Buckeye Rural Electric: Pay Bill | Check Outage Map | Customer Service | Phone Number

If you live in Southeast Ohio, chances are your electricity comes from Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative (BREC). As a member-owned utility company, Buckeye Rural Electric provides affordable and reliable energy across multiple counties. Keeping the lights on for rural communities is no small task, and that’s where services like the Buckeye outage map, easy online bill pay, and responsive customer service come in. Learn how to use the Buckeye outage map, how to report interruptions, explore different Buckeye cable login bill pay options, and get the contact information you need for quick support.

Buckeye Rural Electric Outage Map

One of the most important tools for any member is the Buckeye outage map. This online system lets you see exactly where service interruptions are happening in real time.

The Buckeye Rural Electric outage map is updated frequently and displays affected areas, the number of members impacted, and estimated restoration times. Instead of wondering when your power will come back, you can check the map to get the latest information directly from utility crews working in the field.

How to Check the Outage Map

The process of accessing the Buckeye outage map online is simple. Here’s how you can check it right now:

1. Visit the official Buckeye REC website and navigate to the “Report an Outage” page.
2. Select the link to the “See Current Ourages”
3. Once the map loads, zoom in to your community or address to see if your area is affected.
4. The map displays color-coded zones, showing how widespread outages are and how many customers are currently without service.

This tool is critical if there’s a storm or major service disruption. By checking the Buckeye outage map, you won’t have to guess what’s happening—you’ll see verified real-time data.

How to Report a Power Outage

If your power goes out, you should report it directly to Buckeye REC to ensure crews are dispatched. You have three main options:

1. Online outage report form — complete using the Buckeye REC website.
2. Phone hotline — call (800) 231-2732 or (740) 379-2025 during office hours, or the 24-hour emergency line (800) 282-7204 to speak with outage crews.
3. Customer portal — log in with your Buckeye account and report outages digitally.

When you report an outage, keep the following information ready:

• Your account number
• Service address
• Best phone number to reach you

The faster you provide this information, the quicker dispatchers can confirm the outage on their systems and send crews to investigate.

How Long Do Outages Last?

Not all outages are created equal. In rural areas, outages may be localized or widespread depending on the cause. Small outages (a line break or blown transformer) can take 1–3 hours. Widespread storm damage might require 6–12 hours or longer. Severe weather events involving multiple broken poles or transmission failures can extend beyond a full day.

A good practice during outages is food safety. Remember that refrigerated food stays safe for about 4 hours without power and frozen food can last 24–48 hours if the freezer remains unopened. You should also unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power is restored.

Backup Power Solutions

For reliable backup power during outages or off-grid living, the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 is an excellent solution. With a capacity of 1,024Wh and a power output of 1,800W (with peak power of 3,600W), it can easily handle essential devices such as lights, routers, and refrigerators. Its TurboBoost™ technology allows it to charge up to 80% in just 45 minutes, ensuring you’re never left without power for long. Whether you're camping, RVing, or need an emergency power source, the BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 excels in versatility.

The lightweight design (only 25 lbs) and quiet operation (30dB) make it ideal for outdoor use or in shared spaces, while its ability to power high-demand devices like kettles and hairdryers makes it perfect for emergencies. Additionally, it features 11 output ports, including USB-C and DC options, and supports both AC and solar charging inputs. With LiFePO₄ batteries offering over 4,000 charge cycles, it guarantees long-term reliability. The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 power station is not just a power station; it's your go-to companion for off-grid energy and backup during critical moments.

Buckeye Rural Electric Bill Pay Options

Paying your electric bill on time is important, since Buckeye REC applies a 10% penalty if payments aren’t received by the due date. Remember, a postmark doesn’t count as the received date, so allow 4–5 days for mailed or pay-station transactions to arrive. The easiest way to manage your payments is through the SmartHub app, available on iOS, Android, or web. SmartHub lets you pay your bill, check usage, receive alerts, or update account info. If you prefer quick transactions without registering, use the Pay Now online option.

For phone payments, call the automated system at (833) 539-9655. This interactive service accepts debit, credit, or e-check payments and also lets you manage autopay. With automatic bill payment, your funds are deducted from your checking, savings, or card each month—no more mailing checks or worrying about late fees.

Other choices include mailing payments to BUCKEYE REC, PO Box 200, Rio Grande, OH 45674, visiting the Rio Grande office or night deposit box, or using partner stations like Hocking Valley Bank, Peoples Bank, and Liberty Federal Savings Bank. For cash payments, you can now use VanillaDirect Pay at Dollar General, CVS, Speedway, Family Dollar, or 7-Eleven, or CheckFreePay at Kroger, Walmart, and other agents.

Buckeye Rural Electric Customer Service

Reliable customer service is an essential part of what Buckeye REC provides. The cooperative offers phone support, online assistance, and an emergency call center.

Customer Service Phone Number

To reach customer service during office hours (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.), call (800) 231-2732 or (740) 379-2025. For emergency outages and after-hours situations, call the toll-free 24/7 line (800) 282-7204.

