PG&E payment methods and where to send your money

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) accepts payments through several channels: online through their website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, in person at payment centers, or through automatic bank transfers. The fastest and most common method is online payment, which posts to your account within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach PG&E's processing center and post to your account.

Your bill shows a mailing address for payments, but paying online avoids delays and gives you an immediate confirmation number. You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments from your bank account or credit card. PG&E does not charge a fee for payments made directly through their website or app, but third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through PG&E's website or app is free and posts within one business day, making it the fastest option.
  • Automatic bank account transfers (ACH) are free and can be set up to pay on a date you choose each month.
  • Phone payments and in-person payments at authorized locations are available but may charge a fee depending on the method.
  • Mail payments take 10 business days or longer to process, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, contact PG&E about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.

Setting up online or automatic payments

To pay online, log into your PG&E account at pge.com or use the PG&E mobile app. Enter your bill amount, choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and confirm. You will receive a confirmation number immediately. This method works for one-time payments or for setting up recurring monthly payments on a date you select.

Automatic bank account transfers (ACH) are the most reliable option if you want payments to happen without you taking action each month. Set this up in your account settings under "Automatic Payments" and choose the date the payment should leave your bank account. PG&E will not charge you for ACH transfers, and your bank typically will not either, though you should check your account agreement.

Phone and in-person payment options

You can pay by phone by calling PG&E's customer service line at 1-800-743-5000. Have your bill number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed immediately, but PG&E or the third-party processor may charge a convenience fee, typically $1 to $3 depending on the payment method.

In-person payments can be made at authorized PG&E payment centers, which are listed on their website. Some grocery stores and check-cashing services also accept PG&E payments. Fees vary by location. If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay in person, call customer service to find the nearest payment location and confirm their hours.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to mail your payment, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the address shown on your bill. PG&E's mailing address changes by region, so always use the address printed on your statement, not a general company address. Mail payments take 10 to 14 business days to process after they arrive at the processing center, and delays can happen.

To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date. If your payment is late, PG&E will add a late charge to your next bill. If you are cutting it close, use online payment or phone payment instead to ensure it posts on time.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact PG&E before your account becomes delinquent. PG&E offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months, which can prevent service disconnection. You can request a payment plan online, by phone, or through your account.

PG&E also has hardship programs for customers with low income or those facing financial difficulty. These programs may offer bill discounts, extended payment plans, or other assistance. Call 1-800-743-5000 and ask about programs in your area, or visit pge.com to learn about available options. Acting before you miss a payment gives you more options than waiting until after your service is threatened.

Avoiding late fees and service disconnection

Your bill shows a due date, usually 21 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, PG&E adds a late charge (typically 1.5% of the unpaid balance) to your next bill. If your account remains unpaid for 60 days, PG&E may disconnect your service without further notice.

If you receive a disconnection notice, you have a short window to pay or contact PG&E about a payment plan. Reconnection fees apply if your service is shut off, so it is far cheaper to arrange a payment plan early. Keep records of all payments and confirmation numbers in case there is a dispute about whether a payment was received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PG&E charge a fee for online payments?

No. Payments made directly through PG&E's website or mobile app are free. Some third-party payment processors charge a convenience fee, but PG&E's own channels do not.

How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Bank account transfers (ACH) post on the date you schedule them. Mail payments take 10 to 14 business days after arriving at the processing center.

Can I pay with a credit card without a fee?

Credit card payments through PG&E's website or app may incur a convenience fee charged by the payment processor, usually $1 to $3. Bank account transfers are always free. Check the fee before confirming your payment.

What happens if I miss my due date?

PG&E adds a late charge to your next bill. If your account stays unpaid for 60 days, they may disconnect your service. Contact them immediately to set up a payment plan and avoid disconnection.

Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them?

Yes. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings or by calling customer service. Cancel at least one business day before the scheduled payment date to stop that month's transfer.