How to Pay Your Southern California Edison Bill

Southern California Edison bill payment methods and where to send payments

Southern California Edison (SCE) offers several ways to pay your electric bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, in person at payment centers, or through automatic bank transfers. The fastest method is online at sce.com, where you can pay when ready with a bank account or debit card. By phone, you can reach SCE's automated payment line at 1-800-655-4555 or speak to a representative. If you prefer mailing a check, send it to the address printed on your bill — never send cash through the mail.

SCE does not charge a fee for paying online, by phone with a bank account, or by mail. If you pay by debit or credit card through their phone line, a third-party processor charges a fee that SCE discloses before you complete the transaction. In-person payments at SCE payment centers are also free, though locations vary by region and some have limited hours.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through sce.com is free and processes when ready if you pay before the due date shown on your bill.
• Automatic bank transfers (Budget Billing or recurring payments) let you set a fixed amount or variable amount to pay on the same day each month.
• Phone payments with a bank account are free, but credit or debit card payments through the phone line include a third-party fee.
• Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and typically take 7 to 10 business days to post to your account.
• SCE's payment due date is usually 21 days after the bill date; paying after that date may result in a late fee.

Online payment through SCE's website

To pay online, go to sce.com and log into your account or create one using your service address and account number (found on your bill). Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different amount if you choose. SCE accepts bank account payments at no charge; debit and credit card payments go through a third-party processor that charges a fee.

Online payments made before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day typically post the same day. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, the payment posts the next business day. You can schedule a future payment up to 30 days in advance, which is useful if you want to may support payment arrives by the due date without paying early.

Automatic monthly payments and budget billing

SCE offers two automatic payment options: a fixed monthly amount (Budget Billing) or a variable amount that changes with your usage. To set up automatic payments, log into your SCE account online, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Enroll in Automatic Payment." You provide your bank account information once, and SCE withdraws the payment on a date you choose each month.

Budget Billing calculates an average monthly payment based on your past 12 months of usage, so your bill stays roughly the same each month. At the end of the year, SCE reconciles the difference — if you overpaid, you receive a credit; if you underpaid, you owe the difference. Variable automatic payments deduct whatever amount is due that month, so your payment changes with the season and your usage.

Phone and in-person payment options

To pay by phone, call SCE's automated system at 1-800-655-4555 or speak to a representative at 1-800-752-6633. The automated line accepts bank account payments only and charges no fee. If you use a representative and pay with a debit or credit card, a third-party fee applies. Have your account number and payment method ready before you call.

SCE operates payment centers in some locations where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card at no charge. Payment center locations and hours vary; check sce.com or call 1-800-752-6633 to find the nearest center to you. In-person payments are posted when ready if made during business hours.

Mailing a check or money order

To pay by mail, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE and post to your account, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it helps SCE match the payment to your account faster. If you do not have the stub, write your account number clearly on the check. Keep a record of the check number and date mailed in case you need to track the payment later.

Late payments and past-due balances

SCE's due date is typically 21 days after the bill date. If payment is not received by that date, SCE adds a late fee to your account. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount and is shown on your next bill. If your account falls significantly past due, SCE may disconnect your service after sending a disconnection notice.

If you are unable to pay your full bill, contact SCE at 1-800-752-6633 to discuss payment arrangements. SCE offers extended payment plans for customers who cannot pay in full by the due date. You can also ask about programs that may help with bill costs if you meet income requirements.

Setting up a new account and first payment

When you move to a new address served by SCE, you must open an account before you can receive service. Call 1-800-752-6633 or go online to sce.com to start service. SCE will assign you an account number and tell you when service begins. Your first bill arrives about 30 days after service starts and shows your initial usage charges.

You can pay your first bill using any of the methods listed above. SCE does not require a deposit for most residential customers, though some customers may be asked to pay a deposit based on credit history or payment history with SCE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay my bill late?

SCE adds a late fee to your account if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies based on your bill total. If your account remains past due for an extended period, SCE may send a disconnection notice and eventually shut off your service.

Can I pay someone else's SCE bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online at sce.com, by phone, or by mail using their account number. The payment posts to their account regardless of whose name appears on the check or payment method.

Is there a fee for paying online with a bank account?

No. SCE charges no fee for online payments made with a bank account. Credit and debit card payments online or by phone go through a third-party processor that charges a fee, which SCE discloses before you complete the transaction.

How long does it take for a mailed check to post?

Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. Mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to may support it arrives on time and avoid a late fee.

Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?

Yes. Log into your SCE account online, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Manage Automatic Payment" to change the date, amount, or payment method. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date.