Paying your electricity bill is a necessary aspect of modern life if you live in an area serviced by an electric utility company like Southern California Edison (SCE). SCE provides electricity to over 15 million people across central, coastal and southern California. As one of the nation’s largest electric companies, SCE has a few different options for customers to pay their utility bills each month. This article will provide an overview of the various ways you can pay your SCE electricity bill and highlight some tips for ensuring timely, accurate payment.
Overview of Payment Options with SCE
SCE offers customers several convenient payment options to choose from each month when your bill is due, including:
- Pay Online
- Pay By Phone
- Pay By Mail
- Pay In Person
- Pay By Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
- Pay with Digital Wallet
Many of these options allow for one-time payments or setting up recurring payments. When weighing the different choices consider factors like convenience, potential fees processing time and security.
Paying Your SCE Bill Online
One of the most popular ways to pay your SCE electricity bill is online through your My Account portal on sce.com This option allows you to securely view your latest bill, see your account balance and make a payment by linking a bank account, debit card or credit card to your SCE profile
Some key benefits of paying your SCE bill online include:
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Convenience – Pay anytime, anywhere with an internet connection.
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Payment Tracking – See your payment history and confirm when payments are processed.
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Paperless Billing – Go green by opting out of paper bills and accessing statements digitally.
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Automatic Payments – Set up recurring payments to be made from your chosen payment method.
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Reward Points – Earn points through SCE’s Energy Rewards Program for on-time online bill payment.
The main downside to be aware of with online payment is the possibility of third-party processing fees that may apply for credit/debit card transactions. However, linking a bank account directly avoids extra charges.
Paying SCE Bills By Phone
In addition to the online portal, SCE bill payments can also be made over the phone by calling SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555. This automated phone payment system is available 24/7 and accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and electronic checks.
Some key aspects of paying your SCE bill by phone include:
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One-Time Payments – Enter your account number to pay your current balance due.
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Saved Payment Methods – Store payment info to easily pay future bills.
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Accessibility – Speak directly with an SCE agent during business hours for assistance.
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Third-Party Fees – Convenience fees apply to credit/debit card payments.
Paying by phone provides a quick, simple way to pay your bill, especially for customers without consistent internet access. However, the convenience fees can add up over time.
Paying Your SCE Electricity Bill By Mail
Mailing in a physical check or money order is a more traditional option offered by SCE for customers who prefer paying their utility bill by mail.
To successfully pay your SCE bill by mail, be sure to:
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Include your payment stub from your paper bill.
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Write your SCE account number on the check or money order.
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Send payment in the mail at least 5 business days before your due date.
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Use the proper mailing address:
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For residential customers – SCE, P.O. Box 600, Rosemead, CA 91771-0001
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For business customers – SCE, P.O. Box 300, Rosemead, CA 91772-0001
Paying by mail is straightforward and reliable, but takes more time to process versus electronic payments. However, it avoids third-party convenience fees.
Paying in Person at an Authorized SCE Payment Center
For customers who would rather pay their bill in person with cash or debit/credit card, heading to an authorized SCE payment center is an option. SCE has a network of authorized payment locations across their service area, including local grocery stores, check cashing outlets, and pharmacies.
Some key things to know about in-person bill pay include:
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No Fee – SCE does not charge a fee for paying at an authorized payment center.
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Proof of ID – Bring a valid photo ID and your SCE account information.
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Cash Accepted – One of the only ways to pay an SCE bill with cash.
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Check Locations – Use the payment center locator on SCE’s website.
Paying your bill in-person is convenient if you prefer dealing with cash or talking to someone face-to-face. Just be sure to bring all necessary account details with you.
Paying by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
SCE offers large volume business customers and vendors the option to pay bills via electronic funds transfer (EFT) from their bank account. This allows automated clearing house (ACH) payments directly to SCE along with necessary remittance details.
To utilize EFT payments for an SCE business account, you must:
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Have an active SCE commercial account.
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Contact SCE’s EDI Payments Group to set up EFT access.
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Send EFT/ACH payments from your bank in the proper EDI 820 file format.
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Include your SCE account number and business details with each payment.
EFT offers an efficient way to pay larger SCE bills but does require a more complex setup through your bank.
Paying Your SCE Bill with Digital Wallets
In recent years, SCE has expanded their accepted payment methods to include select digital wallet services. Digital wallets allow you to store debit/credit cards, bank accounts, and payment info in one central app or account for easy online bill pay.
SCE currently accepts the following digital wallets:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
To use them to pay your SCE utility bill, you simply need to link your SCE account details within the app or digital wallet account. Then, you can quickly make one-time payments or set up recurring payments.
The main drawbacks are that SCE only accepts certain digital wallets at this time, and third-party fees from the digital wallet provider may apply to transactions.
Tips for Paying Your SCE Bill On Time
Here are some key tips for SCE customers to pay their electric bills accurately and avoid late fees:
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Enroll in paperless billing to receive reminders and access your balance online.
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Sign up for Auto Pay to schedule automatic monthly payments from your bank account.
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Take note of your account number and due date each month to streamline payment.
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Allow 5 business days for mailed payments to avoid late fees.
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Check for third-party fees that may apply based on your payment method.
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Contact SCE immediately if you anticipate trouble paying on time any month.
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Consider budget billing to have a fixed bill amount each month for easier planning.
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Leverage available bill assistance programs if you qualify for income-based discounts.
Staying organized, planning ahead, and utilizing the most cost-effective payment methods can help ensure you pay your SCE utility bill on time every month.
Frequently Asked Questions About SCE Bill Payment
What are the main ways I can pay my SCE electricity bill?
SCE offers bill payment online, by phone, by mail, in person, through digital wallets, and via EFT/ACH for businesses. Each has its own pros and cons to consider.
What fees or charges may apply when paying my SCE bill?
Online payments directly from a bank account are fee-free. However, credit/debit cards and certain digital wallets may incur third-party convenience fees.
When is my SCE bill due each month?
SCE bills are typically due within 22 days of being issued. Your specific due date is printed on your monthly statement.
What if I’m struggling to pay my SCE bill on time?
Contact SCE as soon as possible about bill assistance programs or payment arrangements tailored to your financial situation. Act before your account becomes past due.
Can I set up automatic recurring payments for my SCE bill?
Yes, through the Auto Pay program you can schedule automatic monthly SCE bill payments from your chosen bank account.
What do I need to pay my SCE bill in person?
Bring a valid photo ID, your SCE account number, and the payment amount to an authorized SCE payment center near you.
How long does it take SCE to process a mailed bill payment?
Allow 5 business days for a mailed SCE bill payment to be received and processed to avoid potential late fees.
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If you use your bank’s bill pay service, why not get your bill there too? If you get your e-bill from a participating bank, it will be easy to keep track of your payments and make them on time.
Paying with a check or money order?
Residential Customers Southern California Edison P. O. Box 600 Rosemead, CA 91771-0001 Business Customers Southern California Edison P. O. Box 300 Rosemead, CA 91772-0001 Expose as Block No Expose as Block No.
The Budget Billing Plan lets customers who are eligible pay for their electricity service over the course of 11 equal monthly payments. Your bill won’t go down because of the Budget Billing Plan; you’ll still have to pay for all the energy you use, but you can spread out the cost over the course of the year.
California is changing how energy is priced for residential customers. Here’s what you need to know. Learn More About the Changes >.