Where to pay your Atlantic City Electric bill
Atlantic City Electric (part of Exelon) gives you several ways to pay your bill each month. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you prefer to handle it yourself or set up automatic payments.
The fastest way is online through the Atlantic City Electric website — payments typically post within one business day. If you pay by phone, call their customer service line and have your account number ready. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send them early if your bill is due soon. In-person payment centers are located in Atlantic City and surrounding areas; you can find the nearest one on their website.
Key Takeaways
- Online and phone payments post within one business day, while mail payments take 7 to 10 days, so choose based on when your due date falls.
- You can set up automatic payments from a bank account or debit card to avoid missing a due date.
- Atlantic City Electric offers budget billing, which spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments so your bill does not spike in winter or summer.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact Atlantic City Electric before the due date to ask about payment plans or hardship programs.
- Late payments trigger a reconnection fee and may result in service disconnection after 30 days of non-payment.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You authorize Atlantic City Electric to withdraw money from your bank account or debit card on a date you choose — usually the due date or a few days before. Once set up, the payment happens without you having to log in or call each month.
To enroll, log into your Atlantic City Electric account online or call customer service. You will need your bank account number and routing number, or your debit card number. You can change the payment date or amount at any time, and you can cancel automatic payments if your situation changes. Keep your bank information current so payments do not fail.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If payment does not arrive by that date, Atlantic City Electric charges a late fee — the amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. After 30 days of non-payment, the utility may disconnect your service.
If you know you will miss the due date, contact Atlantic City Electric before that date arrives. They may offer a short extension or a payment plan that lets you split the amount over two or more months. Waiting until after disconnection is more expensive because you will owe a reconnection fee on top of your bill and any late charges.
Budget billing and equal monthly payments
Atlantic City Electric offers budget billing, which calculates an average monthly payment based on your annual usage. Instead of paying more in winter (when heating costs rise) and less in summer, you pay roughly the same amount each month. This makes budgeting easier and prevents bill shock.
Budget billing works by averaging your usage over the past 12 months. Your payment may go up or down once a year when Atlantic City Electric recalculates the average. If you use significantly more or less energy than expected, the utility adjusts your payment to match. You can enroll in budget billing through your online account or by calling customer service.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you face a hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or unexpected expense — contact Atlantic City Electric before your bill is due. The utility has programs for customers who cannot pay in full. These include extended payment plans, bill discounts for low-income households, and crisis assistance in some cases.
To explore these options, call Atlantic City Electric's customer service line and explain your situation. They will ask about your household income and may direct you to local assistance programs. New Jersey also runs the Universal Service Fund, which helps low-income households with energy costs. You can find local resources through 211.org or by calling 2-1-1 from any phone.
Reading your bill and checking for errors
Your Atlantic City Electric bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, and the amount due. The main charges are for electricity usage (measured in kilowatt-hours), delivery fees, and taxes. Some bills also show credits for solar panels or other programs you participate in.
Check that the service address matches where you live and that the meter reading makes sense compared to previous months. If usage spikes unexpectedly, it may signal a problem — a faulty appliance, a leak in your home, or an error in the meter reading. If you spot an error, contact Atlantic City Electric within 30 days of receiving the bill. The utility will investigate and adjust your account if the error is confirmed.
Payment methods and fees
Atlantic City Electric does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made through their official website or customer service line. However, third-party payment processors (like some bill-pay apps) may charge a convenience fee. Always pay through Atlantic City Electric directly to avoid these extra charges.
If you use a credit card to pay, some card issuers treat utility payments as cash advances and charge interest immediately. Check with your card company before paying with credit. Debit cards and bank transfers do not carry this risk. Mail payments should be sent to the address shown on your bill, and include your account number on the check or money order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it may take until the next business day. Check your account online to confirm the payment has been received.
What happens if I miss my due date?
Atlantic City Electric charges a late fee and may send a disconnection notice if payment is not received within 30 days. Contact the utility immediately if you miss the due date — they may offer a payment plan or extension before service is shut off.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, but check with your credit card company first. Some cards treat utility payments as cash advances and charge interest right away. Debit cards and bank transfers avoid this issue.
Is budget billing worth it if I use a lot of energy in summer?
Budget billing works best if your usage is fairly consistent year-round. If you use much more energy in summer than winter (or vice versa), the average payment may not match your actual costs, and you could owe a balance at the end of the year. Ask Atlantic City Electric to show you a sample budget billing amount before you enroll.
Where do I find my account number to pay by phone?
Your account number appears on your bill, usually near the top. You can also find it in your online account. Have it ready when you call customer service so the payment can be processed quickly.