How to Pay Your PG&E Bill Online and by Phone

What PG&E Bill Pay Is and How to Use It

PG&E Bill Pay is Pacific Gas and Electric Company's system for paying your electricity or natural gas bill without writing a check or visiting a payment location. You can pay through their website, mobile app, or by phone. The payment goes directly to your PG&E account, and you can set it up as a one-time payment or arrange automatic payments that happen on a schedule you choose.

PG&E serves customers in Northern and Central California. If you receive a bill from PG&E, you have a PG&E account number printed on it — that number is what you'll need to make a payment through any of their channels.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay your PG&E bill online at pge.com, through the PG&E mobile app, or by calling 1-800-743-5000 without creating an account if you pay once.
• One-time payments typically post to your account within one business day, though the exact timing depends on the payment method you choose.
• Setting up automatic payments requires you to create a PG&E online account and link a bank account or debit card, but it removes the need to remember due dates.
• PG&E does not charge a fee for paying online or by phone through their official channels.
• If you pay by mail, include your account number on the check and allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach and post to your account.

Paying Once Through the PG&E Website

Go to pge.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually near the top of the page. You do not need to log in to your account to make a one-time payment. Enter your account number (found on your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account.

When you choose a bank account, PG&E will ask for your routing number and account number. When you choose a card, you'll enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. After you submit the payment, PG&E will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it proves the payment was sent.

The payment typically posts within one business day if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends may not post until the next business day.

Paying by Phone or Through the Mobile App

To pay by phone, call 1-800-743-5000. Have your account number and payment method ready. A representative will walk you through entering your information. You do not need to create an account to pay this way — the call is automated, and you'll receive a confirmation number at the end.

The PG&E mobile app (available on iOS and Android) lets you pay without logging in as well. Open the app, tap "Pay My Bill," enter your account number and payment amount, choose your payment method, and confirm. The app will give you a confirmation number just as the website does.

Phone and app payments follow the same posting timeline as website payments: typically one business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payments mean your bill gets paid on a date you choose each month without you having to log in or call. To set this up, you must create a PG&E online account at pge.com. Click "Create Account," enter your email address, and follow the prompts to verify your identity using your account number and either your service address or phone number.

Once your account is created and you're logged in, go to "Billing & Payment" and select "Autopay." Choose the date you want the payment to happen each month (for example, the 15th), and link either a bank account or debit card. PG&E will deduct the full bill amount on that date each month.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging into your account and adjusting your autopay settings. If your bill amount varies month to month (which it typically does for electricity and gas), PG&E will charge whatever the current bill is on your chosen date.

Payment Methods and Fees

PG&E accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank accounts for online and phone payments. There is no fee for paying through pge.com, the mobile app, or by phone using these methods. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee if you use them, but PG&E's own channels do not.

If you pay by mail, send your check to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check so PG&E can match it to your account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so mail early if your due date is soon.

You can also pay in person at a PG&E payment center or authorized retailer, though these locations vary by region. Call 1-800-743-5000 to find a payment location near you.

What to Do If Your Payment Doesn't Post

If you made a payment and it hasn't shown up in your account after one business day, log into your PG&E account online or call 1-800-743-5000 with your confirmation number. The representative can tell you whether the payment is still processing or if there was an issue.

Common reasons a payment might not post include an incorrect account number, a typo in your bank account or card information, or a payment made after the cutoff time on a Friday (which would post Monday). If PG&E rejected your payment due to incorrect information, you'll need to submit it again with the correct details.

Keep your confirmation number until the payment appears on your bill. If there's ever a dispute, the confirmation number proves you sent the payment and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PG&E bill with a credit card without an account?

Yes. Go to pge.com, click "Pay My Bill," enter your account number and payment amount, and select credit card as your payment method. You do not need to log in or create an account for a one-time payment. The same applies to debit cards and bank accounts.

What happens if I set up autopay but my bill is lower than usual?

Autopay charges the full bill amount each month, whatever it is. If your bill is lower one month, PG&E will charge less. If it's higher, they'll charge more. You can log into your account anytime to see what the next charge will be before it posts.

Is it safe to give PG&E my bank account number?

PG&E is a regulated utility company and uses encryption to protect your banking information. Your bank account number is no less safe with PG&E than with any other company you've set up automatic payments with. If you're uncomfortable, you can use a debit card instead.

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

You can pay a bill if you have the account number, but PG&E cannot confirm whether you're authorized to do so. If you're paying for a family member or roommate, ask them for their account number. The payment will post to that account regardless of whose name is on the card or bank account you use.

What if I want to pay more than my current bill amount?

You can enter any amount you want when you make a one-time payment. The extra will create a credit on your account that PG&E will explore to future bills. If you set up autopay, you can only pay the bill amount that month, but you can make an additional one-time payment anytime to add a credit.