Skip to main content
Pay My Bill
Outage Map
ORECA-Action Grassroots
Find a Form
Home

OFFICE: 541-536-2126 MONDAY - THURSDAY 7 AM - 5:30 PM

OUTAGE NUMBER: 800-752-5935

Menu

Latest

  • Welcome to Midstate Electric Cooperative!

  • Home
  • About
    • About MEC
      • MEC Facts
    • What is a Cooperative?
    • What are Capital Credits?
      • Capital Credits FAQ
    • Service Area
    • Board of Directors
    • Departments
    • Career Opportunities
    • FAQ
    • LEED Building
      • Solar PV System
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Contact Us
    • New Member Welcome Information
    • 2021 Holiday Office Closures
  • Electric Services
    • Log in to Your Account
      • SmartHub FAQ
    • Billing & Payment Options
      • Billing Options
      • Payment Options
    • PowerPay
    • PowerView
    • Services
      • New Service
      • New Construction
    • Facilities Charge
    • Rate Schedules
    • Bylaws & Policies
    • Energy Usage Calculator
    • Find a Form
  • Outage Center
    • Report an Outage
    • Live Outage Map
    • Be Prepared
    • Restoration Process
    • Storm Center
  • Programs
    • Co-op Connections
      • Co-op Connections Business Sign Up
    • Scholarship Programs
    • Operation RoundUp®
    • Green Power
  • Energy Efficiency
    • Residential
    • Commercial & Industrial
    • Agriculture
    • Free Energy Audits
    • Together We Save
    • Energy Savings Tips
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Generator Safety
    • Power Line Safety
    • Public Safety
    • Safety Demo
    • Safety Quiz
  • Our Community
    • Economic Development
    • Health Fair
    • News & Info
      • Manager's Message
      • Midstate Connection Newsletter
      • Red Flags Rule
    • Community Service
    • ORECA-Action Grassroots
    • Youth Tour
    • Scholarship Programs
    • Operation RoundUp®
    • Calendar Contest
      • Calendar Contest FAQ
    • Gift Certificates
    • Links
  • Electric Vehicles
    • Electric Vehicles Resources and Information
    • EV Incentive Questionaire

Red Flag Rules

For more information on the Government's Red Flag Rules, visit the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) website at www.ftc.gov/redflagsrule.

What is the Red Flag Rule?

The Red Flag Rule is an Identity Theft Program that many businesses and organizations must adopt. This is a Federal Government regulation that is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

What types of businesses and organizations are covered by the Red Flags Rule?

The Rule applies to "financial institutions" and "creditors." Under the Rule, the definition of "creditor" is broad, and includes businesses or organizations that regularly provide goods or services first and allow customers to pay later. Examples of groups that may fall within this definition are utilities, health care providers, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, and telecommunications companies.

Does the Red Flags Rule apply to Midstate Electric Cooperative, Inc.?

Yes.  Utilities that regularly bill customers after they've received services fall within the statutory definitions of "creditor," and the Co-op is covered by the Rule.

When did the red flag rule go into effect?

Originally, the FTC deadline was November 1, 2008, but several extensions were granted to businesses. Now at the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC.

Are other utilities complying with Red Flag Rules?

Some Electric utilities like Midstate are complying with Red Flag Rules.

Benefits of Midstate following the law

Although implementing Red Flag rules have been frustrating for our members, there have been many positive things that the co-op has benefited from. Some of the benefits of adopting the Red Flag policy are:

  • Only you will have access to your account information.
  • New electric accounts cannot be set up under a fraudulent name.
  • Fewer accounts with balances owing the co-op are being written off since less accounts are set up under fraudulent names.
So why do you need my identity to protect my identity?

This is probably the most frequent question we have received. When working with a member over the phone or in person, we have to ensure the person we are helping is, in fact, you the account holder and not an imposter. In order to ensure no information about your accounts is given out to the wrong person, we need to ask your identifying questions that only you would know.

What steps has Midstate taken to ensure my identity protection?
  • All member information is locked and secured.
  • Employees are given training on how to detect and prevent identity theft.
  • MEC uses the latest technology to protect information  stored in our computer systems
Back to Top

Quick Links

  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Legal Info

Connections Card

Co-op Connections Card

ORECA Action

ORECA Logo

©2021 Midstate Electric Cooperative, Inc. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

  • Home
  • About
    • About MEC
      • MEC Facts
    • What is a Cooperative?
    • What are Capital Credits?
      • Capital Credits FAQ
    • Service Area
    • Board of Directors
    • Departments
    • Career Opportunities
    • FAQ
    • LEED Building
      • Solar PV System
    • About Touchstone Energy
    • Contact Us
    • New Member Welcome Information
    • 2021 Holiday Office Closures
  • Electric Services
    • Log in to Your Account
      • SmartHub FAQ
    • Billing & Payment Options
      • Billing Options
      • Payment Options
    • PowerPay
    • PowerView
    • Services
      • New Service
      • New Construction
    • Facilities Charge
    • Rate Schedules
    • Bylaws & Policies
    • Energy Usage Calculator
    • Find a Form
  • Outage Center
    • Report an Outage
    • Live Outage Map
    • Be Prepared
    • Restoration Process
    • Storm Center
  • Programs
    • Co-op Connections
      • Co-op Connections Business Sign Up
    • Scholarship Programs
    • Operation RoundUp®
    • Green Power
  • Energy Efficiency
    • Residential
    • Commercial & Industrial
    • Agriculture
    • Free Energy Audits
    • Together We Save
    • Energy Savings Tips
  • Safety
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Generator Safety
    • Power Line Safety
    • Public Safety
    • Safety Demo
    • Safety Quiz
  • Our Community
    • Economic Development
    • Health Fair
    • News & Info
      • Manager's Message
      • Midstate Connection Newsletter
      • Red Flags Rule
    • Community Service
    • ORECA-Action Grassroots
    • Youth Tour
    • Scholarship Programs
    • Operation RoundUp®
    • Calendar Contest
      • Calendar Contest FAQ
    • Gift Certificates
    • Links
  • Electric Vehicles
    • Electric Vehicles Resources and Information
    • EV Incentive Questionaire