How to Pay My Electric Bill Near Me

Paying your monthly electric bill is an essential task for every household and business. With many electric providers available, you may be wondering what the easiest and most convenient ways are to pay your electric bill in your area. Here are some tips on how to pay your electric bill quickly and easily, no matter which electric company services your home or business.

Check Your Electric Company’s Website

Most electric companies today offer online account access and bill pay options on their websites. Check your electric provider’s website for the fastest way to pay.

For example, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power allows customers to pay their electric bill online through their account dashboard. You can make one-time payments or set up recurring automatic payments They also offer a pay-by-phone option and have numerous customer service centers located throughout the LA area to pay in person

Southern California Edison also allows online and phone payments. You can even text “PAY” to 79616 on your mobile device to make quick payments. They have many local payment kiosks as well for fast in-person payments.

The City of Roseville in California allows online bill pay through their Customer Self Service portal without needing to log in. You can also use their automated phone system, drop boxes around town, or visit their customer care center.

So check your electric company’s website first for the easiest online or phone payment options Most will have a way to quickly pay on their site without needing to mail in checks or visit a local office

Enroll in Autopay

Most electric companies make paying your bill even easier by offering autopay options.

When you enroll in autopay, also called automatic payments, your electric bill is paid automatically each month on the due date via direct debit from your bank account. This ensures your bill is paid on time without needing to remember when it’s due or take action to pay each month.

For example, SCE allows both residential and business customers to enroll in autopay LADWP offers an Automatic Payment Plan that debits your account 10 days after the bills are issued

Enrolling directly through your electric provider’s website is typically the easiest way to set up autopay. You’ll need to provide your bank account information and authorize the automatic payments each month.

Autopay gives you peace of mind knowing your electric bill is always paid on time. It’s one less thing to remember each month.

Use Third-Party Bill Pay Apps

In addition to your electric company’s website, you can also leverage third-party bill pay apps and services to pay your electric bill. Apps like Doxo, Prism, and Checkbook allow you to pay bills from multiple providers in one place.

These services store your account and payment information securely, then allow you to schedule one-time or recurring payments to your electric company and other bill providers. This gives you a centralized dashboard for all your bills.

For example, with Doxo you can add your electric account, set up autopay, receive reminders when bills are due, and make same day payments if needed. Apps like these make managing bills quick and simple.

Pay at Authorized Payment Centers

If you prefer paying your electric bill in cash or need to pay in person, most electric companies have authorized payment centers you can visit. These are usually located at grocery stores, check cashing locations, or other retail outlets in your area.

For instance, SCE has hundreds of authorized payment locations throughout Southern California. You can pay your SCE bill at CVS, Ralphs, Vons, and many other local retailers near you that accept payments.

LADWP also has numerous customer service centers located around LA to pay in person.

So if you want to pay with cash or talk to someone in person, search for authorized payment centers in your area to quickly pay your electric bill locally.

Use a Money Transfer App

Money transfer apps like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp and others allow you to easily and instantly send money from your bank account to businesses and individuals. More electric companies are starting to offer payment options using these convenient apps.

For example, LADWP accepts Zelle payments for customers’ utility bills. You would need your LADWP account number and service address zip code to identify the proper recipient for payment.

While not all electric companies accept money transfers yet, more may add this option soon given the popularity and convenience of money apps.

So check your electric provider’s website or call their customer service to see if money transfer apps are a payment option. It’s a fast and easy way to instantly pay your bill.

Pay by Phone

Even if you don’t have online account access, most electric companies allow payments over the phone. You can call their customer service line and make a payment by providing your account number, address, and payment details.

For example, Roseville Electric Utility in California allows both residential and commercial customers to make payments 24/7 via their automated phone system.

LADWP also has a toll-free payment line you can call anytime to make quick payments.

Pay-by-phone is convenient if you don’t have online account access or need to make a last minute payment before the due date. Just call the customer service number on your electric bill to make quick phone payments.

Mail In Your Payment

If you prefer to pay bills through the mail, most electric companies still offer traditional mail-in payment options.

You’ll need to mail your check or money order along with your payment stub to the address listed on your electric bill. Be sure to allow enough time for your mailed payment to arrive before the due date to avoid any late fees.

While not as fast as online or phone payments, sending your payment through the mail is still an option if needed. Just be aware it takes longer to process and you’ll want to mail it at least 7-10 days before your due date.

Set Up Payment Plans or Extensions

If you’re struggling to pay your electric bill on time, most providers offer payment plans or extensions to spread out payments over time. This helps avoid service interruptions and gives you breathing room when money is tight.

For instance, LADWP allows customers to arrange a payment plan before a bill becomes delinquent. Options include paying over 6-12 months with 10-25% down initially.

SCE also works with customers to set up payment arrangements if you’re having difficulty paying on time.

Contact your electric company before your bill is due to discuss payment plan options. This can help you get back on track gradually without jeopardizing your electrical service.

Use Financial Assistance Programs

Some electric companies offer financial assistance programs and discounted rates if you meet certain income requirements. These can help lower your monthly electric costs and keep service affordable.

LADWP offers discounted rates to seniors, disabled, and low income customers who qualify. They also have one-time bill assistance, medical credits, and more.

SCE has programs like CARE and FERA that provide 30-35% discounts on electric bills for eligible households.

Check your electric provider’s website or speak with a customer service agent about possible financial assistance if you’re struggling with higher electric bills. There are programs that may subsidize costs to help manage your payments.

Compare Electric Providers in Your Area

If your current electric company’s rates seem too expensive, you may want to compare other providers in your area. Depending on where you live and your energy usage, you may be able to switch to an electric company with cheaper rates.

Online sites like Choose Energy and ElectricRate make it easy to compare electric plans and companies. Enter your zip code to see different rate options and potential savings from switching providers.

Just keep in mind there may be fees or commitments associated with switching electric companies. But comparing rates at least allows you to see if there are more affordable electric providers near you.

Summary

Paying your electric bill quickly and easily each month is important to keep service running smoothly. Leverage your electric provider’s website, enroll in autopay discounts, use payment apps and money transfers, take advantage of payment assistance, or compare electric companies in your area.

With all the payment options available today, you can choose the most convenient method for your needs and lifestyle. Do your research to ensure paying your electric bill each month is fast, affordable, and hassle-free.