How to Pay Your TEP Electric Bill Online and by Mail

TEP bill payment methods and where to send your money

TEP (Tucson Electric Power) lets you pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest route is online through your TEP account, which processes when ready and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call TEP's automated system, mail a check, or pay at a local office — each method takes a different amount of time to show up on your account.

TEP serves customers in southern Arizona, primarily around Tucson. Your bill arrives monthly and shows your usage, charges, and due date. Paying by the due date keeps your account in good standing and avoids late fees. If you are having trouble paying, TEP also offers budget billing and hardship programs that may lower your monthly amount.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through your TEP account is free and shows as paid when ready, making it the fastest way to avoid late fees.
• Phone payment through TEP's automated system (520-623-7711) works 24/7 but may charge a small fee depending on your payment method.
• Mailed checks should arrive at least five business days before your due date to be counted as on-time, and you need your account number on the check.
• TEP payment centers and authorized retailers accept cash and card payments in person, though hours and locations vary by site.
• If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact TEP before the important date to discuss payment plans or budget billing options.

Paying online through your TEP account

Go to tep.com and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the amount of your last bill. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option — the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on a computer or phone.

Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full bill or a partial amount) and choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit or credit card. Bank account payments are free and process within one business day. Card payments may charge a fee of 2 to 3 percent, though TEP's website will show you the exact fee before you confirm. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number — save this for your records.

Online payments made before 5 p.m. Arizona time on a business day usually post to your account the next day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day. You can pay multiple times per month if needed, and there is no limit on how many online payments you can make.

Paying by phone or automated system

Call TEP's payment line at 520-623-7711. The automated system works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a debit or credit card. The system will walk you through entering your card information and the amount to pay.

Phone payments process the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Arizona time on a business day. Calls after 5 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day. Most card payments over the phone charge a fee of around 2 to 3 percent. If you want to avoid the fee, use the online method or pay by mail instead.

If you prefer to speak with a person, you can call TEP's customer service line during business hours (usually 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday) and ask to make a payment. A representative can process your payment over the phone, though this may also include a card processing fee.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order with your account number on the front. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your bill or a piece of paper with your name, address, and account number so TEP can match the payment to your account.

Mail your payment to the address shown on your bill — TEP's mailing address changes depending on which payment processing center handles your account, so always use the address printed on your statement. Mail your check at least five business days before your due date. TEP's processing center may take three to five business days to receive and post your payment, so sending it earlier reduces the risk of a late fee.

Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If your payment does not appear on your account within a week of mailing, contact TEP customer service with your check number and the date you mailed it.

Paying in person at TEP locations

TEP has payment centers in Tucson where you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Payments made in person post to your account the same day if you pay before the office closes. Find the nearest payment center and its hours on tep.com or by calling 520-623-7711.

Some grocery stores and convenience stores in the TEP service area also accept bill payments as authorized retailers. These locations may charge a small fee for accepting your payment. Ask the cashier whether they accept TEP payments and what fee, if any, applies.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

Contact TEP before your due date if you know you cannot pay the full amount. TEP offers budget billing, which spreads your annual charges across 12 equal monthly payments so your bill is more predictable. You may also be able to set up a payment plan to pay your current bill in installments over several months.

TEP also has hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, defer payment, or connect you with community resources. Call TEP customer service at 520-623-7711 during business hours to ask about these options. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have before a late fee is added or your service is at risk of disconnection.

Late fees and what happens if you miss the due date

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, TEP charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount — check your bill or TEP's website for the exact fee. The late fee is added to your next bill.

If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, TEP may send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a important date to pay or contact TEP to arrange a payment plan. If you do not pay or make arrangements by that important date, TEP can shut off your service. Reconnection requires paying the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee.

If you receive a disconnection notice, call TEP when ready. Even if you cannot pay the full amount, discussing a payment plan or hardship program with TEP before the disconnection date may prevent your service from being shut off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so my bill pays itself every month?

Yes. Log into your TEP account online and look for an option to set up autopay or recurring payments. You can choose to pay the full bill or a set amount each month on a date you select. Autopay through bank account (ACH) is free; autopay through a card may charge a fee. You can cancel autopay anytime through your account.

What if I pay online but my payment does not show up the next day?

Online payments usually post within one business day, but delays can happen if you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend. Check your TEP account after two business days. If it still has not posted, call TEP customer service with your confirmation number and the date you paid. Do not pay again — duplicate payments can be refunded.

Is there a fee for paying my TEP bill?

Paying online by bank account transfer (ACH) is free. Paying by debit or credit card online or by phone usually charges 2 to 3 percent of your payment amount. Paying by mail, in person with cash or check, or through authorized retailers typically has no fee. TEP's website shows the exact fee before you confirm any card payment.

Can I pay someone else's TEP bill?

You can pay online if you have access to their account login, or you can mail a check with their account number. You cannot pay by phone or in person without being listed on the account, because TEP requires the account holder or an authorized user to make payments. Contact TEP if you need to add someone to the account who can make payments.

What if my bill is wrong or I want to dispute a charge?

Do not withhold payment while disputing a charge — late fees will still explore. Pay the bill by the due date, then contact TEP customer service to report the error. TEP will investigate and adjust your account if the charge was incorrect. You can request a credit or adjustment to your next bill once the dispute is resolved.