ComEd payment basics
ComEd is the electric utility serving northern Illinois, including Chicago and its suburbs. You can pay your ComEd bill online, 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.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your usage, charges, and due date. Payment is due by the date printed on your bill — typically 21 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, ComEd may charge a late fee and could eventually disconnect your service if the account falls too far behind.
ComEd also offers budget billing, which spreads your annual electric costs evenly across 12 months so your bill stays roughly the same each month instead of spiking in summer and winter. This can help with budgeting, though you may owe a balance adjustment at year's end if your actual usage differs from the estimate.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay ComEd online through their website, by phone at 1-877-426-6331, by mail to the address on your bill, or at authorized payment locations throughout the service area.
- Online and phone payments usually post within one business day, while mailed payments take 7 to 10 days, so mail early if your due date is approaching.
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account or credit card removes the risk of late fees and service disconnection.
- Budget billing spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments, making it easier to plan your household budget.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact ComEd about payment arrangements or hardship programs before your account becomes past due.
Online and phone payment methods
The fastest way to pay ComEd is online through their website at ComEd.com. Log in to your account, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your payment amount and method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments typically post within one business day and are free when you pay from a bank account.
Paying by credit or debit card online incurs a convenience fee — ComEd does not charge it, but the payment processor does. The fee varies based on the card type and payment amount, usually between 2% and 3%. If you want to avoid the fee, pay from your bank account instead.
You can also pay by phone by calling ComEd's automated payment line at 1-877-426-6331. Have your account number and payment method ready. Phone payments work the same way as online payments and post within one business day. Like online card payments, phone payments by credit or debit card include a convenience fee.
To set up automatic payments, log into your ComEd account online and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment." You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set. Automatic payments from a bank account are free and remove the risk of forgetting a payment.
Mail and in-person payment options
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check and mail it at least 10 days before the due date to account for postal delays. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so paying early is important to avoid late fees.
ComEd also accepts in-person payments at authorized payment locations throughout northern Illinois. These include some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services. Payment locations vary by area, so search "ComEd payment locations near me" or call 1-877-426-6331 to find one close to you. In-person payments typically post within one business day.
Some payment locations charge a fee for accepting your payment in person. Ask before you pay so you know the total cost. If the fee is high, paying online or by phone from your bank account is usually cheaper.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, ComEd will charge a late fee. The amount depends on your bill total but is typically a percentage of what you owe. Late fees add to your balance, making the next month's bill higher.
After 30 days past due, ComEd may send a disconnection notice warning that your service will be shut off if you do not pay. The notice gives you a deadline — usually 10 to 14 days — to pay the full amount owed or contact ComEd to arrange a payment plan.
If your account reaches 60 days past due and you have not made a payment arrangement, ComEd can disconnect your electricity. Reconnection requires paying the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. If you are struggling to pay, contact ComEd before you fall behind to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs.
Budget billing and payment plans
ComEd's budget billing program calculates your average monthly usage and spreads your annual bill evenly across 12 months. Instead of paying $80 in spring and $200 in summer, you might pay $140 every month. This makes budgeting easier and prevents bill shock when heating or cooling costs spike.
Budget billing is free to join. You can request it through your online account or by calling 1-877-426-6331. ComEd reviews your usage history and proposes a monthly amount. You can accept it or ask for an adjustment before enrollment begins.
At the end of the 12-month cycle, ComEd compares your actual usage to your budgeted amount. If you used less electricity than budgeted, you receive a credit on your next bill. If you used more, you owe a balance adjustment. The adjustment is usually spread across the next few months rather than charged all at once.
If you cannot pay your full bill in one payment, you can also request a payment arrangement. ComEd allows you to split your past-due balance into smaller payments over several weeks or months. Contact them before your account becomes past due to set this up.
Assistance programs for customers in hardship
ComEd offers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides bill payment assistance to households meeting income limits. LIHEAP is funded by the state and federal government and is administered through local agencies. The amount of assistance varies by year and funding availability.
To explore LIHEAP, contact your local Community Action Agency or call 2-1-1 (dial 211 from any phone) to be connected to the program in your area. You will need to provide proof of income and residency. Processing times vary, but assistance can take several weeks to arrive.
ComEd also has its own hardship program for customers facing temporary financial difficulty. If you are behind on your bill, contact ComEd directly at 1-877-426-6331 and explain your situation. They may offer a payment arrangement, defer part of your bill, or connect you with community resources.
Some nonprofit organizations in Illinois also offer bill payment assistance. The Community Action Partnership and local food banks sometimes have emergency funds for utilities. Calling 2-1-1 can connect you to these resources in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a ComEd payment to post?
Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. In-person payments at authorized locations also typically post within one business day. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days, so mail your check at least 10 days before the due date to avoid a late fee.
Can I pay my ComEd bill with a credit card without a fee?
ComEd does not charge a fee for credit card payments, but the payment processor does — usually 2% to 3% of the payment amount. Paying from your bank account online or by phone is free. If you want to use a credit card, factor in the fee or use a card that earns rewards to offset it.
What is the difference between budget billing and a payment plan?
Budget billing spreads your estimated annual costs evenly across 12 months to prevent bill surprises. A payment plan lets you split a past-due balance into smaller payments over time. Budget billing is for managing future bills; a payment plan is for catching up on what you already owe.
What happens if I cannot pay my ComEd bill?
Contact ComEd before your account becomes past due. They can set up a payment arrangement, defer part of your bill, or connect you with hardship assistance. You may also be may be able to access for LIHEAP or other community programs. Waiting until after disconnection is threatened makes your options more limited.
Can ComEd disconnect my service for being late on a payment?
Yes. After 30 days past due, ComEd sends a disconnection notice. If you do not pay or arrange a payment plan within the deadline, they can shut off your electricity. Reconnection requires paying the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee, so contacting them early is important.