Protecting your private information is a priority for Fayette Electric Cooperative (herein referred to as “FEC.”). It is also an important part of how we do business. This Privacy Policy outlines our data protection and privacy policies, including how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information that we collect from and about you when you use our products and services, communicate with us, or visit our website or social media.

By providing personally identifiable information and using our services, you expressly consent to these privacy practices.

The Information We Collect

FEC collects personal information from you when you start service, update contact information, contact our customer service support, visit our website, and submit electronic requests.

The information we collect about you may include personal information such as:

  • contact information (e.g., name, mailing address, email, and/or phone number);
  • usernames, IDs, security question information for accounts you may establish on our website(s) or with third parties associated with the services we provide to you;
  • financial and banking information;
  • Social Security Number, and
  • driver’s license or other state identification number.

We also collect account information from you such as:

  • service address;
  • energy consumption data;
  • billing and payment history; and
  • service history.

Website Use

At FEC, we do not collect personal information about you through our www.fayette.coop website unless you voluntarily provide it. Examples of personal information which you may choose to provide us while using our site include:

  • email addresses;
  • mailing or service address;
  • name;
  • phone number;
  • account number (if you are a current Member);
  • financial and banking information;
  • Social Security Number; and
  • information about your computer and browser.

When you visit our website, FEC and/or a trusted third-party host may use cookies and other technologies to track details about your visit. This can include the browser you are using, your IP address, the date and time you access the website, and which pages you visit. This information is used to analyze trends, administer our website, and improve your browsing experience. This information is only analyzed in the aggregate and is not tied to your personal information.

FEC’s website features registered and non-registered trademarks and content that are protected by copyright. Such trademarks and content may not be used without prior written permission from FEC. From time to time, FEC may provide links to third-party websites that may be of interest to its Members. However, we are not responsible for the accuracy or content of the information.

SMS, Automated/Robo Voice Call, and Email Notifications Terms and Conditions

FEC provides subscription-based messaging in the form of Short Message Service or text messaging (herein referred to as “SMS”), Automated/Robo Voice Calls and Emails for billing and outage information. SMS, Automated/Robo Voice Calls and Emails include the delivery of electronic communications to a mobile device owned or used by a member of FEC (herein referred to as “Member”). FEC may use automated technology to distribute messages to a mobile device directly or using a 3rd party agent. By opting in to FEC SMS and/or Automated/Robo Voice Call and/or Email Notifications, you opt-in to receive notifications regarding your utility account and/or outage information from FEC.

Registration and Agreement

Members may enroll themselves in SMS and/or Automated/Robo Voice Calls and/or Email notification programs to receive proactive information from FEC regarding outages or billing information. Enrollment in messaging is not a service contract, and FEC may not deny nor approve service based on a member's decision whether to enroll in notification programs. FEC may terminate your enrollment in notification programs at any time without consent for any reason they deem necessary. 

By using or receiving messaging, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these Terms and Conditions, and that you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. 

Your Mobile Telephone Number

You represent that you are the account holder for the mobile telephone number(s) that you provide or that you have the account holder's permission to enter the mobile telephone number(s) that you provide and that you will not initiate messages to the mobile phone of any other person or entity. You agree to maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date information with FEC regarding your use of the billing and/or outage notifications, including, without limitation, notifying FEC in writing immediately if you change, or cease being the regular user of, your mobile telephone number. You agree to indemnify FEC in full for all claims, expenses, damages, and costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, related to or caused in whole or in part by your failure to notify FEC if you change your telephone number, or cease being the regular user of, including, but not limited to, all claims, expenses, damages, and costs related to or arising under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, 47 U.S.C. § 227 et seq.

Fees

FEC does not bill a separate charge for this service; however, message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier for any messages sent to the Member or from the Member to FEC Subject to the terms and conditions of your mobile carrier, you may receive SMS and/or Automated/ Robo Voice Calls and/or Emails sent to your mobile phone. By providing your consent to participate in this program, you approve any such charges from your mobile carrier. Charges for SMS and/or Automated Voice Calls and/or Emails may appear on your mobile phone bill or be deducted from your prepaid balance. FEC may send recurring messages and/or calls and/or emails. Message and/or call frequency varies based on account activity. If you have any questions about your text/voice plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider directly. 

How We Use the Personal Information We Collect

FEC uses your personal and account information to identify you, to establish, manage, and service your account, to facilitate payment, to communicate with you, to alert you about updated information and services, to improve our service to you, and to respond to any questions and comments we receive from you. We also use this information to operate, evaluate, and improve our customer service, to protect against fraud, and to comply with legal requirements. Internal access to and disclosure of the information we retain about you is restricted to those with a legitimate business need.

Information Sharing

Your privacy is important to us. FEC does not sell your personal or account information for financial gain. Nor does FEC share such information with third parties to send you advertisements for products or services unaffiliated with FEC. FEC may, however, share your personal and/or account information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, including:

  • For use by trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential;
  • When required by federal or state law, subpoena, search warrant, or court order;
  • In response to requests about typical approximate monthly billing or usage, or from another utility provider from whom a consumer is applying for services;
  • For referral for past due accounts for payment collection;
  • To investigate, prevent, or act on suspected or known illegal activities or interference with our operations, or to protect our or others’ rights, property, or safety; and
  • As authorized by you, including your spouse; your tenant who currently resides at the location; your next of kin, if deceased and no personal representative has been appointed for your estate; the personal representative of your estate; your court-appointed guardian; your agent according to a power of attorney; persons who have apparent authority to act on your behalf; law enforcement agencies; taxing authorities; emergency personnel; critical caregivers; and agencies or charities from which you have requested assistance.

Trusted third parties with whom we share personal and account information for purposes related to your service through FEC include National Information Solutions Cooperative, which hosts SmartHub for managing your energy account, as well as other entities providing web-based energy analysis and consumer engagement software. These trusted third parties may have separate applicable privacy policies.

Finally, from time to time, FEC may share aggregated information (i.e., non-personally identifiable information) with third parties as may be permitted or required by law—including but not limited to governmental entities and regulators.

Information Security

FEC is committed to protecting your personal and account information. We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the information we retain about you. We also comply with applicable data privacy and destruction requirements required by law.

However, no security system is fail-safe, and FEC cannot guarantee the information you provide will never be obtained by unauthorized persons. Moreover, no transmission of information through email or the internet is entirely secure, and therefore FEC cannot guarantee the security of information you provide to us electronically.

Obtaining and Updating Personal or Account Information

If you wish to request your personal or account information or request that certain information be updated or deleted, please contact us as indicated below. We will make every effort to respond to your requests promptly.

How to Reach Us

We can be reached in the following ways:

  • Postal Address: Fayette Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 490, La Grange, TX 78945

  • Physical Address: Fayette Electric Cooperative, 357 North Washington Street, La Grange, TX 78945

  • Email: electric@fayette.coop

  • Telephone: (979) 968-3181

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

FEC may periodically change this Privacy Policy. If it does so, those changes will be reflected on our website. This Privacy Policy is not intended to and does not create any contractual or legal rights in or on behalf of any party.

This policy was adopted by the Board of Directors on December 14, 2005, amended on January 9, 2008, and amended on February 14, 2024, and is effective as of its adoption.