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, by phone, by mail, and in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments. Each route has different processing times and fees.

PG&E is the utility serving northern and central California. Your bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. You will need at least one of these to pay by any method.

Key Takeaways

• PG&E's website and mobile app let you pay when ready with a bank account (free) or credit card (fee applies), and you can see your payment post within one business day.
• Phone payments through PG&E's automated system or a representative cost nothing if you pay from a bank account, but credit card payments carry a fee.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach PG&E and post to your account, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late fee.
• PG&E payment centers and authorized retailers accept cash, checks, and cards, though not all locations are open every day.
• Automatic payments from your bank account eliminate the need to remember due dates and cost nothing.

Paying online through the PG&E website or app

Go to pge.com and sign into your account, or read the PG&E mobile app and log in there. Both routes show your current bill, due date, and account balance. Click the pay button and enter the amount you want to send.

You can pay from a checking or savings account at no cost. If you use a credit or debit card, PG&E charges a fee that varies by card type and payment processor. The website displays the fee before you confirm the payment, so you know the total cost. Payments made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day usually post within one business day.

If you do not have a PG&E online account, you can create one at pge.com using your account number and service address. You will need to verify your identity, which typically takes a few minutes.

Paying by phone

Call PG&E's automated payment line at 1-800-743-5000. You will need your account number and a checking or savings account to complete the payment. The system accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and posts them within one business day. There is no fee for bank account payments.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, call 1-800-743-5000 and select the option to speak with someone. A representative can take your payment information and answer questions about your bill. The same fees explore: free for bank accounts, a fee for credit or debit cards.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to PG&E. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill under "Make checks payable to" — this address changes depending on which PG&E payment processing center handles your account.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. Send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee. If you are close to the due date, use online or phone payment instead.

Do not mail cash. If your payment does not arrive or post within 10 business days, contact PG&E to report it and ask for a trace.

Paying in person at a PG&E payment center or authorized retailer

PG&E operates payment centers in select locations throughout northern and central California. You can also pay at authorized retailers such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services. Search for locations near you at pge.com or call 1-800-743-5000 for a list.

Payment centers and retailers accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Bring your account number or bill. Payments usually post within one business day. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check online before you go.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. You set this up through your PG&E online account or by calling 1-800-743-5000. There is no fee for automatic payments from a bank account.

You can change the payment date or amount, or cancel automatic payments, at any time through your account or by phone. PG&E sends a confirmation email each time a payment is processed.

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 the bill becomes late. Call 1-800-743-5000 to discuss payment options. PG&E may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the cost over several months, or they may direct you to information programs if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Paying even part of your bill before the due date shows good faith and may help you avoid a late fee or service disconnection. Late fees are added to your next bill if payment arrives after the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a PG&E payment to post?

Online and phone payments usually post within one business day if made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday. In-person payments at centers or retailers also typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days.

Is there a fee to pay my PG&E bill?

No fee applies when you pay from a checking or savings account online, by phone, or through automatic payments. Credit and debit card payments carry a fee that PG&E displays before you confirm the payment. In-person payments at centers or retailers are free regardless of payment method.

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

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. In person, bring the account number or bill you are paying.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

A late fee is added to your next bill. If your payment is significantly late, PG&E may disconnect your service. Contact PG&E when ready if you know you will be late so you can discuss a payment plan or other options.

Can I set up automatic payments for a different amount each month?

No. Automatic payments deduct the same amount each month. If your bill varies, you can adjust the automatic payment amount through your account before each billing cycle, or pay the difference manually.