Important Changes to Balance and Disconnect Notifications: What You Need to Know
For years, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC has used a behind-the-scenes solution to help members stay informed about their accounts. By entering members’ phone numbers in the email address field of our system, we were able to send text messages with balance updates and, more recently, disconnect notifications. These messages, routed through a method known as “email-to-text,” allowed us to alert members about low balances or pending disconnections the day before service was interrupted.
However, due to increasing abuse of this feature by scammers, many cellular carriers are now phasing out their email-to-text services. As a result, this method of sending account notifications is no longer reliable and is being discontinued by the carriers themselves.
What This Means for You
Effective immediately, if you want to continue receiving text message notifications about your account—including low balance alerts and disconnect warnings—you will need to register for a SmartHub account using a valid email address. Once registered, you can manage your own text notification preferences from within the platform.
It’s important to note that this is not something we can do for you—each member must create and manage their own SmartHub account and preferences. However, we’re more than happy to assist you if you need help getting started.
How to Sign Up for Text Message Notifications in SmartHub:
1. Log in to your SmartHub account. If you don’t have one yet, visit our website to register.
2. Navigate to the “Notifications” section.
3. Select “Manage Contacts,” then “Add Contact” to enter your cell phone number.
4. Confirm your number and choose to receive notifications via text message.
5. Select which types of alerts you want to receive—such as payment reminders, balance updates, and disconnect notices.
In addition to keeping you informed, SmartHub gives you secure access to your electric account any time of day. You can view your current bill, make one-time or recurring payments, and review past account activity. SmartHub also allows you to monitor your daily energy use, report outages, and receive updates about your service. You’ll still receive a monthly paper bill unless you choose to opt out, but SmartHub puts everything you need in one convenient place—online or through the app.
We encourage all members to take a few minutes to create a SmartHub account and update your contact preferences. Doing so ensures you continue receiving the important updates you’ve come to expect. If you have questions or would like help walking through the process, don’t hesitate to call or stop by—we’re always here to help.
While we understand change can be inconvenient, this transition ensures we continue delivering reliable, secure communications—directly to the members we serve. If you have questions or need help with SmartHub registration, we encourage you to reach out. Our staff is ready to assist you in getting started.