Where to pay your Chicago utility bills and what methods work
Chicago residents pay water bills to the city's Department of Water Management, electric bills to ComEd, and gas bills to Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas — and each one has its own payment system. You can pay all three online through their websites, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The fastest way is usually online through each company's account portal, where you can set up a one-time payment or automatic monthly withdrawals.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay in person, ComEd and Peoples Gas both accept payments at their office locations and at third-party retailers like Walgreens and check-cashing services. The city of Chicago accepts water payments online, by phone, or by mail. Whichever method you choose, payments typically post within one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- ComEd (electric), Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas (natural gas), and the city's Department of Water Management (water) each have separate billing and payment systems.
- Online payment through each company's website is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
- Phone and in-person payments at retail locations are available for all three utilities if you cannot pay online.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents late fees and ensures your bill is paid on time every month.
- Late payment fees and service disconnection can happen within 30 to 60 days of a missed payment, depending on the utility.
Paying your ComEd electric bill online and by other methods
ComEd's website (comed.com) lets you create an account, view your bill, and pay in full or set up automatic payments. You can also pay by phone at 1-800-334-7661 without logging in — have your account number and payment amount ready. If you prefer to pay in person, ComEd accepts payments at their payment centers in Chicago and at thousands of Walgreens locations.
Automatic payments are deducted from your bank account or charged to a credit or debit card on a date you choose each month. This prevents accidental late payments and late fees. If you want to stop automatic payments, you can cancel them anytime through your account or by calling ComEd's customer service.
Paying your Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas bill
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas both use the same payment system. You can pay online at peoplesgas.com or nsgasdelivery.com, by phone at 1-866-556-6002, or in person at payment centers and retail locations across Chicago. Like ComEd, you can set up automatic monthly payments through your online account.
If you receive a paper bill, it includes a payment stub with a barcode that you can use to pay at Walgreens, CVS, or other retailers that accept utility payments. The barcode speeds up the payment process and reduces the chance of payment errors.
Paying your Chicago water bill to the city
The city of Chicago collects water bills through its Department of Water Management. You can pay online at the city's payment portal (chicago.gov/water), by phone at 311 (Chicago's city services line), or by mail to the address on your bill. Online payment is the fastest option and typically posts the same day.
Water bills are issued every two months, not monthly. If you miss a payment, the city can add a late fee and eventually shut off your water service, so paying on time matters. The city also offers a payment plan for customers who fall behind — call 311 to ask about options if you cannot pay your full bill at once.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
All three utilities allow you to set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account or credit card. This is the easiest way to ensure you never miss a due date. To set up automatic payments, log into your account on each utility's website and look for the "autopay" or "automatic payment" option in the billing section.
Before you enroll, check that the payment date works for your budget — most utilities let you choose the date each month. If your income arrives on a certain day, pick a date a few days after that so the money is in your account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime without penalty.
What happens if you miss a payment or fall behind
Late fees are added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. ComEd and Peoples Gas typically add a late fee within 30 days of the due date. The city of Chicago adds a late fee to water bills as well. If you are more than 60 days late, the utility can issue a disconnection notice and eventually shut off your service.
If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the utility immediately — do not wait for a disconnection notice. ComEd, Peoples Gas, and the city all offer payment plans for customers in hardship. You may also be may be able to access for bill assistance programs through community organizations or the city's Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) for water bills.
Understanding your bill and finding your account number
Your account number appears on the front of your paper bill or in your online account portal. You will need it to pay by phone or to set up automatic payments. Your bill also shows your current balance, the due date, and the amount you owe. If you do not receive a paper bill, you can view your bill online anytime by logging into your account.
If you have questions about charges on your bill or think there is an error, contact the utility's customer service before you pay. ComEd, Peoples Gas, and the city all have dispute processes that let you challenge a charge without losing service while the dispute is being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay all three utilities in one place?
No — each utility has its own billing system and payment portal. You will need to pay ComEd, Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas, and the city of Chicago separately. However, you can set up automatic payments for all three so they are deducted on dates you choose each month.
What is the fastest way to pay if I need to avoid a late fee?
Paying online through each utility's website is the fastest method — payments typically post within one business day. If you are paying by phone or in person, allow two to three business days for the payment to reach the utility's system.
Do I have to use a bank account for automatic payments, or can I use a credit card?
All three utilities accept both bank account and credit card payments for automatic payments. Bank account payments usually have no fee, but credit card payments may include a processing fee. Check each utility's website for current fees before you enroll.
What if I move out of Chicago or want to close my account?
Contact each utility to request account closure. ComEd and Peoples Gas will schedule a final meter reading and send you a final bill. The city of Chicago will close your water account once you provide a forwarding address. Make sure to pay any remaining balance to avoid collection action.
Can I get my bill lowered if I cannot afford to pay?
ComEd and Peoples Gas both offer hardship programs and payment plans for customers with low income or temporary financial difficulty. The city of Chicago offers LIHWAP for water bills and payment plans as well. Call each utility or visit their website to learn about programs you may be able to use.