Southern California Edison payment options and where to send your money

Southern California Edison (SCE) accepts payments through several channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, in person at payment centers, and through automatic bank transfers. The fastest and most common method is online at sce.com, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call SCE's automated payment line at 1-800-655-4555 or mail a check to the address printed on your bill.

Your bill shows a due date, usually about 20 days after the bill is issued. SCE does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website, but third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee if you use them instead. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through sce.com is free and the fastest way to pay, posting within one business day.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account to avoid late fees and missed due dates.
  • Mailed checks should be sent to the address on your bill and take 7 to 10 business days to post.
  • SCE's phone payment line (1-800-655-4555) accepts payments 24 hours a day but may charge a convenience fee depending on your payment method.
  • Late payments trigger a late fee and may result in service disconnection if the account remains unpaid for 30 days or more.

Paying online through SCE's website

Go to sce.com and log into your account using your service address and account number (both appear on your bill). Click "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. SCE accepts payments from a checking or savings account at no charge, or from a debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) also at no charge.

After you submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. The money typically leaves your account within one business day. If you need to pay before your account is set up online, you can create one during the payment process using your account number and the amount of your last bill.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and triggering a late fee. Log into your SCE account online, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Autopay." Choose whether you want to pay your full bill each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. You can authorize payments from a checking or savings account at no charge.

Once autopay is active, SCE will deduct the payment automatically a few days before your due date each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account. If your bill amount changes significantly (for example, during summer when air conditioning use rises), you can adjust your fixed payment amount or switch back to paying the full bill each month.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call 1-800-655-4555 and follow the automated prompts. Have your account number and payment method ready. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Some third-party payment processors that handle SCE calls may charge a convenience fee; SCE will disclose any fee before you complete the transaction.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Southern California Edison and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill under "Make Checks Payable To." Allow 7 to 10 business days for a mailed payment to post to your account. Do not send cash through the mail.

In-person payment locations

SCE operates payment centers in Southern California where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Locations and hours are listed on sce.com under "Payment Centers." Some retail partners (such as grocery stores or check-cashing services) also accept SCE payments; ask at the customer service desk whether they offer this service.

In-person payments typically post to your account within one business day. This option is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash, but it requires a trip to a physical location during business hours.

What happens if you miss a due date

If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, SCE adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill size but is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. You will receive a notice in the mail alerting you to the late payment and giving you a deadline to pay before service is disconnected.

If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more after the due date, SCE may disconnect your service without further notice. To restore service after disconnection, you must pay the full unpaid balance plus a reconnection fee. If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact SCE directly to discuss payment arrangements or programs that may help reduce your costs.

Payment plans and hardship programs

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, SCE offers extended payment plans that spread your balance over several months. Contact SCE's customer service at 1-800-655-4555 to request a payment plan. You will need to agree to a schedule and make on-time payments going forward to avoid disconnection.

SCE also administers the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which reduces monthly bills for low-income households, and the Family Electric Rate Discount (FERD) program for families with three or more people. Information about these programs and how to apply is available on sce.com or by calling customer service. These programs do not forgive past-due balances, but they lower your ongoing bill amount, making it easier to stay current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my SCE bill online?

No. SCE does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through sce.com using a bank account or debit card. If you use a third-party payment processor or pay by phone, a convenience fee may apply; SCE will tell you the fee amount before you complete the payment.

How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. In-person payments at SCE payment centers usually post within one business day. Do not assume a payment has posted until you see it reflected in your online account.

Can I pay someone else's SCE bill?

Yes. You can pay another person's bill online, by phone, or by mail if you have their account number. Online, you can enter their account number instead of your own. By phone or mail, include their account number with your payment so SCE credits the correct account.

What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Contact SCE at 1-800-655-4555 to request a payment plan before your account becomes late. SCE can spread your balance over several months. If you have a low income, ask about the CARE or FERD programs, which reduce your monthly bill amount going forward.

What happens if my payment is late?

SCE adds a late fee to your account and sends you a notice in the mail. If the account remains unpaid for 30 days or more, SCE may disconnect your service. To restore service, you must pay the full unpaid balance plus a reconnection fee.