is applied to the correct account (print legibly)
  • Please do NOT fold, bend or wad up your envelope, as it could get jammed in the drop box and prevent others from depositing payments

***Victory Electric is not liable for lost or stolen payments. While we have video surveillance to keep payments safe, if you are concerned, Victory Electric suggests paying online through SmartHub.

Yes, but please review the following instructions to fill out your money order completely and accurately. Write legibly with a pen in large, dark letters so the details are clear.

  • Write VICTORY ELECTRIC in the “PAY TO” field
  • Clearly print your NAME and ADDRESS or in the “ADDRESS” field
  • Record your ACCOUNT NUMBER
  • Sign YOUR NAME in the “PURCHASER/FROM/SIGNATURE” area on the front of the money order
  • Leave the back of the money order blank, as this is where the recipient must sign
  • To ensure your payment is applied to the correct account, place the money order in an envelope with the name, address and account number or your electric bill statement. Please do NOT fold, bend or wad up the envelope, as it could get jammed in the drop box and prevent others from depositing payments. The drop box at Victory Electric's headquarters is located on the south side of the building to the west of the front door. There is also a second drop box is located in downtown Dodge City by the City of Dodge City building at 806 N. 2nd Avenue.
    ***Victory Electric is not liable for lost or stolen payments. While we have video surveillance to keep payments safe, if you are concerned, Victory Electric suggests paying online through SmartHub.
  • Keep the detachable money order receipt for your records as a proof of purchase

    Money-order-Graphic_green2_0.jpg

 

AutoPay can be set up on SmartHub, Victory Electric’s online payment and account management system. AutoPay is a no hassle solution for paying your monthly electric bill. The recurring payment program pays your monthly electric bill directly from the financial institution or credit/debit card of your choice on the bill’s due date.

 

Set up your AutoPay from the convenience of your home or office via SmartHub with these simple steps. If you prefer not to set up AutoPay through SmartHub, complete this form for checks/bank draft only. The form can be mailed back to our office or dropped into one of our drop boxes and a member services representative will set up your AutoPay account. If you have questions, call our office and a Victory Electric member service representative will be happy to explain the process. Learn more about AutoPay.

If you are on AutoPay and are concerned about having insufficient funds, you should turn off AutoPay to avoid a Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) penalty. You will not be penalized for turning off AutoPay. You may re-enroll in AutoPay at any time.

 

To turn off AutoPay, simply call our office or log into your SmartHub account. Once you log into SmartHub, in the drop down menu select Billing & Payments and then AutoPay. The next screen will direct you to the form of payment you currently have set up on AutoPay (check/credit/debit card). To the left under Actions, click Update or Cancel. You will go through the same process if you choose to reactivate AutoPay later. Call our office if you need any assistance.

To transfer service, connect new service, or disconnect service, please visit our office or call and speak with a Victory Electric member service representative. The member service representative can arrange to receive your paperwork through email or fax. Information such as your name, phone number, current account information (if applicable), address of your new home/residence, lease agreement or contract on new home, and a valid photo ID can be emailed to memberservices@victoryelectric.net. If you are moving away, we can arrange to disconnect via the phone. Learn more about the information, data and paperwork required for new service, or transferring service, or disconnecting service.

Crews continue to restore outages, make repairs and maintain the electric infrastructure. In an effort to maintain a healthy workforce and continue to provide the excellent service you expect from us, we need to keep our key personnel such as line workers safe and healthy. We respectfully ask the public to please avoid approaching our linemen or any cooperative employee if you see them working. If you happen to encounter them working or there is a need to speak with them, be aware all field engineering, operational and construction staff are under strict guidelines to avoid contact with others or maintain at least six feet of separation. We are happy to address your concerns or answer any questions you have by calling our office at 620-227-2139.

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Amidst the COVID19 pandemic, Victory Electric is taking steps now to prepare for any significant weather event causing widespread outages. As a part of your community, and as a provider of an essential service, we are determined to continue delivering the reliable power you need and providing the excellent service you expect, as well as taking measures to maintain a healthy workforce and keep key personnel available such as line workers and member service representatives. 

 

We will continue to respond to outages. However, when you call in your outage you will be asked if you are currently being quarantined or have had exposure to COVID19. We are asking this question to keep our crews safe. They will still respond, but they are avoiding personal contact. We appreciate your help in keeping our crews safe and well. Report an outage at 620-227-2139 or utilize the SmartHub mobile app.

 Victory Electric encourages our members to use energy wisely. As families spend more time at home, it is natural that more electricity is being consumed as lights, kitchen appliances and electronics are used more than usual. Here are some steps consumers can take to help control their energy bills:

  • Avoid placing lamps, TVs or other large electronics near the thermostat.
  • Program your thermostat to maximize energy savings. During chillier evenings, keep your thermostat set to the lowest temperature comfortable. REC recommends a setting of 68 degrees or lower. Likewise, on warmer days, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest setting comfortable for your family. Also, setting your thermostat 1 degree lower when hearing or 1 degree higher when cooling can reduce energy used by up to 5%. 
  • Turn off any lights that are not needed.
  • Wash only full loads of laundry, and use cold water. Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load’s energy use in half, and cold water will save even more.
  • Take shorter showers to reduce the amount of hot water used.
  • Consider cooking outside on the grill rather than firing up the stove or oven.
  • Air dry dishes. This step can cut your dishwasher’s energy use by up to 50%.
  • Substitute LEDs for conventional lightbulbs. Lighting can amount to up to 12 percent of monthly energy use. LED bulbs can cut lighting costs by 75%. Learn more.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use. Small appliances and electronics consume energy even when not in use. When powered on, game consoles, televisions and similar electronics are responsible for up to 12% of energy use.
  • More energy savings tips…. 
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