PECO's online bill pay system lets you pay from your bank account or debit card without calling or mailing a check
PECO's website bill pay tool is the fastest way to settle your electric or gas bill. You log in to your PECO account, enter your payment amount and method, and the money moves within one to two business days. You can also set up automatic payments so the bill comes out on the same date each month — this stops late fees and means you never have to remember to pay.
The system works whether you pay the full balance or a partial amount. If you're short on cash one month, you can pay what you can now and the rest later. PECO will not shut off service immediately for a single missed payment, but late fees start accruing after your due date, and service disconnection becomes possible if you fall 30 days behind.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay online at peco.com using a bank account, debit card, or credit card, and the payment posts within one to two business days.
- Setting up automatic payments prevents late fees and takes less than five minutes if you have your bank routing and account numbers ready.
- Partial payments are allowed, so you can pay part of your bill now and the rest when you have the funds.
- Late fees begin the day after your due date, and PECO can disconnect service if you fall 30 days behind on payment.
- If you cannot pay your full bill, contact PECO about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Steps to pay your PECO bill online right now
Go to peco.com and click the "Pay My Bill" button at the top of the page. You'll be asked to log in with your account number and password. If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the zip code on your bill.
Once logged in, you'll see your current balance and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay — it can be the full balance or any amount less than that. Choose your payment method: bank account (which takes one to two business days and has no fee), debit card (also one to two business days, no fee), or credit card (one to two business days, but PECO charges a 2.5% processing fee). Enter the payment details and confirm. You'll get a confirmation number immediately, and PECO will send you a receipt by email.
The payment will not show as posted to your account until one to two business days have passed. During that time, your bill is still technically due, so don't wait until the last day to pay if you want to avoid a late fee. If your due date is tomorrow and you pay today by bank account or debit card, the payment may not post in time.
Setting up automatic payments so you never miss a due date
Automatic payments are the easiest way to stay current. Log in to your PECO account, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." Choose your payment method (bank account or debit card — credit cards are not available for autopay). Enter the payment amount: you can choose to pay your full bill each month, a fixed dollar amount, or a percentage of the bill.
Pick the date you want the payment to come out each month. Most people choose a date shortly after they get paid or after their paycheck hits their bank account. PECO will deduct the payment automatically on that date every month until you cancel. You can change or cancel autopay anytime by logging back into your account.
Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee. If you use a debit card, there is no fee either. This is different from paying by credit card online, which carries a 2.5% fee. Many people set autopay to their bank account and forget about it — this is the cheapest and most reliable option.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you're short on money, contact PECO before your account falls behind. Call 1-800-494-4000 or use the chat feature on peco.com. PECO offers payment plans that let you spread your balance over several months. The plan length depends on how much you owe, but typically ranges from two to six months.
PECO also has hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, waive late fees, or give you more time to pay. You'll need to provide proof of hardship — usually recent pay stubs, a termination letter, or proof of reduced income. The programs vary by situation, so ask what documents PECO needs before you reach out.
If you're over 60, disabled, or a veteran, you may be may be able to access for additional bill assistance through PECO's Customer Assistance Program (CAP). This program reduces your monthly bill based on your household income. You can ask about CAP when you call about a payment plan, or visit peco.com and search for "Customer Assistance Program" to learn the income limits for your household size.
Understanding PECO's payment deadlines and late fees
Your due date appears on your bill. If you pay by the due date, you avoid late fees. Late fees begin the day after your due date and are typically around 1.5% of your unpaid balance per month. These fees add up quickly, so a $200 bill that's 60 days late can cost an extra $6 in fees alone.
PECO will not disconnect your service for a single missed payment. However, if your account is 30 days past due, PECO can send a disconnection notice. If you reach 60 days past due, service disconnection can happen. Once disconnected, you'll owe a reconnection fee (usually $50 to $100) in addition to your unpaid balance before service is restored.
If you see a disconnection notice on your bill or receive one in the mail, contact PECO immediately. Even if you can't pay the full amount, setting up a payment plan stops the disconnection process. PECO must give you at least 10 days' notice before disconnecting, so you have time to act.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fee | Available For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank account (ACH) | 1–2 business days | None | One-time and automatic payments |
| Debit card | 1–2 business days | None | One-time and automatic payments |
| Credit card | 1–2 business days | 2.5% | One-time payments only |
| Phone (automated) | Same day | None | One-time payments only |
| Mail (check) | 5–7 business days | None | One-time payments only |
The fastest way to pay is by phone using PECO's automated system: call 1-800-494-4000 and follow the prompts. Your payment posts the same day. Mailed checks take the longest — PECO may not receive and post your check for five to seven business days, so mail early if you're close to your due date.
If you prefer not to use the website or phone, you can also pay in person at a PECO payment center or through authorized payment locations. Check peco.com for the nearest location to you. In-person payments typically post the same day or the next business day.
Common mistakes that cost you money
Paying by credit card when you don't have to. The 2.5% fee adds up. On a $150 bill, that's $3.75 extra. Over a year, that's $45 you could have saved by using your bank account or debit card instead. Use a credit card only if you're earning rewards that exceed the fee.
Waiting until the due date to pay online. If your due date is Friday and you pay Friday morning, the payment won't post until Monday or Tuesday. You'll be late and owe a late fee. Pay by Wednesday at the latest if your due date is Friday, or use the phone system for same-day posting.
Not setting up autopay and then forgetting to pay. One missed payment triggers late fees and starts the clock toward disconnection. Autopay removes this risk entirely. Even if you prefer to pay manually, set a phone reminder for three days before your due date.
Ignoring a disconnection notice. If you receive one, call PECO immediately. You have options — payment plans, hardship programs, or even a few extra days to pay. Waiting until service is cut off costs you a reconnection fee and the hassle of getting service restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PECO bill without creating an online account?
Yes. Call PECO's automated payment line at 1-800-494-4000 and follow the prompts to pay by phone. You'll need your account number and a bank account or debit card. You can also mail a check to the address on your bill. Online account creation takes two minutes, though, and gives you access to your bill history and payment records.
What happens if I pay late by one day?
Late fees begin the day after your due date. A one-day late payment will trigger a late fee, usually around 1.5% of your unpaid balance. The fee is small on a single day, but it adds up if you're consistently late. There is no grace period — the due date is firm.
Can I set up autopay for a partial amount instead of my full bill?
Yes. When you set up automatic payments, you can choose a fixed dollar amount rather than the full bill. For example, you could set autopay to $100 per month and pay the rest manually when you have the funds. This works if your bills vary month to month and you want a predictable automatic payment.
Is there a fee for setting up automatic payments?
No. Automatic payments from a bank account or debit card have no fee. You only pay a fee if you use a credit card for a one-time payment (2.5%). Autopay is the cheapest and most reliable payment method PECO offers.
What should I do if I think there's an error on my bill?
Contact PECO before you pay. Call 1-800-494-4000 or use the chat on peco.com to dispute the charge. PECO will investigate, and if there is an error, they'll correct it and adjust your bill. Don't withhold payment entirely — pay what you believe you owe and explain the dispute. This keeps your account in good standing while the issue is resolved.