How to pay your PG&E bill
PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) offers several ways to pay your bill, and most can be done without leaving your home. You can pay online through your account, by phone, through automatic bank transfers, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to set it and forget it.
Your bill is due by the date printed on your statement, usually about 20 days after it's mailed or emailed to you. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one to two business days. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach PG&E and be recorded on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your PG&E account is the fastest method and lets you pay from any device without fees.
- Automatic payments from your bank account can be set up once and will deduct your bill amount on the due date each month.
- Phone payments are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-743-5000, though some payment methods may carry fees.
- Mail and in-person payments work but take longer to process, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.
- Late payments may result in a late fee and can affect your service, so confirm your payment posted before the due date.
Paying online through your PG&E account
The fastest and most convenient way to pay is through the PG&E website or mobile app. Go to pge.com, sign into your account, and select "Pay My Bill." You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. There are no fees for paying with a debit card or bank account, but credit card payments typically include a processing fee of around 2 to 3 percent.
When you pay online, you can choose to pay your full balance or a partial amount. You can also schedule a payment for a future date if you want to pay before your due date arrives. Once you submit the payment, you'll receive a confirmation number immediately, and the payment usually posts to your account within one business day.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. You authorize PG&E to withdraw your bill amount directly from your bank account on a set date—usually your due date or a few days before it. To set this up, log into your account on pge.com, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Automatic Payments." You'll need your bank account number and routing number.
Automatic payments work best if your bill amount stays roughly the same each month. If your usage varies significantly with the seasons, you can still use autopay but will need to review the amount each month before it's withdrawn. You can pause or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.
Paying by phone
You can pay your PG&E bill by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-743-5000. Have your bill in front of you and be ready to provide your account number. You can pay with a debit card or bank account information. Credit card payments over the phone may carry a processing fee.
Phone payments are processed immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. This method is useful if you're close to your due date and need to pay quickly, or if you're not comfortable paying online. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your payment to the address shown on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order. Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment well before your due date to avoid late fees.
The mailing address is printed on every bill statement. Do not send cash through the mail. If you're paying close to the due date, mail is not a reliable option—use online, phone, or in-person payment instead.
In-person payment locations
You can pay your bill in person at PG&E payment centers, which are located in various communities throughout PG&E's service area. Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services also accept PG&E bill payments. Payments made in person are usually processed the same day or within one business day.
To find a payment location near you, visit pge.com and search for "Payment Locations," or call 1-800-743-5000. Bring your bill or account number and the payment amount in cash, check, or debit card. In-person payment is a good option if you don't have online access or prefer to handle payments face-to-face.
What happens if you miss your due date
If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, PG&E will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount but is typically a percentage of what you owe. A late payment also appears on your account and can affect your credit if it's reported to credit bureaus.
If you miss a payment, contact PG&E as soon as possible. You may be able to set up a payment plan or arrange a different due date. If your account falls too far behind, PG&E may disconnect your service, though they are required to give you notice before doing so. Paying as soon as you realize you're late can help avoid disconnection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my PG&E bill online?
No fee is charged if you pay with a debit card or bank account. Credit card payments typically include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. Phone and in-person payments with debit cards or bank accounts are also free, but credit cards may carry a fee.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. In-person payments typically post the same day or within one business day. Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days, so plan ahead if you're paying by check.
Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or in person using their account number. The payment will be applied to their account regardless of whose name or payment method you use.
What should I do if my payment didn't go through?
Check your account on pge.com to confirm whether the payment posted. If it didn't, try paying again using a different method. If you used a debit or credit card, contact your bank to make sure the transaction wasn't blocked. Keep your confirmation number and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 if you need help.
Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay my full bill?
Yes. Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to discuss payment plan options. PG&E may allow you to spread your balance over several months, though this typically requires a signed agreement and may include a fee.