How to Pay Your SCE Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail

SCE bill pay basics

Southern California Edison (SCE) is the electric utility that serves central, coastal and southern California. If you receive an SCE bill, you have several ways to pay it: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. Each method has different timing and requirements.

The fastest way to pay is online through SCE's website or mobile app — the payment posts the same day if you submit it before their cutoff time, usually 5 p.m. Pacific time on business days. Phone payments also post same-day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE and post to your account, so you should mail your check well before your due date to avoid a late fee.

You do not need to create an account to make a one-time payment, but creating one lets you set up automatic payments, view your bill online, and track your payment history. SCE does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system.

Key Takeaways

• Online and phone payments through SCE post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days.
• You can pay online at sce.com, by phone at 1-800-655-4769, or by mail to the address printed on your bill.
• SCE does not charge a fee for payments made directly through their website, app, or phone line.
• Setting up an online account lets you see your bill before it arrives in the mail and set up automatic monthly payments.
• If you pay by check or money order, write your account number on it and mail it to the address on your bill at least 10 business days before the due date.

Paying online or through the SCE mobile app

Go to sce.com and select "Pay My Bill" at the top of the page. You can pay as a guest without logging in — you will need your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. Enter your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and confirm. The payment posts when ready if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.

If you create a free online account, you can also read the SCE mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app works the same way as the website and lets you check your balance, view your bill, and set up automatic payments. You will receive a confirmation number for every payment — save this in case you need to dispute or track the payment later.

One-time online payments through SCE's website or app do not charge a fee. Some third-party bill pay services (like your bank's bill pay feature) may charge a fee to send money to SCE on your behalf — check with your bank before using that route.

Paying by phone

Call SCE's automated payment line at 1-800-655-4769. You will need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The system will confirm the amount and payment date before processing. Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can also call SCE's customer service line at the same number and ask to make a payment. Wait times vary depending on call volume. Phone payments do not charge a fee when made through SCE's official line.

Paying by mail or in person

Write a check or money order for the amount due and include your account number on the front of the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address is different from SCE's main office. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late fee.

You can also pay in person at an SCE payment location or authorized payment center. SCE's website has a list of locations and their hours. Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services also accept SCE payments — call ahead to confirm before you go.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account or charge your card on the same date each month. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and incurring a late fee. To set up automatic payments, log into your SCE online account, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Autopay." You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount you set yourself.

You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. SCE will send you a confirmation when you set up autopay and a reminder before each payment is processed. If your bill amount changes month to month (which is common with electric bills), you can set autopay to charge the full amount due rather than a fixed number.

What to do if your payment does not post

If you made an online or phone payment and it does not show up in your account within one business day, log into your SCE account and look for a confirmation number from the transaction. Call SCE customer service at 1-800-655-4769 and have that number ready. They can tell you whether the payment is still processing or if there was an error.

For mail payments, keep a copy of your check or money order receipt. If 10 business days have passed and the payment still has not posted, call SCE with the check number and mailing date. SCE can search their records and confirm whether the payment arrived.

Late fees and payment important date

Your due date is printed on your bill. If you pay after that date, SCE will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount and SCE's current policy — check your bill or SCE's website for the exact fee. Paying online or by phone before 5 p.m. Pacific time on the due date counts as on-time payment.

If you are having trouble paying your bill, SCE offers payment plans and hardship programs. Call 1-800-655-4769 to discuss options with a representative. These programs may let you spread your bill over several months or reduce your payment temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SCE charge a fee for online payments?

No. Payments made directly through SCE's website, mobile app, or phone line do not charge a fee. Some third-party services (like your bank's bill pay system) may charge a fee to send money to SCE on your behalf — check with your bank first.

What time do online payments post?

Online and phone payments post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day.

How long does a mailed check take to post?

Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive at SCE and post to your account. Mail your payment at least 10 business days before your due date to avoid a late fee. Always include your account number on the check.

Can I set up automatic payments without creating an online account?

No. You must create a free online account at sce.com to set up automatic payments. Once you create an account, you can manage autopay through the "Billing & Payment" section anytime.

What should I do if I think my payment was lost in the mail?

Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt. If 10 business days have passed and the payment has not posted, call SCE at 1-800-655-4769 with the check number and mailing date. They can search their records and confirm whether it arrived.