When to Call Customer Service

You should reach out to Buckeye Rural customer service anytime you need help with:

• Outage emergencies you can’t resolve through the portal.
• Billing or payment questions.
• Assistance with the Buckeye cable login bill pay portal.

Emergency Customer Support

If a major weather event strikes, Buckeye dispatches after-hours crews to restore power quickly. Calling the emergency outage number ensures you’ll be queued properly for fast assistance.

By combining the Buckeye outage map with real-time phone support, you always have multiple ways to stay connected during critical events.

Buckeye Rural Electric Rates, Rebates & Incentives

Beyond outage management and bill pay, Buckeye REC also provides clear rate schedules and energy efficiency incentives to members.

Residential Rate Schedule

The Buckeye outage map can provide updates on potential service interruptions, but understanding the cost structure is crucial for managing your electric bill. For residential customers, the fixed charge is set at $30 per month. Additionally, there is a charge of $0.0495 per kWh for the first 500 kWh consumed each month, with a reduced rate of $0.0350 per kWh for usage beyond 500 kWh. The minimum bill for residential service is $40 per month, and a security light is available for $12 per month per light. These rates reflect the costs associated with distribution and generation, two key components that keep electricity flowing reliably to your home.

General Service Single-Phase Rates

For businesses or general service single-phase customers, the fixed charge is slightly higher, at $34 per month. The kWh rates are the same as residential rates, with $0.0495 per kWh for the first 500 kWh and $0.0350 per kWh beyond that. The minimum bill for this service is $44 per month, with security lights priced at $12 per light, similar to residential customers. As with all service categories, these rates cover both infrastructure costs, reflected in distribution charges, and operational costs for power generation and transmission.

General Service Three-Phase Rates

For larger operations or industrial customers, the Buckeye outage map provides real-time updates on outages, crucial for those relying on three-phase services. The fixed charge for this service is $52 per month. The rates are structured differently based on energy consumption: $0.0300 per kWh for usage under 300 kWh and $0.0220 per kWh for consumption exceeding 300 kWh. Additionally, there is a demand charge of $6.25 per kW, which is tied to the amount of power demand from the business or service. The minimum bill for general service three-phase customers is $52 per month. Similar to the other rate structures, these charges are divided between distribution, which covers the infrastructure for delivering electricity, and generation and transmission, which involves the costs of producing and delivering energy.

These rates separate into distribution (infrastructure costs) and generation & transmission (fuel, power plant operations, and regulations).

Rebates & Incentives

Buckeye REC encourages energy efficiency with multiple rebate programs:

• Dual Fuel Program: $600 rebate when installing high-efficiency electric heat pumps with gas furnace backup.
• Load Management Programs: Control switches for water heaters or A/Cs. Earn $25 annual bill credit for water heater participation, or $100 rebate plus $4/month summer credit with the “Cool Returns” AC program.

These rebates lower your bills while helping balance cooperative-wide demand.

Buckeye Rural Green Initiatives

Pairing these services with modular home battery systems like the BLUETTI Apex 300 can complement your renewable initiatives and optimize energy usage. When you’re facing unexpected outages, having a high-performance backup power system can make all the difference. The BLUETTI Apex 300 is one of the most advanced all-in-one energy solutions available today, designed specifically for home, RV, and off-grid resilience.

With a 2,764.8Wh capacity and 3,840W output (expandable up to 58kWh and 11.52kW using additional batteries), the Apex 300 can handle everything from essential household appliances to heavy-duty 240V loads like dryers, stoves, EV chargers, and HVAC systems. Its dual 120V/240V output means you won’t need adapters or rewiring—just plug in and power your essentials.

Built with automotive-grade LiFePO₄ batteries, the BLUETTI Apex 300 power station offers 6,000+ cycles—equivalent to 17+ years of daily use—with a 5-year warranty. Its 0ms UPS function ensures seamless switchover during outages, protecting sensitive devices without interruption. Charging is ultra-fast, too: from solar (up to 6,400W) for a full charge in ~1.2 hours or via grid AC to 80% in just 45 minutes.

Weighing 83.7 lbs, it’s compact yet powerful, and hot-swap expandable with BLUETTI’s B300K/B300S batteries. Designed with energy-saving innovations, mobile app control, and smart load balancing, the Apex 300 isn’t just a generator substitute—it’s a future-ready energy ecosystem ideal for Buckeye Rural members who want reliable independence during outages.

FAQs About Buckeye Rural Electric

1. How can I pay my Buckeye Rural Electric bill? You can pay through the online Buckeye cable login bill pay portal, by phone, by mail, or in person.

2. What is the quickest way to report an outage? The fastest way is to call the 24/7 outage hotline at (800) 282-7204 or use the online outage form.

3. How do I check current outages in my area? You can check the Buckeye outage map on Buckeye REC’s website for real-time information.

4. Does Buckeye Rural Electric provide emergency services? Yes, crews are dispatched for 24-hour outage restoration, reachable through the emergency line.

5. How do I update my account information? Log in to the Buckeye account portal and edit your personal details, or call customer service during office hours.