Call PECO's automated system or speak to a representative to pay your bill over the phone
PECO lets you pay your electric or gas bill by phone using either an automated system or a live representative. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a payment method ready — a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The automated system is available 24/7, while the phone line with a representative operates during business hours.
Payments made by phone are typically processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, usually in the late afternoon. If you call after hours or on a weekend, your payment will process on the next business day. PECO does not charge a fee for phone payments, though your bank or card issuer might charge a fee depending on your account type.
Key Takeaways
- Call PECO's automated payment line at 1-800-494-4000 to pay 24/7 without waiting for a representative.
- Have your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information ready before you call.
- Same-day processing happens only if you pay before the afternoon cutoff; calls after hours process the next business day.
- PECO does not charge a fee for phone payments, but your bank or card issuer may charge their own fee.
- If you need help understanding your bill or have questions about your account, ask to speak with a representative during business hours.
What you need before you call
Gather three things before dialing: your PECO account number, your payment amount, and your payment method. Your account number appears on your bill in the upper right corner or on any PECO correspondence. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information (routing number and account number).
Know how much you want to pay. You can pay your full bill balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. If you're not sure what you owe, check your most recent bill or log into your PECO account online before calling.
The automated payment line: 1-800-494-4000
PECO's automated system answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, follow the voice prompts to enter your account number and select your payment method. The system will confirm the amount you're paying and the date it will process. You'll receive a confirmation number at the end of the call — write it down or note it in your records.
The automated line is fastest if you know your account number and have your payment method ready. The entire process usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. If the system cannot process your payment for any reason, it will tell you why and direct you to call a representative during business hours.
Speaking with a PECO representative by phone
Call 1-800-494-4000 during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday) to speak with a representative. A representative can help if you want to discuss your bill, set up a payment plan, or have questions about your account before paying. They can also process your payment while you're on the line.
Wait times vary depending on call volume. If you reach a long queue, you can hang up and try the automated system instead, or call back at a less busy time. Representatives can also help if you need to make a payment arrangement or discuss a past-due balance.
When your payment will show up in your account
Payments made before the afternoon cutoff (usually around 4 p.m. on business days) process the same day. Payments made after the cutoff or on weekends and holidays process on the next business day. PECO typically applies the payment to your account within 1 to 2 business days after processing.
If you're paying a bill that's due soon, call early in the day to ensure same-day processing. If you're paying a past-due balance and want to avoid a service interruption, ask the representative what time the cutoff is and whether your payment will arrive in time.
Fees and what they cover
PECO does not charge a fee for paying by phone. However, your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for using a debit or credit card to pay a utility bill. Some banks charge a flat fee (typically $1 to $3), while others charge a percentage of the transaction. Check with your bank before you call if you're concerned about fees.
If you pay from a bank account using your routing and account number, most banks do not charge a fee for this type of payment. This method is often the cheapest option if you want to avoid card fees.
What to do if your payment doesn't go through
If the automated system rejects your payment, it will tell you why — usually because the account number doesn't match, the payment method information is incorrect, or there's a temporary issue with the payment system. Write down the error message and call back, or call a representative during business hours to troubleshoot.
If you believe your payment was processed but doesn't show on your account after 2 business days, call PECO to confirm. Have your confirmation number ready. A representative can look up the payment in the system and tell you when it will appear on your bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PECO bill by phone if I'm behind on payments?
Yes. You can pay any amount by phone, whether it's your current bill or a past-due balance. If you owe a large past-due amount, ask the representative about a payment plan — PECO may let you spread the balance over several months instead of paying it all at once.
What's the difference between the automated system and calling a representative?
The automated system is faster and available 24/7, but it only processes payments. A representative can answer questions about your bill, discuss payment plans, or help if something goes wrong. Use the automated system if you just want to pay quickly; call a representative if you need to discuss your account.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date by phone?
Yes. Both the automated system and representatives can set up a payment for a specific future date. This is useful if you want to pay on payday or when you know funds will be available. The payment will process on the date you choose.
Is it safe to give my bank account number over the phone?
PECO's automated system and phone line are secure. Your information is encrypted, and PECO only uses it to process your payment. If you're uncomfortable giving your bank account number, use a debit or credit card instead.
What if I need a receipt for my payment?
The automated system gives you a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write it down — this serves as your receipt. If you speak with a representative, ask them to email or mail a receipt, or note the confirmation number they provide. You can also log into your PECO account online to see a record of all payments.