How to Pay Your Rochester Gas and Electric Bill Online and by Mail

Rochester Gas and Electric bill payment methods and where to send payments

Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) customers can pay bills online through the company's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The online portal is the fastest route — you can set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments without waiting for mail delivery. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call the customer service line, mail a check to the address printed on your bill, or visit a local payment location.

RG&E is a subsidiary of Avangrid and serves customers in upstate New York. The company processes payments daily, though the timing depends on which method you choose. Online payments typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take longer because they must arrive at the processing center, be opened, and be entered into the system — usually five to seven business days after RG&E receives the envelope.

Key Takeaways

• Online payment through RG&E's website is the fastest method and lets you pay when ready without phone calls or trips to a payment center.
• Automatic recurring payments can be set up online or by phone and will deduct the amount due from your bank account on the same date each month.
• Mailed checks should be sent to the address on your bill and take five to seven business days to post after RG&E receives them.
• If you pay by mail, do not send cash, and include your account number on the check so the payment reaches the correct account.
• Phone payments require your account number and a valid payment method, and you can speak to a representative to discuss payment arrangements if you are behind.

Paying online through the RG&E website

Visit rge.com and log into your account using your username and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number (found on your bill) and other identifying information. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the menu.

You will be asked to enter a payment amount and choose a payment date. RG&E allows you to pay any amount from a partial payment up to your full bill balance. If you want the payment to post by a specific date — for example, before a late fee is added — choose an earlier date rather than waiting until the due date itself. The system will show you the date the payment is expected to post.

You can pay using a bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card. Credit card payments are not accepted for bill payment through the website, though some third-party payment processors may offer this option for an additional fee. Have your routing number and account number ready if you choose bank account payment, or your debit card number and expiration date if you use a card.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Automatic payments remove the need to log in and pay each month. You can set this up online through your RG&E account or by calling customer service. Online, go to "Billing" or "Account Settings" and look for an option labeled "Autopay," "Automatic Payments," or "Recurring Payments." Enter your payment method and choose the date each month when you want the payment to be deducted.

RG&E will deduct the full bill amount on the date you select, or you can choose a fixed dollar amount if you prefer. If you choose a fixed amount that is less than your bill, you will still owe the difference and may receive a separate bill for the remainder. Most customers choose the full bill amount so they do not have to track a partial payment.

You can cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account or by calling customer service. If you cancel, you will return to manual payment — the company will not automatically switch you back to a different payment method.

Paying by phone or at a payment center

To pay by phone, call RG&E's customer service number listed on your bill. Have your account number and a debit card or bank account information ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone and confirm the amount and posting date. Phone payments are typically processed the same business day.

Some RG&E customers can also pay in person at authorized payment centers in the Rochester area. These locations accept cash, checks, and debit cards. The company's website lists current payment center locations and hours. Payments made in person during business hours are usually posted the same day.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your bill stub if possible — it helps the processing center match the payment to your account quickly.

Mail your payment at least one week before the due date to account for delivery time. The postal service typically takes three to five business days to deliver mail within the Rochester area, and RG&E's processing center needs additional time to receive, open, and enter the payment. If your check arrives after the due date, RG&E may charge a late fee even though you mailed it on time.

Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If the payment does not appear on your account within ten business days, contact RG&E with this information so they can investigate.

What to do if you cannot pay the full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact RG&E before the bill becomes late. The company offers payment arrangements that let you spread the balance over several months. Call the number on your bill and ask to speak with a representative about a payment plan.

RG&E may also have programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship. These programs can reduce your bill or provide information with past-due amounts. Ask the representative whether you may be may be able to access for any of these programs when you call.

Paying even a partial amount before the due date shows good faith and may help if you need to negotiate a payment arrangement. Late fees are typically added if the full amount is not received by the due date, so any payment you can make reduces the total amount owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RG&E charge a fee for online payment?

No, there is no fee to pay through the RG&E website using a bank account or debit card. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee if you use their service instead, but the company's own website does not.

Can I pay my RG&E bill with a credit card?

The RG&E website does not accept credit cards for bill payment. You can use a debit card or bank account instead. Some third-party payment services may accept credit cards, but they typically charge a processing fee.

How long does it take for an online payment to post?

Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. on a Friday, the payment may not post until Monday. Choose your payment date accordingly if you need the payment to post by a specific date to avoid a late fee.

What happens if I mail my check late?

If your check arrives after the due date, RG&E will explore a late fee even though you mailed it on time. To avoid this, mail your payment at least one week before the due date. If a late fee has already been added, contact customer service to explain when you mailed the payment.

Can I change or cancel my automatic payment?

Yes, you can change the payment date or amount, or cancel automatic payments entirely, through your online account or by calling customer service. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date, so contact RG&E at least a few days before that date if you need to stop a payment.