How to Pay Your PG&E Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail

PG&E Bill Payment Methods and Where to Send Money

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) accepts bill payments through their website, phone line, automatic bank transfers, mail, and in-person at authorized payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up recurring payments or pay a single bill.

PG&E is the utility company serving Northern and Central California. Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date — usually about 20 days from the bill date. Payments must reach PG&E by the due date to avoid a late fee.

The fastest way to pay is online through your PG&E account or by phone. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so if you mail a check close to the due date, it may not post in time. In-person payment at a PG&E office or authorized retailer (like a grocery store or pharmacy) posts the same day.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through the PG&E website or mobile app posts within one business day and requires your account number and payment method.
• Phone payments are processed when ready when you call 1-800-743-5000, but you will need your account number and a debit card or bank account ready.
• Mailed checks should be sent to the address on your bill and take 7 to 10 business days to post, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
• Automatic bank transfers (AutoPay) deduct your bill amount on a date you choose each month, which prevents missed payments if you set it up in advance.
• Late payments trigger a late fee and may result in service disconnection if the account remains unpaid for 30 days or more.

Paying Online Through Your PG&E Account

The PG&E website and mobile app let you pay your bill without calling or mailing anything. Go to pge.com, sign in with your username and password, and select "Pay My Bill" from the account menu. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number (found on your bill) and service address.

Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full bill, a partial amount, or more than the amount due. Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. PG&E charges a fee for credit card payments but not for debit card or bank account payments. The payment posts within one business day.

You can also set up AutoPay through your online account. Select the date each month when you want the payment to come out of your bank account, and PG&E will deduct the bill automatically. This prevents late payments if you forget to pay manually. You can change or cancel AutoPay anytime through your account settings.

Paying by Phone

Call PG&E's automated payment line at 1-800-743-5000 to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit card or bank account number ready. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then guide you through selecting a payment amount and payment method.

Phone payments are processed when ready, so the payment is recorded the same day you call. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call — write it down or take a screenshot in case you need to reference it later. If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can stay on the line after the greeting and ask to be transferred.

Mailing a Check or Money Order

If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount due and include your account number on the front. The mailing address is printed on your bill — do not use a different address you may find online, as mail sent to the wrong location will be delayed or lost.

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive at PG&E's processing center. If your due date is within two weeks, mailing a check risks the payment arriving late and triggering a late fee. For bills due soon, use online payment, phone payment, or in-person payment instead. Keep a copy of your check or the confirmation number from your bank's bill pay system as proof of payment.

In-Person Payment at PG&E Offices and Authorized Retailers

You can pay your PG&E bill in person at any PG&E office or at authorized payment centers, which include many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services. Bring your bill or account number and the payment amount in cash, check, or debit card. The payment posts the same day.

To find a PG&E office or authorized payment location near you, visit pge.com and search for "payment locations," or call 1-800-743-5000 and ask for the nearest office. Hours vary by location, so call ahead to confirm they are open before you go.

What Happens If Your Payment Is Late

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, PG&E charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee is a percentage of your bill and is added to your next bill. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days after the due date, PG&E may disconnect your service without further notice.

If you receive a disconnection notice, you can avoid service loss by paying the full amount due plus any late fees before the disconnection date. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact PG&E to ask about payment arrangements or hardship programs. PG&E offers extended payment plans for customers facing financial hardship, though the terms depend on your situation and account history.

Setting Up Automatic Payments to Avoid Missing Due Dates

AutoPay is the easiest way to may support your bill is paid on time every month. You can set it up through your online PG&E account or by calling 1-800-743-5000. Choose the date each month when you want the payment to be deducted from your bank account — most people choose the date they receive their paycheck or the date their bill is due.

Once AutoPay is active, PG&E will deduct the full bill amount automatically each month. You can log into your account anytime to see the payment history and confirm the payment went through. If you want to stop AutoPay, cancel it through your account or call PG&E at least three business days before the next scheduled payment date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PG&E charge a fee to pay my bill online?

PG&E does not charge a fee if you pay from a bank account or debit card. If you use a credit card, PG&E charges a convenience fee, which is a percentage of your payment amount. The fee is shown before you confirm the payment, so you can see the total cost.

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

Online payments post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, the payment will show on your account by Monday. Payments made on weekends or holidays post the next business day.

Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder. Pay online, by phone, or in person using their account number, and the payment will be applied to their bill.

What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Contact PG&E before the due date to discuss your options. PG&E offers extended payment plans for customers facing hardship, which spread the payment over several weeks or months. Call 1-800-743-5000 to speak with a representative about a plan that works for your situation.

Is there a way to lower my PG&E bill instead of just paying it?

PG&E offers energy-saving programs and bill information for low-income households, but those are separate from payment methods. Contact PG&E directly or visit their website to learn about programs that may reduce your bill amount.