ComEd offers payment plans, but only after you fall behind on your bill
ComEd, the electric utility serving northern Illinois, does not offer budget billing or advance payment plans that let you smooth out your monthly costs before a bill is due. What ComEd does offer is an Extended Payment Plan — a way to pay an overdue balance in installments instead of a lump sum. This plan kicks in only after you have missed a payment and your account is in arrears.
If your bill is current, your only option to reduce monthly swings is to enroll in Budget Billing through ComEd's website or by phone. Budget Billing averages your usage over 12 months and charges you the same amount each month, then reconciles the difference once a year. This is not a payment plan; it is a billing method that makes your bill predictable.
The Extended Payment Plan is ComEd's safety net for customers who cannot pay what they owe all at once. The plan spreads your arrears across several months, and you must also pay your current bill on time each month while you are paying down the past-due amount.
Key Takeaways
- ComEd's Extended Payment Plan is only for past-due balances and requires you to stay current on new charges while you pay off what you owe.
- Budget Billing averages your annual usage into equal monthly payments and is available to customers whose accounts are in good standing.
- You can set up an Extended Payment Plan by calling ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 or through your online account after your bill is overdue.
- If you cannot afford your bill, ComEd also administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which may cover part or all of your bill if you meet income limits.
How ComEd's Extended Payment Plan works
Once your account is past due, ComEd will contact you about setting up an Extended Payment Plan. You can also call them directly at 1-800-334-7661 to request one. The plan divides your overdue balance into installments — typically spread over 2 to 12 months, depending on how much you owe and what ComEd agrees to.
The catch is that you must pay your current monthly bill in full and on time while you are paying down the arrears. If you miss a payment on either the installment or the current bill, ComEd can cancel the plan and pursue disconnection. The plan is not a forgiveness program; it is a structured way to catch up without losing service.
ComEd will not disconnect your service while you are actively making payments under an Extended Payment Plan, but only if you stick to the agreed schedule. If you fall behind on the plan itself, you are back to being in default.
Budget Billing: the alternative if your account is current
If you want to avoid surprise bills and your account is not overdue, Budget Billing is the tool to use. ComEd calculates your average monthly usage based on your last 12 months of bills and charges you that amount every month. In the summer and winter, when usage spikes, you pay the same as you do in mild months.
Once a year — usually in the fall — ComEd reconciles your actual usage against what you paid. If you used less than you paid for, you get a credit on your next bill. If you used more, you owe the difference, usually spread over the next few months. Budget Billing does not reduce your total annual bill; it just makes the monthly amount predictable.
You can enroll in Budget Billing through ComEd's website, through your online account, or by calling 1-800-334-7661. There is no fee, and you can cancel anytime.
What happens if you cannot afford your bill at all
ComEd administers LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) in Illinois. This is a federal program that pays part or all of your electric bill if your household income falls below a certain threshold. LIHEAP is not a loan; it is a grant that does not have to be repaid.
may be able to access depends on your household size and income. A single person earning up to roughly $1,500 per month may be within range, but the exact limit changes year to year and varies by county. You apply through your local Community Action Agency, not through ComEd directly. ComEd can refer you or you can call 2-1-1 Illinois to find the agency nearest you.
ComEd also offers a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) in some cases. Under PIPP, your monthly bill is capped at a percentage of your household income — usually 3 to 6 percent — and the utility absorbs the rest. You must meet income limits and apply through a Community Action Agency.
How to set up an Extended Payment Plan with ComEd
Call ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 and tell them you want to set up a payment plan for your past-due balance. Have your account number ready. ComEd will tell you the total amount owed and offer you a plan length based on the balance and your payment history.
You can also log into your ComEd online account and look for payment plan options under "Billing" or "Account." Some accounts show the option to request a plan directly; others require a phone call. If you set it up online, ComEd will send you a confirmation with the payment schedule and due dates.
Once the plan is in place, make your installment payment and your current month's bill by the due dates shown. ComEd will report on-time payments to help rebuild your credit, though a past-due account will already be on your credit report.
What to do if ComEd threatens disconnection
If you receive a disconnection notice, you have a window — usually 10 to 14 days — to contact ComEd and request a payment plan before service is cut off. A disconnection notice is not the same as a final bill; it is a warning that gives you time to act.
Call 1-800-334-7661 immediately and ask for an Extended Payment Plan. Explain your situation. ComEd is required by Illinois law to offer a plan before disconnecting a residential customer, so do not wait for a second notice. If you are low-income, also ask about LIHEAP or PIPP at the same time.
If your service is already disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your bill balance. ComEd charges this fee to cover the cost of sending a technician. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment, but can take longer if the outage was weather-related or widespread.
Automatic payments and autopay discounts
ComEd offers a small discount — usually $0.25 to $0.50 per month — if you enroll in AutoPay, which automatically deducts your bill from your bank account or credit card on the due date. This discount applies whether you are on Budget Billing, an Extended Payment Plan, or a regular monthly bill.
AutoPay reduces the risk of missing a payment, which is especially important if you are on an Extended Payment Plan. If you set up AutoPay and then need to pause it, you can turn it off anytime through your online account or by calling ComEd.
If you are on an Extended Payment Plan and you enroll in AutoPay, ComEd will deduct both your installment payment and your current bill automatically. Make sure your bank account has enough funds to cover both amounts on the due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a payment plan if my bill is current?
No. ComEd's Extended Payment Plan is only for past-due balances. If your account is current and you want to manage your monthly costs, enroll in Budget Billing instead, which spreads your annual usage evenly across 12 months.
What if I miss a payment on my Extended Payment Plan?
ComEd can cancel the plan and pursue disconnection. If you miss a payment, call immediately at 1-800-334-7661 to explain and ask if they will reinstate the plan. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances.
Does ComEd charge interest on past-due balances?
ComEd does not charge interest on overdue bills in Illinois, but your account will accrue a late fee if payment is not received by the due date. The late fee is typically a percentage of your bill, usually around 1 to 1.5 percent.
How long does Budget Billing take to set up?
Budget Billing usually starts the next billing cycle after you enroll, which can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on when your billing date falls. You can enroll online or by phone and see the new amount on your next bill.
What if I think my ComEd bill is wrong?
Contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 to dispute the charge. You have 30 days from the bill date to file a formal complaint. While the dispute is being investigated, you still owe the undisputed portion of your bill to avoid late fees or disconnection.