Where to pay your Southern California Edison bill
Southern California Edison (SCE) operates the electric utility for central, coastal and southern California. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
The fastest way is online at sce.com. Log in to your account, select "Pay My Bill," and choose to pay once or set up automatic payments. Payments made before 8 p.m. Pacific time on a business day typically post the same day. If you pay after 8 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment posts the next business day.
You can also call SCE's automated payment line at 1-800-655-4555 to pay by phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. This line operates 24 hours a day. If you prefer to speak with someone, customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time.
Key Takeaways
- SCE's website (sce.com) is the fastest way to pay, with same-day posting for payments made before 8 p.m. on business days.
- You can pay by phone at 1-800-655-4555 using a debit card, credit card, or bank account 24 hours a day.
- Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to post, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank or SCE's website prevents missed due dates and late fees.
- SCE does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made with a debit card or bank account, but credit card payments incur a processing fee.
Paying by mail or in person
If you prefer to mail your payment, write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill. SCE's processing center typically receives mail within 3 to 5 business days, and the payment posts 2 to 5 business days after that. This means a mailed check can take 7 to 10 business days total to show up on your account. If your due date is within two weeks, do not rely on mail.
You can also pay in person at an SCE payment center or at certain retail locations that accept SCE payments. SCE's website lists payment locations by zip code. Payments made in person at an SCE office before 5 p.m. on a business day post the same day.
Understanding payment fees and methods
SCE does not charge a fee when you pay online or by phone using a debit card or bank account. If you use a credit card to pay online or by phone, a third-party processor charges a fee (the amount varies depending on the processor and your card type, typically 2 to 3 percent of your payment). You can see the exact fee before you confirm the payment.
Automatic payments drawn from your bank account have no fee. You set these up through sce.com by providing your bank routing number and account number. SCE will deduct the payment on the due date each month, or you can choose a different date if you prefer.
If you pay late, SCE charges a late fee. The amount depends on your bill size, but it is typically around 1.5 percent of the amount due. Late fees are added to your next bill. If your payment is more than 30 days late, SCE may disconnect your service.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments are the easiest way to ensure you never miss a due date. You can set them up through your SCE account online or by calling customer service at 1-800-655-4555. You choose whether the payment comes from your bank account or a debit card.
With bank account payments, SCE deducts the full amount due on the due date each month. With a debit card, you can choose to pay the full amount or a fixed amount each month. If you choose a fixed amount and your bill is higher, you will still owe the difference.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling customer service. If you cancel, make sure you have another way to pay so your bill does not become overdue.
What to do if you cannot pay by the due date
If you know you cannot pay by your due date, contact SCE before the date arrives. Call 1-800-655-4555 and ask about a payment extension or a budget billing plan. SCE may be able to give you extra time to pay without charging a late fee, depending on your account history and the reason for the delay.
Budget billing spreads your annual electricity costs evenly across 12 months, so your bill is the same amount each month instead of varying with the seasons. This makes it easier to plan your budget, though you may owe money at the end of the year if your actual usage is higher than the estimate.
If you are struggling to pay your bill due to financial hardship, ask about SCE's low-income programs. These include discounts on your bill and assistance with past-due amounts. You can learn more about these programs on SCE's website or by calling 1-800-655-4555.
Reading your bill to find the due date and amount
Your SCE bill shows the due date near the top of the first page, usually in a box labeled "Amount Due" or "Due Date." The due date is typically 20 to 30 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after this date, a late fee is added to your next bill.
The bill also shows your account number, which you need when paying by mail or phone. Your account number appears in the upper right corner of the bill. If you are paying online, you can use your account number or the email address associated with your account to log in.
If you do not receive your bill in the mail, you can view it online through your SCE account. Log in at sce.com, go to "My Bill," and select the month you want to view. You can also set up paperless billing so you receive an email when your bill is ready instead of waiting for mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay my bill late?
SCE charges a late fee, typically around 1.5 percent of the amount due, which appears on your next bill. If your payment is more than 30 days late, SCE may disconnect your service. Contact SCE before your due date if you think you will be late.
Can I pay my SCE bill with a credit card without a fee?
No. Credit card payments incur a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent, depending on the processor and card type. You can see the exact fee before you confirm the payment. Debit card and bank account payments have no fee.
How long does it take for an online payment to post?
Payments made online before 8 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days.
Can I set up automatic payments with a credit card?
Yes, you can set up automatic payments with a credit card through your SCE account online or by calling 1-800-655-4555. However, each automatic payment will include a processing fee. Bank account automatic payments have no fee.
What is budget billing and how do I sign up?
Budget billing spreads your annual electricity costs evenly across 12 months so your bill stays the same each month. You can request it by calling SCE at 1-800-655-4555 or through your online account. This helps with budgeting, though you may owe money at year-end if your actual usage is higher than the estimate.