PG&E's online payment system lets you pay your electric or gas bill from your computer or phone without calling or mailing a check

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) operates an online payment portal where you can view your bill, choose a payment date, and submit payment immediately or schedule it for later. You do not need to create an account in advance — you can pay a single bill with just your account number and ZIP code. If you want to set up recurring payments or view past bills, you will need to register for a free online account.

Payments typically post within one business day when you pay through the website or the PG&E mobile app. If you schedule a payment for a future date, PG&E will process it on that date, so plan ahead if your due date falls on a weekend or holiday.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay a single PG&E bill without logging in by entering your account number, ZIP code, and the amount you owe.
  • Creating a free online account lets you set up automatic monthly payments, view billing history, and track your energy use.
  • PG&E accepts payment by debit card, credit card, and bank account transfer, though credit card payments may include a processing fee.
  • Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific Time usually post the same business day; payments after that time post the next business day.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, PG&E offers payment plans and financial assistance programs for customers who may have access to based on income.

How to make a one-time payment without an account

Visit the PG&E website and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. Enter your PG&E account number (found on your bill), your ZIP code, and the amount you want to pay. You will then choose your payment method and provide the required information — either a debit card, credit card, or bank account details.

After you submit the payment, PG&E will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The confirmation number is your proof of payment if you need to follow up later. You will also receive a confirmation email if you provide an email address during checkout.

Setting up an online account for recurring payments

Creating a free PG&E account takes about five minutes and gives you access to features a one-time payment does not. Go to the PG&E website, select "Create Account," and enter your account number, ZIP code, email address, and a password. PG&E will send you a verification email — click the link to confirm your account is active.

Once you are logged in, you can set up automatic monthly payments through the "Billing and Payment" section. Choose whether to pay the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount each month, and select your payment date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging back in. You can also view your last 24 months of bills, see your daily energy use, and receive paperless billing if you prefer.

Payment methods and fees

PG&E accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Debit card and bank account payments have no fee. Credit card payments include a processing fee that varies depending on which card company you use — typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. The fee is added to your payment, so if you pay $200 by credit card, you may pay $204 to $206 total.

If you pay by bank account transfer (ACH), the payment is free and usually posts within one business day. This is the cheapest option if you have a checking or savings account. You will need to provide your routing number and account number, which you can find at the bottom of a blank check or by calling your bank.

When payments post and how to schedule ahead

Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time on a business day usually post to your account the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, schedule your payment for the business day before to avoid a late fee.

When you schedule a payment for a future date, PG&E will process it on that exact date. This is useful if you want to pay on payday or if you are setting up a one-time payment but do not want the money to leave your account immediately. You can schedule payments up to 30 days in advance through the website or app.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

If you cannot pay your full bill, contact PG&E before your due date to discuss options. PG&E offers payment plans that let you spread your bill over two to three months with no interest. You can set up a payment plan by phone, through your online account, or in person at a PG&E office.

PG&E also runs financial assistance programs for customers whose household income falls below a certain threshold. These programs may reduce or forgive part of your bill. To learn about programs in your area, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or visit their website and search for "assistance programs." You will need to provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns.

Troubleshooting common payment problems

If your payment was rejected, the most common reasons are an incorrect account number, a ZIP code that does not match PG&E's records, or insufficient funds in your bank account or card. Check your bill to confirm your account number and ZIP code are correct, then try again. If the problem persists, call PG&E customer service at 1-800-743-5000.

If you submitted a payment but do not see it posted after two business days, log into your account or call customer service with your confirmation number. Do not submit a second payment — PG&E will investigate the first one. If a payment was processed twice by mistake, customer service can issue a refund or credit to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PG&E bill through my bank's bill pay service?

Yes. Many banks let you send payments directly to PG&E through their bill pay system. Log into your bank's website, add PG&E as a payee using your account number, and schedule the payment. The payment will arrive by mail, so allow 7 to 10 business days. This method is free but slower than paying through PG&E's website.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

PG&E charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee is typically a percentage of your bill amount. If you are more than 30 days late, PG&E may disconnect your service. If you know you will be late, call customer service before the due date to discuss a payment plan or extension.

Can I set up automatic payments and still change the amount each month?

If you set up automatic payments for a fixed dollar amount, you can change that amount anytime through your online account before the payment date. If you want the payment to adjust automatically based on your actual bill, you can set automatic payments for the full bill amount instead, and it will vary month to month.

Is it safe to enter my bank account information on the PG&E website?

PG&E uses encryption to protect your financial information. The website address should start with "https://" (not "http://"), which means the connection is secure. Do not pay through a link in an email or text message — always go directly to the official PG&E website by typing the address yourself or calling their customer service number.