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, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you want to pay and whether you prefer online, phone, or in-person options. You can pay online through SCE's website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Each method has different processing times, so if your bill is due soon, online or phone payment reaches SCE faster than mailing a check.

SCE serves about 15 million people across central, coastal, and southern California. Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date — usually about 20 days after the bill date. Paying on time avoids late fees and service disconnection.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through SCE's website or mobile app processes the same day you submit it and costs nothing.
• Phone payment through SCE's automated system or a representative takes a few minutes and posts within one business day.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE, so send your check at least two weeks before the due date.
• In-person payment at an SCE payment center or authorized retailer posts when ready but requires you to visit a physical location during business hours.
• Setting up automatic payments through your bank account or debit card removes the need to remember to pay each month.

Paying online through SCE's website or app

The fastest and most common way to pay is through SCE's website at sce.com or through the SCE mobile app, which you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You will need your SCE account number (found on your bill) and either a bank account or debit card. The payment posts the same day you submit it, and you receive an when ready confirmation number.

Log in to your account, select "Pay My Bill," enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method. SCE does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their website or app. If you use a third-party bill payment service through your bank, that service may charge a fee — check with your bank first.

You can also set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments through the website. Automatic payments deduct the full bill amount on your due date each month, so you never have to remember to pay.

Paying by phone

You can pay by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through SCE's automated system by calling 1-800-655-4769. Have your account number and bank account or debit card information ready. The automated system will confirm your payment and give you a confirmation number. Payments made before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time post the next business day.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call the same number and select the option to speak with someone. A representative can answer questions about your bill, discuss payment plans if you are behind, or help you set up automatic payments. Wait times vary depending on call volume.

Paying by mail

If you prefer to pay by check or money order, mail your payment to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check or money order. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE's payment processing center, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash through the mail. Make checks payable to "Southern California Edison Company." If you are paying multiple bills or have questions about your account, include a note with your payment.

Paying in person at SCE payment centers

SCE operates payment centers in several locations throughout its service area where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. Payments made in person post when ready to your account. You can find the nearest payment center by visiting sce.com and searching for "payment centers" or by calling 1-800-655-4769.

Payment centers are open during standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday. Some SCE payment centers are located inside customer service offices, while others are standalone locations. Bring your account number and your bill or a form of identification.

Paying at authorized retailers

SCE has agreements with certain retailers and payment services where you can pay your bill in person. These include some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services in SCE's service area. Payments made at authorized retailers post within one to two business days. Ask the retailer whether they charge a fee for bill payment services — some do, and some do not.

To find authorized retailers near you, visit sce.com or call 1-800-655-4769. Bring your account number and the amount you want to pay.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. You can set up automatic payments through SCE's website, mobile app, or by phone. SCE will deduct the full bill amount from your bank account or debit card on your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.

Automatic payments are especially useful if you have a variable bill amount each month, because SCE charges only the actual amount due, not a fixed amount. You will still receive a bill each month showing what was charged and when the payment posted.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill by the due date

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SCE before the due date to discuss your options. SCE offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months, which can lower your monthly payment. You can set up a payment plan by calling 1-800-655-4769 or through your online account.

If your account falls behind, SCE may charge a late fee and eventually disconnect your service. Contacting SCE early gives you more options and may help you avoid disconnection. SCE also has programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship — ask about these when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SCE charge a fee to pay my bill online?

No, SCE does not charge a fee when you pay through their website or mobile app. If you pay through your bank's bill payment service, your bank may charge a fee — check with them first. Authorized retailers may also charge a fee.

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

Online and app payments post the same day. Phone payments post the next business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. In-person payments at SCE centers post when ready. Payments at authorized retailers post within one to two business days.

What is my account number and where do I find it?

Your SCE account number is printed on your bill in the upper right corner. It is a 9-digit number that identifies your specific service address. You will need this number to pay by phone, mail, or at a payment center.

Can I pay someone else's SCE bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. When you pay online or by phone, enter their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account. You do not need their permission to make a payment, but you should confirm the account number is correct before submitting.

What should I do if I think my payment did not go through?

Check your online account or call 1-800-655-4769 to confirm whether the payment posted. If you paid online or by phone, you should have received a confirmation number — have that ready when you call. If the payment did not post within the expected timeframe, SCE can investigate and reissue the payment if needed.