The Commonwealth Edison Company is the largest electric utility in Illinois and is a subsidiary of the Chicago-based Exelon Corporation. The Exelon company has over 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd has more than 4 million customers in northern Illinois, and their service territory is between Iroquois County, the Wisconsin border, Iowa border, and the Indiana border. Hereâs how ComEdâs payment system works, along with everything you need to know about their electric rates.byAmanda SmithPosted December 11, 20228m Read
Paying your electric bill on time is crucial to avoid service interruptions. Comed offers various convenient payment options to over 4 million customers in Northern Illinois. With multiple online and in-person locations, paying your Comed bill can be quick and easy. This comprehensive guide will outline the most popular places to pay your Comed bill.
Online Bill Pay
The easiest way to pay your Comed bill is online through their website. You can either log into your account or make a one-time guest payment.
To pay online, go to https //securecomedcom/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/PayOnline.aspx and follow the instructions. You’ll need your account number and last name or phone number on file.
You can use a checking/savings account, credit card, or debit card to pay online. Payments made before 5 PM will be processed the same day.
The benefits of paying online include:
- Convenience – Pay anytime from your computer or mobile device
- Security – Payment page is encrypted for safety
- Payment History – Review up to 24 months of bill payment history
- Paperless – Go paperless by enrolling in eBill
Paying online is the fastest way to ensure your payment gets credited to your account. It also saves you a trip to a payment location.
In-Person Payment Locations
If you prefer to pay your bill in-person, Comed has over 200 authorized payment locations in their service territory These locations allow you to pay by cash, check, credit/debit cards and get same-day credit to your account.
The two main types of in-person payment locations are:
Comed Authorized Payment Agents
- Over 195 locations like currency exchanges and pharmacies
- $2.00 processing fee per transaction
- Post payments to your Comed account within 1 hour
- Start or transfer service (VeriD agents only)
You can find a map of Authorized Payment Agents near you at https://secure.comed.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/Payinperson.aspx. Simply enter your zip code to see the closest locations.
Retail Partner Payment Locations
- Over 580 retail locations like Walmart, Kroger, CVS, 7-Eleven
- Fees vary, typically around $1.99 per transaction
- Posting times vary, typically within 24 hours
You can find a map of retail partners at https://www.comed.com/MyAccount/MyBillUsage/Pages/Payinperson.aspx. These locations offer added convenience but have more variable processing times.
The benefit of paying in-person is you get same-day credit to your account to avoid late fees or service interruption. It also allows you to use cash if needed. The downside is the extra time and potential fees.
Pay by Phone
In addition to online and in-person, you can pay your Comed bill over the automated phone system. To pay by phone, call 1-800-334-7661 and select the “Pay By Phone” option.
You’ll need to enter your 10-digit account number and ZIP code. Then you can pay by credit/debit card or electronic check. Payments made before 5 PM will be processed the same calendar day.
The main benefits of paying by phone include:
- Convenience – Available 24/7
- Speed – Takes 5-10 minutes
- Payment Options – Use credit/debit cards and checking accounts
The phone system is quick and available anytime. However, you will have to navigate through menus to make a payment. Online and in-person locations are more direct.
Pay by Mail
Paying by mail is the most traditional method of paying your Comed bill. Simply write a check or money order payable to ComEd and mail it using the return envelope provided with your monthly bill.
Payments must be received before the due date to avoid late fees. Allow 7-10 days for delivery and processing. Do not mail cash payments.
The mailing address for payments is:
ComEd
P.O. Box 6111
Carol Stream, IL 60197-6111
The benefit of paying by mail is you can use a paper check or money order. The drawback is the processing time, so make sure to mail your payment 1-2 weeks before the due date.
Comed Mobile App
In addition to their website, Comed offers a free mobile app for iOS and Android. You can download the app to your smartphone or tablet to manage payments and your account on-the-go.
Through the app, you can:
- Pay your bill immediately
- View billing history
- Monitor energy usage
- Report outages
- Access payment plans
The Comed Mobile App provides another quick and convenient way to pay your bill or monitor your account. Download it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Payment Arrangements
If you’re having trouble paying your entire balance, Comed offers payment arrangements or extensions. These plans allow you to pay past due amounts over an agreed timeframe.
Some of the options include:
- Deferred Payment Arrangement – Pay past due balance over 2-12 installments
- Due Date Extension – Move your due date back several days
- Budget Billing – Pay equal monthly payments to even out seasonal changes
You’ll need to meet eligibility criteria based on your account standing and history. To enroll, call 1-800-334-7661 or login online and view the “Billing & Payments” section. This can help avoid disconnection if you’re struggling to pay the full amount.
Financial Assistance Programs
For low-income customers, Comed partners with local community organizations to offer financial assistance. These programs can help pay past due balances or a portion of your monthly bill.
Some of the assistance programs include:
- LIHEAP – Federally funded financial assistance
- Bill Payment Assistance – Up to $500 per year based on income
- Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) – Reduced bill based on percentage of income
- Residential Special Hardship – Grants to help avoid disconnection
You’ll need to meet income eligibility criteria for these programs. To learn more and apply, call 1-888-806-2273 or visit a local community agency. This can provide much-needed relief if you’re facing financial hardship.
