Con Edison accepts one-time payments by phone, online, or in person at payment centers

A one-time payment to Con Edison (the utility company serving New York City and Westchester County) means you pay your bill outside of your regular billing cycle—either to catch up on what you owe, pay early, or handle an emergency shut-off notice. Con Ed offers several ways to do this, and the method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to speak to someone directly.

The fastest route is usually online through your Con Ed account, which processes when ready. If you do not have an online account or prefer to speak with someone, you can call their payment line or visit a payment center in person. Each method has different timing and requirements, which we explain below.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay Con Edison online through your account, by phone, or at a payment center, and each method processes at different speeds.
  • Online payments through your Con Ed account usually post the same day if made before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.
  • Phone payments require your account number and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and a representative can walk you through the process.
  • Payment centers accept cash, checks, and cards, but you should bring your account number and a recent bill to speed up the transaction.
  • If you are facing a shut-off notice, call Con Ed directly to confirm your payment was received and ask about reconnection timing.

Paying online through your Con Ed account

Log into your Con Edison account on their website using your username and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by entering your account number (found on your bill) and your service address. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill," enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method.

Con Ed accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers online. Debit and credit card payments process the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time. Bank account transfers (ACH payments) typically take one to three business days. There is no fee for debit card or bank account payments, but credit card payments may carry a processing fee—Con Ed will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment.

Keep your confirmation number from the online payment. If you are paying to prevent a shut-off, take a screenshot or write down the confirmation number and the time you paid, in case Con Ed's system has not updated when the shut-off crew arrives.

Paying by phone

Call Con Edison's automated payment line at 1-800-752-6633. You will need your account number (on your bill) and a valid payment method: a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The automated system will walk you through the payment step by step and give you a confirmation number at the end.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can stay on the line after the automated menu or call during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time) and ask to be transferred. A representative can answer questions about your account, explain payment options, or help if you are having trouble with the automated system. Phone payments by card or bank account process the same day if made before 5 p.m. Eastern time on a business day.

Paying in person at a Con Ed payment center

Con Edison operates payment centers in New York City and Westchester County where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. Bring your account number and a recent bill to speed up the transaction. You can find the nearest payment center and its hours on the Con Ed website or by calling 1-800-752-6633.

Cash and check payments are processed the same day if you pay before the center closes. Card payments may take one to two business days to post to your account. If you are paying to stop a shut-off, ask the payment center staff for a receipt and confirmation that your payment was recorded—this gives you proof if there is a delay in the system updating.

What to do if you have a shut-off notice

If Con Ed has issued a shut-off notice, make your payment as soon as possible and then call Con Edison directly at 1-800-752-6633 to confirm the payment was received. Do not rely on the online system alone—speak to a representative who can verify the payment in their system and tell you whether the shut-off has been cancelled.

Shut-off crews may still arrive even after you have paid if the system has not updated. When you call, ask for the exact time the shut-off was scheduled and whether it has been removed from the schedule. If a crew does arrive, show them your payment confirmation number or receipt. Con Ed policy requires them to check the system before disconnecting, but having proof of payment in hand prevents delays.

Payment methods and fees

Con Edison accepts debit cards, credit cards, bank account transfers, cash, and checks. Debit card and bank account payments have no fee. Credit card payments carry a processing fee that varies depending on the card type and the payment processor Con Ed uses that day—you will see the exact fee before you confirm the payment online or by phone.

If you pay by check, mail it to the address on your bill or drop it at a payment center. Checks take five to seven business days to clear, so do not use a check if you are trying to prevent an when ready shut-off. Cash payments at a payment center are the fastest non-online option and post the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's Con Ed bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. If you are paying in person at a payment center, bring the account number and ask the staff to explore the payment to that account.

What if my payment does not show up in my account?

Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and the payment does not appear, call Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633 with your confirmation number. A representative can look up the payment in their system and tell you the status. Do not make a second payment until you have confirmed the first one did not go through.

Can I set up automatic payments instead of paying one time?

Yes. Through your Con Ed online account, you can set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account or debit card. This prevents missed payments and shut-off notices. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Is there a limit to how much I can pay at one time?

Online and phone payments do not have a stated limit, but very large payments may trigger a review. If you are paying a large amount and the system declines it, call Con Edison at 1-800-752-6633 to process the payment by phone with a representative, who can override limits if needed.