Paying Your PECO Bill In Person: Locations, Fees, and Tips

For Philadelphia-area residents, PECO is the main provider of electric and gas utility services. While online or phone payments are popular options, some PECO customers may prefer to pay their bill in person. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to pay your PECO bill in person, including locations, fees, and tips to streamline the process.

Why Pay In Person?

There are a few key reasons why paying your PECO bill in person can be advantageous:

• Immediate payment processing – By paying at an authorized location, your payment is processed right away, reducing risk of late fees.

• Personal service – You can get help from a representative if you have bill questions.

• Get receipts – Most locations provide instant printed receipts for payment confirmation

• Avoid online fees – Some customers prefer to avoid online convenience fees.

• Prefer cash payments – Paying in cash isn’t an option for online payments.

While online payments are convenient, for some the benefits of paying in person outweigh the extra effort of visiting a physical location.

Where To Pay Your PECO Bill In Person

PECO has over 350 authorized walk-in payment locations across southeastern Pennsylvania. These include retailer customer service desks, grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, check cashing locations, and more.

Some of the major retail chains that accept PECO bill payments include:

• Walmart
• Costco
• Dollar General
• CVS
• Rite Aid
• 7-Eleven
• Acme
• Giant Food Stores

To find a payment location near you use the PECO payment location finder and enter your zip code. It provides addresses, hours and payment methods for nearby in-person payment options.

You can also pay your bill at PECO Customer Service Centers which are located in:

• Philadelphia
• Norristown
• Willow Grove
• Chester
• Jenkintown
• Lansdowne
• Upper Darby
• Media
• Springfield

Visit during customer service hours with your PECO bill.

What To Bring To Pay Your PECO Bill

Be sure to bring the following when visiting a location to pay your PECO bill in person:

• PECO bill – Have your most recent bill which shows your account number and amount due.

• Payment method – Have cash, check, money order, or card ready. Most locations accept all payment types.

• ID – Some locations may ask to see a valid photo ID for account verification.

• Account number – If paying without your bill, know your PECO account number to provide.

• Payment stub – Detach and bring the payment stub from your bill for easier processing.

Having these items will ensure the payment process goes smoothly and quickly.

PECO In-Person Payment Fees

One downside of paying your PECO bill in person is that you will incur a service fee, typically $1.50 per transaction. Online payments through PECO directly do not have fees.

However, paying in person with cash allows you to avoid credit/debit card processing fees that apply for online payments. Overall, the in-person service fee is minimal compared to late payment penalties.

Tips for Paying Your PECO Bill In Person

Follow these tips for the easiest experience when paying your PECO utility bill in person:

• Pay early – Don’t wait until your due date, as locations may have long lines or reduced hours.

• Check hours – Verify what time the location opens and closes to avoid a wasted trip.

• Have payment ready – Don’t waste time digging through your wallet at checkout.

• Confirm amount – Have the agent verify the payment amount before processing.

• Get a receipt – Keep your receipt as proof of payment in case issues arise.

• Pick a convenient location – Find a payment center near your home or work if possible.

• Know fees ahead of time – Check if the location has any special payment fees to be prepared.

• Set reminders – Mark your calendar so you remember to pay on time each billing cycle.

• Prepare all documentation – Make sure you have your bill, ID, and payment method ready to go.

Payment Assistance Programs

For low-income PECO customers struggling to pay their energy bills, payment assistance programs are available, including:

• CARES – Provides bill discounts and debt forgiveness for qualifying customers.

• LIHEAP – Offers federal heating bill grants based on household income.

• Matching Energy Fund – PECO matches customer donations to assist families in need.

• Budget billing – Lets you spread payments evenly over the year.

Contact PECO to discuss bill payment assistance if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Can You Pay Another Person’s PECO Bill?

Yes, you are able to pay someone else’s PECO bill in person as long as you have the account number and amount due. The account holder’s name on the account does not need to match your ID.

To pay another person’s PECO bill in person:

• Have the account holder provide you with their PECO account number.

• Visit an authorized PECO payment location.

• Provide the account number and payment amount to the agent.

• Make the payment under your name with cash, check, money order or card.

• Get a receipt documenting the account number paid.

• Provide the payment receipt to the account holder for their records.

This allows you to easily pay the PECO bill for someone else, like an elderly parent, as a gift or favor.

Can You Pay Your PECO Bill at the PECO Office?

Unfortunately direct walk-in bill payments at PECO offices are no longer accepted. Instead, PECO redirects customers to authorized third-party payment locations nearby where you can pay your PECO bill conveniently in person.

PECO cites increased security and accessibility for customers as reasons for moving to third-party in-person payment processing. You can still perform other account activities like establishing service, submitting documentation, and managing your account at PECO offices.

In Summary

Paying your PECO utility bill in person is a quick and easy option for customers who prefer face-to-face service. With hundreds of authorized payment locations across the PECO service region, you can find one near your home or work. Be sure to bring your bill, ID, and payment method. Service fees apply, but you get the benefit of immediate payment processing and personal assistance. Consider payment assistance programs if you are struggling with energy bills. Follow these tips for a smooth experience paying your PECO bill in person.