Avoid Late Fees
To avoid late payment fees, make sure your bill payment is received before the due date each month. Comed charges a 1.5% late fee on unpaid balances after the due date.
You can reference the due date on your monthly paper or eBill. If mailing payments, allow 7-10 days for delivery to ensure it arrives on time.
Setting up automatic payments or recurring reminders can help prevent late fees. You want to maintain a good payment history and avoid penalties.
Service Disconnection
If your account becomes past due, Comed may disconnect your electric service. To avoid disconnection, you must pay the total past due amount or set up a payment arrangement.
Disconnections don’t occur on weekends, holidays, or extreme weather days. If you’re struggling to pay, call Comed as soon as possible to discuss arrangements.
Getting disconnected can disrupt your daily routine and result in added fees. Maintaining good communication and exploring assistance programs is key to avoiding service interruptions.
Switching to a Retail Supplier
In addition to paying your delivery bill to Comed, you can choose an alternative Retail Electric Supplier (RES) for your power supply. Comparing rates and plans from RES companies can potentially lower your overall electric bill.
When reviewing offers, compare the RES rate to Comed’s Price to Compare rate. Use Comed’s eligibility list to find certified RES companies in your area.
Switching electric suppliers does not impact your Comed bill payment. You’ll still receive one monthly bill from Comed, regardless of your energy supplier.
Summary
- Pay online for fastest processing and convenience
- Use the Comed mobile app to pay on-the-go
- Find authorized payment locations to pay in cash
- Call to pay over the automated phone system
- Allow 1-2 weeks when mailing paper checks
- Avoid late fees and disconnection with on-time payments
- Seek payment assistance if facing financial hardship
- Consider switching to an alternative retail supplier to potentially save
Paying your Comed bill on time leads to uninterrupted service. Using their various online, phone, and in-person options makes the process quick and hassle-free. Reach out for help early if you anticipate payment issues. Consistent on-time payments can help build a good relationship with your electric utility.
How to Lower Your ComEd Bill
All ComEd customers are free to choose their retail electric suppliers. You can compare the rates and plans offered by certified RESs with the Price to Compare and make an informed decision. You can find the RES list here.
To make your life easier, you can use Arborâs free TrueRate Protection to check if youâre getting the best rate against the Price to Compare.
Arbor scans the market and gives you the best rates you can get in your service area with ComEd. When your term is expiring, Arbor finds the best rate and switches you again. You always pay the best rate and never have to worry about overpaying for electricity ever again.
You can use the free savings calculator to find out how much you could save in each case. Electricity payments can be complicated, thats why a lot of people trust Arbor to manage their electricity service, so they end up saving on their energy bills.
To reduce your bill further, you can opt for energy efficiency programs that offer rebates and discounts as incentives. You can learn more about ways to save here.
To set up your ComEd account, you need to register on ComEdâs website.
Follow these steps to set up your new account.
- Go to this link to start the registration process.
- Choose what kind of account you have. For a residential and business account, go here directly.
- Enter your primary phone number thatâs associated with your account, along with the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
- Start entering your information, such as your full name, email address, password, and security questions, among other things.
- Verify the information and link your ComEd account.
- You will receive an email confirmation for the account creation shortly after.
You can log in using your email here.
Commonwealth Edison Company Bill Payment
The Commonwealth Edison Company is the largest electric utility in Illinois and is a subsidiary of the Chicago-based Exelon Corporation. The Exelon company has over 10 million electricity and natural gas customers. ComEd has more than 4 million customers in northern Illinois, and their service territory is between Iroquois County, the Wisconsin border, Iowa border, and the Indiana border. Hereâs how ComEdâs payment system works, along with everything you need to know about their electric rates.byAmanda SmithPosted December 11, 20228m Read
Arbor is a free service that lowers your ComEd rate with no changes to your billing or service.
ComEd Bill Financial Assistance & PIPP
FAQ
Does ComEd accept credit card payments?
Where does ComEd service?
Why is my ComEd bill so high in 2024?
Where can I pay my ComEd Bill?
For your convenience, you can pay your ComEd bill at many authorized payment locations across our service territory. To find a location near you, please enter your Zip Code below. VerId Customers can start electric service at a location in their name*.
What payment plans does ComEd offer?
ComEd has several payment plan options for different customers. Here are three payment programs they currently offer. Budget Billing: Budget Billing helps you avoid seasonal fluctuations by paying the same bill amount each month throughout the year.
Where can I find information on ComEd payment assistance?
For information on ComEd’s payment assistance options and eligibility requirements, visit ComEd.com/PaymentAssistance. ComEd also offers usage alerts and energy-management tips at ComEd.com/OnlineTools.
How do I pay my ComEd bill early?
Each bill must be paid in full each month. To pay off the remainder of your balance earlier than the due date, you need to contact a ComEd Customer Service Representative. If you are on the Deferred Payment Arrangement Plan, failing to pay in full could result in collection actions.
How do I set up a ComEd account?
To set up your ComEd account, you need to register on ComEd’s website. Follow these steps to set up your new account. Go to this link to start the registration process. Choose what kind of account you have. For a residential and business account, go here directly.
Where can I download the COMED app?
You can download the app on the iOS or Google Play Store. All ComEd customers are free to choose their retail electric suppliers. You can compare the rates and plans offered by certified RESs with the Price to Compare and make an informed decision. You can find the RES list here.
