SCE&G bill payment methods and where to send your money

SCE&G (South Carolina Electric & Gas Company) accepts bill payments through four main channels: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations. The fastest and most convenient method for most customers is online payment through SCE&G's website or mobile app, which processes immediately and costs nothing extra. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their customer service line, mail a check to their lockbox address, or visit a payment center in your area.

Each method has different timing and requirements. Online and phone payments typically post to your account within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and process, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon. In-person payments at authorized retailers or SCE&G offices post the same day you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through SCE&G's website or app is free, immediate, and the fastest way to pay your bill.
  • Phone payments are available 24/7 by calling SCE&G's customer service number found on your bill, though a small fee may apply.
  • Mailed payments should be sent to the lockbox address printed on your bill, not to SCE&G's main office, and take 7 to 10 days to process.
  • In-person payments at authorized payment centers or SCE&G offices post the same day and are useful if you do not have a bank account or internet access.

Setting up online bill pay on SCE&G's website

To pay online, visit SCE&G's website and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the last four digits of the phone number associated with your account. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay and your preferred payment date.

SCE&G offers two online payment options: one-time payments and automatic recurring payments. A one-time payment lets you pay whenever you choose. Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you select each month, which prevents late payments if you set it up correctly. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.

Online payments are free and do not charge an additional fee. Your payment posts within one business day, though SCE&G recommends paying at least two business days before your due date to avoid late fees.

Paying by phone or through an automated system

You can pay your SCE&G bill by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the customer service number on your bill and follow the automated prompts to enter your account number and payment amount. The system accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account information. Phone payments typically post within one business day.

SCE&G charges a convenience fee for phone payments made with a credit or debit card, though paying from a bank account directly may not incur a fee. The exact fee amount varies and is disclosed before you complete the payment. If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can request that option during the call, though wait times may be longer during business hours.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount due and include your account number on the payment. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your payment to the lockbox address printed on your bill — this is not SCE&G's main office address, and sending it elsewhere will delay processing.

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach SCE&G and post to your account. Because of this delay, mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee. Include your account number clearly so SCE&G can match the payment to your account. If you do not receive a confirmation that your payment posted within 10 business days, contact SCE&G to verify.

Paying in person at SCE&G offices and authorized retailers

SCE&G operates payment centers in several South Carolina locations where you can pay in person during business hours. You can also pay at authorized retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services that display the SCE&G payment logo. In-person payments post to your account the same day you pay, making this option useful if your bill is due very soon.

Bring your bill or account number with you when you pay in person. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the location. Call SCE&G's customer service number or check their website to find the nearest payment location and its hours before you go.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill on time

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact SCE&G before the due date to discuss your options. SCE&G offers a budget billing program that spreads your annual energy costs into equal monthly payments, which can make bills more predictable. You may also be able to arrange a payment plan to pay your overdue balance over several months instead of all at once.

SCE&G also has programs for customers with low incomes, including bill discounts and assistance with overdue amounts. Contact their customer service line to learn what programs may be available based on your situation. Paying something before the due date, even if it is not the full amount, shows good faith and may help you avoid service disconnection while you work out a plan.

Understanding your bill due date and late fees

Your bill due date is printed on the front of your bill statement, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. SCE&G charges a late fee if your payment is not received by this date. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount and is added to your next bill if you do not pay on time.

The due date shown on your bill is the date SCE&G must receive your payment, not the date you send it. This is why mailed payments need extra time — if you mail a check on the due date, it will arrive late. Online and phone payments post within one business day, so you have more flexibility with timing. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, SCE&G typically extends the deadline to the next business day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments so I do not have to remember to pay each month?

Yes. Log into your SCE&G online account, select "Pay My Bill," and choose the automatic payment option. Enter your bank account information and the date you want the payment to come out each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. This prevents late fees if you set it up before your due date.

What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?

Online payments typically post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you do not see the payment, contact SCE&G's customer service with your confirmation number from the payment. They can verify whether the payment was received and when it will appear on your account.

Is there a fee to pay my bill online?

No. Paying through SCE&G's website or app is free. Phone payments made with a credit or debit card do charge a convenience fee, but paying from a bank account by phone may not. Mailed and in-person payments do not charge extra fees.

What if I lost my bill and do not know my account number?

You can find your account number by logging into your online account on SCE&G's website, calling customer service, or checking any previous bill statement you have. Your account number is also printed on any bill you received. Once you have it, you can pay online, by phone, or in person.

Can I pay someone else's SCE&G bill for them?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using their account number. If you want to set up automatic payments for someone else's account, you will need access to their online account or you can call SCE&G to arrange it with their permission.