How do payment arrangements work?

Payment arrangements provide additional flexibility in managing overdue account balances. Eligible customers may request a:

  • Payment extension to pay their balance in full at a later date
  • Payment arrangement to pay their balance through smaller monthly payments over time

Through a payment arrangement, the scheduled payment amount will appear on the regular monthly statement, along with any new bill charges, and may have a different due date than those new charges.

Payment arrangement installments and new charges must be paid by their respective due dates to keep the arrangement from defaulting. If they are not paid by 5 p.m. on their due date, the arrangement will default and may result in service disconnection and additional late fees.

How to Request a Payment Arrangement >

Who is eligible for a payment arrangement?

SCE customers can extend the due date of their bills or make payment arrangements, with the following exceptions:

  • Accounts that have been assigned for disconnection the same day
  • When service has already been disconnected for nonpayment
  • Customers enrolled in the Arrearage Management Plan (AMP)
  • Customers with returned checks that have returned check fees
  • Customers enrolled in the Budget Billing Plan (BBP)

Will my payment arrangement payment also cover my new monthly charges?

No, payments made for a payment arrangement are separate from payments made for any new monthly charges. These may have different due dates, so be sure to pay both on time to avoid service disconnection. Please refer to your bill for your new monthly charges and payment arrangement due dates.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A customer may default on a payment arrangement by either not paying the current bill on time or missing a scheduled payment. Failure to submit payment by 5 p.m. on either due date may result in service interruption, late fees and payment arrangement termination. If a customer has defaulted on a payment arrangement, the missed payment amount or current charges missed must be paid prior to re-instating a new payment arrangement.

An additional down payment of 20% of the past due balance may be required to reinstate a new payment arrangement.

Do I need a down payment to enroll in a payment arrangement?

A down payment is not required for new payment arrangement enrollment.

If an account has defaulted on an existing payment arrangement, a percentage or full amount of the past due balance will be required to reinstate a new payment arrangement:

  • Residential - 20% of the past due balance
  • Micro/Small Business - For the first default, 20% of the past due balance is required. A subsequent default requires the full balance to be paid to be eligible for a new payment arrangement.
  • Medium/Large Business - For the first default, 50% of the past due balance must be paid within seven calendar days. A subsequent default requires 20% of the past due balance to be paid to be eligible for a new payment arrangement.

Will I still receive a late payment charge?

Customers who request an extension or enroll in a payment arrangement still receive a late payment charge. 

If my account is not eligible for a payment arrangement, are there other assistance plans available?

Yes, SCE offers financial assistance programs, rebates and bill plans that can help you pay and save on your bills. 

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