How to Pay Your Georgia Natural Gas Bill

Where to pay your Georgia natural gas bill depends on which company supplies your gas

Georgia has two main natural gas utilities: Georgia Natural Gas (which serves most of the state) and Scana Energy (which serves parts of central Georgia). A smaller number of customers receive gas from municipal utilities or cooperatives. The payment methods available to you depend on which company you use, so the first step is confirming your supplier by looking at your bill or calling the number printed on it.

Once you know your supplier, you can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations. Most utilities also offer automatic bank draft, where your payment is withdrawn on a set date each month. The fastest way to pay is usually online or by phone, and payment typically posts within one to two business days.

Key Takeaways

• Georgia Natural Gas and Scana Energy are the two largest suppliers; check your bill to confirm which one serves you.
• Online payment through your utility's website is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
• Phone payment is available 24/7 with most utilities, though a convenience fee may explore.
• Automatic bank draft removes the need to pay each month and is offered by all major Georgia natural gas companies.
• Mail and in-person payment are slower but do not charge convenience fees.

Paying Georgia Natural Gas online or by phone

Georgia Natural Gas customers can pay online at their website using a bank account or debit card. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and routing information if paying from a bank account. Online payment is free and typically posts within one business day. You can also set up a one-time payment or schedule recurring payments for future bills.

Phone payment with Georgia Natural Gas is available by calling their customer service number on your bill. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a bank account or card. Some utilities charge a convenience fee for phone payments, usually between $2 and $5, though this varies. Phone lines are typically open 24/7, including weekends and holidays.

If you use Scana Energy, the same options explore: online payment through their website or by phone using their customer service line. Check your bill for the exact website URL and phone number, as these can change. Both methods are free online and may carry a fee by phone.

Setting up automatic payments and bank draft

Automatic bank draft is the most hands-off payment method and is offered by all major Georgia natural gas utilities. You authorize your utility to withdraw your bill amount directly from your checking or savings account on a set date each month, usually around your bill due date. There is no fee for this service, and you can cancel or change the account at any time.

To set up automatic draft, log into your online account or call your utility's customer service line. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Most utilities allow you to choose the withdrawal date, which is helpful if you receive income on a specific day. Once set up, you will still receive a bill showing what was withdrawn, so you can verify the amount.

Automatic payment does not mean you lose control of your account. You can pause a payment if you dispute a charge, and you can switch back to manual payment at any time. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month, you can set up automatic payment for a fixed amount and pay any difference manually.

Paying by mail or in person

Mailing a check or money order is free but takes longer than other methods. Your payment must arrive at your utility's payment processing center by the due date to avoid a late fee. Mail typically takes five to seven business days, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to be safe. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address shown on your bill.

Some Georgia Natural Gas and Scana Energy customers can pay in person at authorized payment locations, though this option is becoming less common. Call your utility to ask whether in-person payment is available in your area and where the nearest location is. In-person payment posts when ready, but you may need to travel and wait in line.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you are struggling to pay your natural gas bill, contact your utility before the due date. Most utilities offer payment plans that let you spread the amount owed over several months. You may also be able to defer part of your bill to the next billing cycle. These arrangements are usually available without a fee, though your utility may require you to make regular payments on the plan.

Georgia also has programs that help low-income households pay heating bills during winter months. The Georgia Residential Heating information Program provides one-time grants to may be able to access households. Your utility can direct you to local agencies that administer this program, or you can contact your county's Department of Family and Children Services.

Avoiding late fees and service disconnection

Your bill is due on the date printed on your statement. If payment does not arrive by that date, your utility will charge a late fee, usually between $10 and $25 depending on your bill amount. After 30 days past due, your account may be flagged for disconnection. Georgia utilities must provide written notice before disconnecting service, and you have the right to request a payment arrangement before disconnection occurs.

If your service is disconnected, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance. This fee typically ranges from $50 to $150. To avoid this, contact your utility as soon as you know you will be late. Most utilities will work with you on a payment plan rather than disconnect, especially if you have a good payment history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying online?

No, paying through your utility's website is free. Some utilities charge a convenience fee if you pay by phone with a representative, but online payment has no fee. Check your utility's website or call to confirm their specific fees before paying.

How long does it take for a payment to post?

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive, so send them at least two weeks early. Automatic bank draft withdrawals post on the date you choose, usually around your bill due date.

Can I pay someone else's Georgia natural gas bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Call the utility or pay online using their account number instead of your own. The payment will be credited to that account. Some utilities may ask for the account holder's permission before accepting payment from someone else.

What happens if I overpay my bill?

The overpaid amount becomes a credit on your account and will be applied to your next bill. If you move or close your account, your utility will refund the credit by check or to your original payment method, though this may take several weeks.

Can I change my payment due date?

Most utilities allow you to request a different due date by calling customer service or logging into your online account. This is helpful if your income arrives on a different day of the month. The new due date usually takes effect on your next billing cycle.