Digital Communications Privacy Policy and Messaging Terms

This Policy explains how Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc. ("Clay Electric," "we," "us," or "our") handles information when you use the Clay ECI mobile application or receive email, text, or push notifications from us. It also contains the terms for Clay Electric's text messaging program.

1. Scope

This Policy applies to the Clay ECI mobile application (the "Application") and to email, SMS/MMS text messages, push notifications, and other digital communications sent or received by Clay Electric. The Application and communication services may be provided through Meridian Cooperative and other service providers acting on Clay Electric's behalf.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you use the Application and our notification services, we may collect:

Information you provide. This may include your name, email address, mobile number, mailing or service address, Clay Electric account number, username, password or other login information, payment information, communication preferences, and information you provide when you contact us.

Application technical information. The Application may automatically collect basic technical information, including device type, unique device or application identifier, Internet Protocol (IP) address, operating system, browser type, and general information about how the Application is used.

Notification information. If you enroll in notifications, we maintain the mobile number or email address used, your notification choices, consent and opt-out records, and basic delivery status information.

Location information. If you allow location access, the Application may use your device location to provide location-based features. We do not share your current location with other users. You can disable location access in the Application or your device settings.

3. How We Use Information

We use this information to:

Provide and support the Application, account access, payments, and other requested services.
Send notifications about your account, billing, payments, outages, restoration, planned interruptions, safety, cooperative programs, and other categories you select.
Manage your communication preferences and honor unsubscribe or opt-out requests.
Respond to questions, troubleshoot problems, protect accounts and systems, and comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Share Information

We may share information with Meridian Cooperative and vendors that operate the Application, process payments, or deliver communications for Clay Electric, but only as needed to provide those services. We may also disclose information when required by law or when you ask or authorize us to do so.

Mobile information and messaging consent. We do not share, sell, or provide your mobile phone number or messaging consent data to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

5. Text Messaging Terms

Program. Clay Electric Cooperative Notifications provides recurring SMS/MMS messages concerning electric accounts, billing and payments, outages and restoration, planned service interruptions, safety information, cooperative programs, events, and other notification categories selected by the member.

Consent. By enrolling a mobile number, you agree to receive recurring automated or non-automated text messages from Clay Electric for the categories described at enrollment or selected by you. Consent to optional text messages is not a condition of receiving electric service.

Frequency and rates. Message frequency varies based on your selections, account activity, and electric service events. Message and data rates may apply. Clay Electric does not charge a separate fee for the program.

STOP. Reply STOP to unsubscribe from text messages. We may send one final message confirming your request.

HELP. Reply HELP for help, email admin@ceci.coop, or call 618-662-2171 or 1-800-582-9012.

Carrier notice. Carriers are not liable for any delayed or undelivered messages. Message delivery depends on carrier and network availability and is not guaranteed.

Opting out of text messages does not change your email, push-notification, postal-mail, or other communication preferences. Manage each channel separately.

6. Email and Push Notifications

You may unsubscribe from optional email by using the unsubscribe link in an applicable message or by contacting us. You may manage push notifications in the Application, when available, or through your device settings. We may still send account, transaction, service, security, or legal communications when permitted or required.

7. Your Choices and Data Retention

You may update available account and communication preferences in the Application or account portal, or by contacting us. You can stop future collection through the Application by uninstalling it. You may request deletion of information you provided through the Application by emailing admin@ceci.coop. Some information may need to be retained for account administration, transactions, consent and opt-out records, security, disputes, or legal requirements.

We retain information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide the Application and communication services and to meet operational and legal requirements. Automatically collected Application information may be retained for up to 24 months and then deleted or kept only in aggregate, unless a longer period is required for security, troubleshooting, or legal compliance.

8. Security

We use reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect information under our control. Access is limited to employees, contractors, and service providers who need the information to perform their duties. No system can guarantee absolute security.

9. Children

The Application and notification services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through these services. A parent or guardian who believes a child provided information without permission should contact us so we can take appropriate action.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated Policy at a publicly accessible location and revise the effective date. When appropriate, we may also provide notice through the Application, email, text message, or another reasonable channel.

11. Contact Us

For privacy questions, communication preferences, or requests concerning this Policy, contact:

Clay Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Attn: Privacy / Digital Communications
PO Box 517
7784 Old Hwy 50
Flora, IL 62839
Email: admin@ceci.coop
Phone: 618-662-2171 or 1-800-582-9012