Con Edison's main payment methods and where to use them

Con Edison, the utility serving most of New York City and Westchester County, lets you pay through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The fastest route is their online portal at conedison.com, where you can pay when ready using a bank account or debit card. Phone payments go through their automated system or a representative, and both process the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Con Edison's processing center, so send them early if your due date is near. In-person payments at Con Edison offices or authorized retailers like Duane Reade and Best Buy are processed the same day. Each method has different fees — some charge nothing, others charge $2 to $4 — so the method you choose affects what you actually owe.

Key Takeaways

  • Con Edison's website and phone system process payments the same day if you submit before 8 p.m. on a business day, while mail takes 7 to 10 days.
  • Online payments through conedison.com cost nothing if you pay from a bank account, but debit card payments charge a $2.50 fee.
  • Phone payments through their automated system (1-800-752-6633) are free, but a representative can charge $3.95 for the same transaction.
  • In-person payments at Con Edison offices or authorized retailers like Duane Reade avoid online fees but require a trip during business hours.
  • Late fees start 18 days after your due date, so even a mailed check should arrive before then if you send it within a few days of receiving your bill.

Paying online through Con Edison's website

Go to conedison.com and click "Pay My Bill" in the top navigation. You will need your account number (on your bill) and either a bank account or debit card. If you are paying from a checking or savings account, the payment is free and posts the same business day. If you use a debit card, Con Edison charges $2.50 per transaction.

The website also lets you set up automatic recurring payments, which deduct from your bank account on the same date each month. This avoids late fees if you forget to pay, though you should still check your bill each month to catch billing errors. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and service address. Con Edison will send a confirmation email, and you can pay when ready without waiting for a password or set up code.

Paying by phone and through automated systems

Con Edison's automated phone system (1-800-752-6633) accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and charges nothing. You will need your account number and a bank account or debit card. The system processes the payment when ready and gives you a confirmation number on the call.

If you speak to a representative instead of using the automated system, Con Edison charges $3.95 for the same transaction. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fee applies whether you call or they call you, so use the automated system if you want to avoid it.

Phone payments post the same business day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern time. Calls after 8 p.m. or on weekends are processed the next business day. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to dispute the payment later.

Paying by mail and what to include

Write a check to "Con Edison Company of New York, Inc." and mail it to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check itself. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Con Edison's processing center, so send your check at least 10 days before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Con Edison's mailing address is usually listed on the back of your bill or in the payment section. Do not send cash through the mail. If you lose track of which address to use, call 1-800-752-6633 or check conedison.com for the current mailing address — it can change.

Keep a copy of your cancelled check or a photo of the check number and amount for your records. If Con Edison says they did not receive your payment, you will need proof you sent it. Some banks let you photograph checks before mailing, which creates a record without waiting for the bank statement.

In-person payment locations and hours

Con Edison operates payment centers in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Westchester, with hours that vary by location. Most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some have Saturday hours. You can also pay at authorized retailers including Duane Reade, Best Buy, and some grocery stores — these locations accept cash, check, or card and process the payment the same day.

To find the nearest location, go to conedison.com and search "payment centers" or call 1-800-752-6633. In-person payments avoid online and phone fees, but you need to go during business hours and bring your account number or bill. Retailer locations may charge a small fee (usually $1 to $2) for processing, so ask before you pay.

Late fees, disconnection, and what happens if you miss a due date

Con Edison adds a late fee 18 days after your due date. The fee is usually 1.5% of your bill amount, with a minimum of $5. If you pay after the late fee is added, you owe both the bill and the fee. Disconnection notices typically arrive 30 to 45 days after the due date, giving you time to pay before service is shut off.

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Con Edison when ready to discuss a payment plan. They offer plans that spread the balance over several months, which stops the disconnection process while you catch up. Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one by phone (1-800-752-6633) or through your online account.

If your service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee (typically $50 to $100) on top of your bill balance. Reconnection usually takes 1 to 3 business days after payment is received. Avoiding disconnection is much cheaper than paying to reconnect, so contact Con Edison as soon as you know you will be late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Con Edison charge a fee for paying online?

No fee if you pay from a bank account. Debit card payments cost $2.50. Phone payments through the automated system are free; speaking to a representative costs $3.95. In-person payments at Con Edison offices are free, though some authorized retailers charge $1 to $2.

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

Online and phone payments post the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person payments show up the same day. Check your account online to confirm the payment was received.

Can I set up automatic payments so I never miss a due date?

Yes, through conedison.com. Log in, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." You choose the date each month and the amount. You can change or cancel anytime, and the payment is free if it comes from a bank account.

What should I do if Con Edison says they never received my mailed check?

Contact Con Edison with your check number, amount, and the date you mailed it. If the check cleared your bank, show them the cancelled check or bank statement as proof. Con Edison can research whether the payment was processed under a different account or lost in the mail.

Can I negotiate a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?

Yes. Call 1-800-752-6633 or log into your account online and request a payment plan. Con Edison typically offers plans that spread the balance over 2 to 12 months. A plan stops disconnection notices while you catch up, but you must stay current on new monthly charges.