Northwest Natural Gas Bill Pay: The Basics

Northwest Natural Gas (also called NW Natural) lets you pay your bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online portal is the fastest route — you can pay when ready without waiting for a check to arrive — and it shows your balance and due date right away. If you prefer not to use the internet, phone and mail both work, though they take longer to process.

The company serves customers in Oregon and Washington. Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. You will need your account number to pay online or by phone, which you can find on your bill or in your account if you have already set up online access.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online through the NW Natural website without creating an account, or set up an account to see your balance and payment history anytime.
  • Paying by phone takes a few minutes and connects you to a representative who can answer questions about your bill at the same time.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the company, so send them early if your due date is soon.
  • Setting up automatic payments through your bank account or debit card removes the need to remember to pay each month.

Paying Online Without an Account

The fastest way to pay is through the NW Natural website at nwnatural.com. Look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually near the top of the page. You will 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. The payment goes through when ready, and you will see a confirmation number on screen.

You do not need to create an account to pay this way. However, one-time payments through the website may charge a small fee depending on your payment method. Check the fee before you confirm the payment, as it will be added to the amount you owe.

Creating an Online Account for Ongoing Access

If you want to see your balance, payment history, and due dates without calling, create an account on the NW Natural website. You will need your account number and the service address on your bill. Once you log in, you can pay when ready, set up automatic payments, or view past bills.

Creating an account takes about five minutes and is free. You choose your own username and password. After you set it up, you can pay from any device with internet access — phone, tablet, or computer — and you will always know how much you owe and when it is due.

Paying by Phone

Call NW Natural's customer service line to pay over the phone. The number is on your bill. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then walk you through your payment method options — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment processes while you are on the call.

Paying by phone takes about 5 to 10 minutes. This method is useful if you have questions about your bill or your account at the same time, since you can ask the representative directly. Like online payments, phone payments may include a small fee depending on your payment method.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order, include your account number on the back, and mail it to the address shown on your bill. NW Natural receives mail payments at a lockbox address, which is different from their main office. Always use the address printed on your bill to make sure your payment reaches the right place.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within two weeks, mail is too slow — use online or phone payment instead. Include only your check or money order; do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your bill or write down the confirmation number if you pay online or by phone, so you have proof of payment.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember to pay each month. You can set this up through your online account or by calling customer service. You choose the payment date — usually the due date or a few days before — and NW Natural withdraws the amount from your bank account or debit card automatically each month.

You can change or stop automatic payments anytime through your account or by calling. If your bill amount changes significantly, you can adjust the automatic payment amount or pause it for a month. Many people use automatic payments for their regular monthly bill and pay extra online when they can, which helps them stay on top of their balance.

What to Do If You Cannot Pay on Time

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact NW Natural before the bill becomes overdue. Call the number on your bill and explain your situation. The company may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your bill across two or more months, which gives you more time to pay without late fees or service interruption.

Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one. The sooner you call, the more options you may have. If you are struggling with heating costs, NW Natural also has information about energy information programs that may help, which you can ask about when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my NW Natural bill online?

One-time online payments may include a small fee depending on whether you use a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The fee appears before you confirm the payment, so you can see the total cost. Automatic payments from a bank account typically have no fee. Check the website or call to confirm current fees.

How do I know my payment went through?

Online and phone payments show a confirmation number when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot. Mail payments take longer — keep a copy of your bill with the date you mailed it. You can also log into your account online to see when the payment was received and posted to your account.

Can I pay someone else's NW Natural bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online or by phone using their account number instead of your own. The payment will be applied to their account. If you are paying by mail, write their account number clearly on the check.

What happens if I pay late?

Late fees explore after the due date shown on your bill. If you are a few days late, call before the bill is significantly overdue to ask about a payment plan. NW Natural can sometimes waive a late fee if you have a good payment history or are facing hardship.

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

Automatic payments are usually set for a fixed amount. If your bill varies significantly by season, you can set up automatic payments for your average amount and adjust manually in months when you use more or less. You can also pause automatic payments for a month and pay manually instead.