Where to pay your South Carolina gas and electric bill
You can pay your bill through your utility company's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
Most South Carolina utilities — including Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and SCEG (South Carolina Electric & Gas) — accept online payments through their customer portals. You log in with your account number and password, enter a payment amount, and choose a payment date. Online payments typically post within one to two business days.
Phone payments work the same way: call the number on your bill, have your account number ready, and provide payment information. Some utilities charge a small fee for phone payments, while others do not. Ask before you confirm the payment.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your utility's website are free and usually post within one to two business days.
- Automatic payments (autopay) prevent missed payments and are set up through your online account or by calling customer service.
- Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach your utility, so send them early if your bill is due soon.
- Payment locations and phone numbers are listed on your bill; some utilities charge fees for phone or third-party payments.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact your utility before the due date to ask about payment plans or hardship programs.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments (autopay) withdraw money from your bank account or charge your credit card on a date you choose — usually a few days before your bill is due. Once set up, the payment happens without you having to log in or call each month.
To enroll in autopay, log into your online account and look for "Automatic Payments," "Recurring Payments," or "Autopay" in the settings menu. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number, or a credit or debit card number. Most utilities let you choose the payment date and the amount (full bill or a fixed dollar amount).
If you prefer not to use your online account, call the customer service number on your bill and ask to set up autopay over the phone. The representative will walk you through the process and confirm the payment date and amount before finalizing the setup.
Paying by mail or at a payment location
Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post to your account. Write your account number on the check or money order, include the payment stub from your bill, and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Send mail payments at least ten days before your due date to avoid late fees.
Some utilities accept payments at local payment centers, grocery stores, or utility offices. Check your bill or your utility's website for a list of locations near you. In-person payments usually post the same day or the next business day.
Third-party payment services (such as PayPal, Venmo, or bill-pay apps) may also accept utility payments, but they often charge a fee that you pay, not the utility. Read the fee disclosure before you confirm the payment.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your utility before the bill becomes overdue. Most South Carolina utilities offer payment plans that spread the balance over several months, with no additional fee if you meet the plan terms.
To request a payment plan, call the customer service number on your bill and explain your situation. The representative will tell you what payment amounts and dates are available. Some utilities require a down payment (often 25 to 50 percent of the balance) before the plan begins.
If you are struggling with energy costs due to hardship, ask about low-income assistance programs. South Carolina has programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps pay heating and cooling bills for households that meet income limits. Your utility can also refer you to local nonprofits that offer bill assistance.
Understanding late fees and disconnection timelines
Late fees are typically charged if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies by utility but is usually a percentage of your bill or a flat dollar amount (often $10 to $25). Late fees are added to your next bill.
If your bill remains unpaid after the due date, your utility will send a disconnection notice. This notice tells you how many days you have to pay before service is shut off — usually 10 to 15 days in South Carolina. The notice also lists a phone number to call if you want to set up a payment plan or discuss hardship options.
If your service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee (typically $50 to $150) in addition to your unpaid balance before power or gas is restored. Reconnection usually takes one to two business days after payment is received.
Reading your bill to find the payment due date and amount
Your bill shows the amount due, the due date, and the payment address in a highlighted section near the top or bottom of the first page. The due date is the last day your payment can arrive without triggering a late fee.
The amount due includes your current charges (usage multiplied by your rate) plus any balance carried forward from the previous month. If you have a credit from overpayment or a billing adjustment, it will be subtracted from the amount due.
Your bill also lists the payment methods accepted (online, phone, mail, in person) and any fees associated with each method. If you are unsure which amount to pay or when, call the customer service number on your bill — representatives can answer questions about your specific account at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, the posting may take longer. Check your account a few days after payment to confirm it went through.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card?
Most utilities accept credit or debit cards for online and phone payments, but some charge a convenience fee (usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment). Check your utility's website or call to confirm whether a fee applies before you pay.
What happens if I miss the due date?
A late fee is added to your next bill. If you do not pay within 10 to 15 days after the due date, your utility will send a disconnection notice. Contact your utility immediately to set up a payment plan or discuss hardship programs before service is shut off.
Can I change my payment date if I set up autopay?
Yes. Log into your online account and edit the autopay settings, or call customer service to request a different payment date. Changes usually take effect on your next billing cycle.
Is there a way to lower my bill if I cannot afford the full amount?
Contact your utility about payment plans, low-income assistance programs, and energy-saving programs. South Carolina utilities also offer budget billing, which spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months so your bill is the same each month.