Commonwealth Edison bill pay basics
Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is the electric utility serving northern Illinois, including Chicago and its suburbs. You can pay your ComEd bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Most people pay online because it is fastest and you can set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date — usually about 21 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, ComEd charges a late fee. The due date is printed on your bill and also visible in your online account.
ComEd does not charge a fee for paying online through their website or for paying by phone with a representative. Third-party payment services that process ComEd payments may charge their own fees, so check before you use them.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay ComEd online at their website without creating an account, or by logging into your account to set up automatic payments.
- Automatic payments withdraw money on your due date each month and prevent late fees if you keep enough money in your bank account.
- Paying by phone with a ComEd representative costs nothing, but you will need your account number and a debit card or bank account ready.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach ComEd, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact ComEd about a payment plan or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Paying online through ComEd's website
Go to ComEd.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually at the top of the page. You can pay without logging in by entering your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. You will need a debit card, credit card, or bank account information to complete the payment.
If you create a free ComEd online account, you can see your bill history, view your usage, and set up automatic payments. To create an account, go to ComEd.com and select "Create Account" or "Sign Up." You will need your account number, your service address, and a valid email address. ComEd will send you a confirmation email with a link to finish setting up your account.
Once you are logged in, you can choose to pay a one-time bill or set up automatic payments. Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on your due date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments are the easiest way to make sure you never pay late. When you set up automatic payments, ComEd withdraws the full amount due from your bank account on your due date each month. You can change the amount, pause the payments, or cancel them whenever you need to.
To set up automatic payments, log into your ComEd account, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." Enter your bank account or debit card information. ComEd will ask you to confirm the account by sending two small deposits to your bank account — usually $0.01 and $0.02. Check your bank statement a few days later, and enter those amounts into ComEd's website to verify your account. After verification, automatic payments will start on your next due date.
If you do not have enough money in your account on your due date, the automatic payment may fail and you could be charged a late fee. Set a reminder a few days before your due date to make sure you have enough money available. You can also change your automatic payment date if it does not line up with when you get paid.
Paying by phone or at a payment center
To pay by phone, call ComEd at 1-877-426-6331. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You will need a debit card or bank account information ready. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. There is no fee for paying by phone with a ComEd representative.
ComEd also has payment centers in some locations where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Visit ComEd.com and search "Payment Centers" to find one near you. Payment centers are usually open during business hours, and payments are processed the same day.
Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services also accept ComEd payments through third-party networks. These services may charge a fee, so ask before you pay. The fee is separate from your bill and comes out of your pocket.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, include your payment stub (the bottom part of your bill) with your check or money order. Write your account number on the check. Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill — this address changes depending on which ComEd payment processing center handles your account, so always use the address on your current bill.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach ComEd after you send them. ComEd considers your payment on time if it arrives by your due date, not if you mail it by your due date. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to be safe. If your payment arrives late, ComEd will charge a late fee even if you mailed it on time.
Keep a record of when you mailed your payment and the check number. If your payment does not show up in your account within two weeks, contact ComEd with this information so they can track it down.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact ComEd before your account falls behind. ComEd offers payment plans that let you spread your bill over several months. You can set up a payment plan by calling 1-877-426-6331 or through your online account.
ComEd also has hardship programs for customers with low income or financial difficulty. These programs may offer lower rates, bill forgiveness, or help paying overdue amounts. To learn about hardship programs, call ComEd's Customer Service at 1-877-426-6331 and ask about programs in your situation. You may need to provide proof of income or hardship.
If your account is already past due, ComEd may threaten to shut off your service. If you receive a shutoff notice, call ComEd when ready. Many customers can stop a shutoff by setting up a payment plan or by paying a portion of what they owe.
Understanding your ComEd bill
Your ComEd bill shows several pieces of information. At the top, you will see your account number, service address, and billing period (the dates your meter was read). The "Amount Due" is the total you owe, and the "Due Date" is the last day to pay without a late fee.
Your bill also breaks down charges: the cost of electricity you used, delivery charges (the cost to get electricity to your home), taxes, and any other fees. If you have budget billing, your monthly payment is an average of your yearly costs, so some months you may owe more or less than you actually used.
If you see a charge you do not recognize or think your bill is wrong, contact ComEd before you pay. You can dispute a charge by calling 1-877-426-6331. ComEd will investigate and may adjust your bill if they find an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my ComEd bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card through ComEd's website or by phone. Some third-party payment services also accept credit cards, but they may charge a fee. Paying with a credit card can help you earn rewards, but only if the fee (if any) is less than the reward you get back.
What happens if I pay late?
ComEd charges a late fee if your payment arrives after your due date. The late fee is a percentage of your bill and is added to your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, ComEd may shut off your service. Contact ComEd as soon as you realize you will be late.
How do I change my automatic payment date?
Log into your ComEd account, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." You can change the date, the amount, or cancel the payments. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle, so make changes at least a few days before your current due date.
Can I pay someone else's ComEd bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You can pay online at ComEd.com without logging in, or by phone. The account holder can also give you permission to manage their account online so you can pay it anytime.
What if I overpay my bill?
If you pay more than you owe, ComEd will credit the extra amount to your next bill. You can also request a refund by contacting ComEd, though it may take several weeks. If you have automatic payments set up, the credit will be applied before your next automatic payment is withdrawn.