How to pay your gas bill

You can pay your gas bill through your utility company's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Most gas companies let you set up automatic payments from your bank account so the bill comes out on the same day each month. The payment methods available depend on which gas company serves your area — check your bill or the company's website to see what they accept.

If you pay online, you'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. If you pay by phone, the company will ask for the same information. Payments made online or by phone usually post within one to three business days. Mailed checks take longer — typically five to seven business days — so mail early if your due date is coming up.

Some gas companies charge a fee for certain payment methods. Credit card payments often cost extra, while bank account transfers and checks are usually free. Ask your company about fees before you choose how to pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at a payment center, and most companies offer automatic bank account payments with no fee.
  • Your account number on your bill is required for online and phone payments.
  • Online and phone payments post in one to three business days, while mailed checks take five to seven days.
  • Credit card payments often carry a fee, but bank transfers and checks do not.
  • Setting up automatic payments prevents missed due dates and late fees.

Understanding your gas bill

Your gas bill shows how much natural gas you used during the billing period, the price per unit, and your total amount due. The bill also lists your account number, service address, and due date. Most gas companies bill monthly, though some bill every two months.

The main charge on your bill is the cost of the gas itself, calculated by multiplying your usage (measured in therms or cubic feet, depending on your state) by the rate your company charges. You'll also see a delivery charge, which covers the cost of maintaining the pipes and equipment that bring gas to your home. Some bills include a customer charge — a flat fee just for having an account.

Look for the due date clearly marked on your bill. If you don't pay by that date, the company will charge a late fee. The amount varies by company but is usually a percentage of your bill or a flat dollar amount.

What to do if you can't pay on time

Contact your gas company as soon as you know you'll miss the due date. Most companies offer payment plans that let you spread the bill over several months instead of paying it all at once. You may need to pay a portion by the due date and the rest over time, or the company may allow you to defer the entire amount.

Gas companies are required by law in most states to give you notice before they shut off service for non-payment. The notice period varies — typically 10 to 30 days — and the bill must be significantly overdue. During that time, you can contact the company to set up a payment plan or ask about hardship programs.

If you're struggling with utility bills because of a job loss, medical emergency, or other hardship, your state or local government may run a utility information program. These programs pay part or all of your bill directly to the gas company. Contact your local social services office or call 211 to find programs in your area.

Automatic payments and budget billing

Automatic payments withdraw money from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around your bill's due date. You set this up through your gas company's website or by calling customer service. Once it's active, you don't have to remember to pay each month — the payment happens on its own.

Budget billing is different from automatic payments. With budget billing, the gas company averages your usage over the year and charges you the same amount each month instead of higher bills in winter and lower ones in summer. At the end of the year, you either pay the difference if you used more than the average, or the company credits you if you used less. Budget billing makes it easier to plan your household budget, but you lose the ability to see month-to-month changes in your usage.

You can use automatic payments with or without budget billing. Many people combine them — setting up automatic payments for a budgeted amount each month removes the need to think about the bill at all.

Reading your usage and rates

Your bill shows how much gas you used during the billing period. The company measures this in therms (in most states) or cubic feet. One therm equals 100,000 British thermal units, which is roughly the energy in one hundred cubic feet of natural gas. The exact conversion depends on the gas's energy content, which varies slightly by region.

The rate you pay per therm or unit depends on where you live and which gas company serves you. Rates are set by your state's public utilities commission and change periodically — usually once or twice a year. Your bill shows the rate that applies to the billing period covered. If you see a big jump in your bill, check whether the rate changed or whether you used more gas than usual.

Usage spikes in winter when you use heat and in summer if you have a gas-powered air conditioner or water heater. If your bill seems too high, check whether the meter reading is correct by comparing it to the previous month's reading. A reading that jumps by an unrealistic amount may indicate a meter error or a leak.

Disputing a charge or reporting a problem

If you think your bill is wrong, contact your gas company's customer service with the account number from your bill. Explain what seems incorrect — whether it's a charge you don't recognize, a usage amount that seems too high, or a rate you think is wrong. The company will review your account and either correct the bill or explain why the charge is correct.

If you suspect a gas leak, do not ignore it. Natural gas has an odor added so you can detect leaks. If you smell gas, leave your home when ready and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use electrical switches, light a match, or do anything that could create a spark. The company will send someone to check for leaks at no charge.

If you have a complaint about your bill or service that the company won't resolve, you can file a complaint with your state's public utilities commission. The commission oversees gas companies and can investigate billing disputes. Contact information for your state's commission is on your bill or on your gas company's website.

Payment information and hardship programs

Many states and local governments run utility information programs that pay gas bills for households with low income or those facing temporary hardship. These programs typically pay the gas company directly, not you. You'll need to provide proof of income, a copy of your bill, and sometimes documentation of the hardship — such as a job loss letter or medical bill.

The Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that funds utility information in every state. Each state runs its own version with different income limits and process processes. You can find your state's program through the Department of Health and Human Services website or by calling 211.

Some gas companies also offer their own hardship programs or bill discounts for low-income customers. Ask your company's customer service whether you might be may be able to access. These programs are separate from government information and have their own income limits and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't pay my gas bill?

Your gas company will charge a late fee and may send you a notice of non-payment. If the bill remains unpaid for 10 to 30 days (the exact period varies by state), the company can shut off your service. Before shutting off service, the company must send you written notice and give you time to pay or set up a payment plan.

Can I pay my gas bill with a credit card?

Most gas companies accept credit card payments, but many charge a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent of your bill. Check your company's website or call to confirm whether they accept credit cards and what the fee is. Paying by bank transfer or check is usually free.

Why is my gas bill so much higher than last month?

Winter months typically have higher bills because you use more heat. If your bill jumped in a season when you wouldn't expect it, check whether the rate changed, whether you used significantly more gas, or whether the meter reading is correct. Call your gas company if the increase seems wrong.

How do I set up automatic payments?

Log into your account on your gas company's website and look for a "Payments" or "Billing" section, where you'll find an option to set up automatic payments. You'll need to provide your bank account number and routing number. You can also call customer service and ask them to set it up for you over the phone.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave your home when ready and call your gas company's emergency line from outside. Do not use light switches, electrical devices, or anything that could create a spark. The gas company will send someone to check for leaks at no charge. If you can't reach your gas company, call 911.