The fastest way to pay PG&E is through their website or mobile app, where you can set up a one-time payment or automatic monthly payments

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) serves northern and central California. You can pay your bill the same day you receive it, or set up automatic payments so you never have to think about the due date. The company accepts payment through their website, their mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center — each method takes a different amount of time and requires different information.

Your bill arrives by mail or email, depending on what you chose when you set up your account. The due date is usually 21 days after the bill date, printed near the top of your statement. If you pay after the due date, PG&E charges a late fee, which appears on your next bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and app payments post to your account the same day you make them, as long as you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.
  • Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on the same date each month, so you will not miss a due date.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to reach PG&E, so send them at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
  • You will need your PG&E account number, which appears on your bill or in your online account, to make any payment.

Paying online through the PG&E website

Go to pge.com and click "Pay My Bill" at the top of the page. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one using your account number and service address, or you can pay as a guest without logging in.

Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or credit card. Bank account payments are free. Debit and credit card payments charge a fee that PG&E shows you before you confirm the payment; the fee is usually between $1 and $3 depending on the card type. Once you confirm, the payment posts the same day if you submit it before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, it posts the next business day.

Paying through the PG&E mobile app

read the official PG&E app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Log in with your account number and password, or create a new account. Tap "Pay My Bill," enter the amount, and choose your payment method the same way you would on the website.

App payments follow the same rules as website payments: they post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day, and they charge the same fees for card payments. The app also shows your usage history and lets you set up automatic payments from the same screen.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on the same date each month, usually 5 to 7 days before your bill is due. You choose the date when you set it up. This means you will never miss a due date or pay a late fee, and you do not have to remember to pay each month.

To set up automatic payments, log into your PG&E account online or in the app, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Automatic Payment." Enter your bank account information and choose the date you want the payment to come out each month. PG&E will send you a confirmation email. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime from the same screen.

Automatic payments are free and deduct only the amount PG&E estimates you owe based on your usage. If your bill is higher or lower than expected, the payment adjusts the next month. You can also make a one-time extra payment on top of your automatic payment if you want to pay down your balance faster.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the amount due and include the payment stub from your bill — the stub has your account number and the amount due printed on it. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your bill. Do not mail cash.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive at PG&E after you drop them in the mailbox. To make sure your payment reaches PG&E before the due date, mail it at least two weeks early. If your payment arrives after the due date, PG&E will charge a late fee even though the delay was in the mail. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records.

Paying by phone or in person

Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to pay by phone using a bank account, debit card, or credit card. A representative will walk you through the payment and tell you the fee before you confirm. Phone payments post the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.

You can also pay in person at a PG&E payment center or at certain retail locations like grocery stores and pharmacies. PG&E's website has a list of payment centers near you. In-person payments usually post within one business day, and some locations charge a small fee.

What to do if you cannot pay by the due date

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact PG&E before the due date passes. Call 1-800-743-5000 and explain your situation. PG&E may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your bill across two or more months, which gives you more time without a late fee.

If you are struggling to pay your bill because of a hardship — job loss, illness, or unexpected expense — ask about PG&E's information programs. The company offers discounts for low-income households and may have emergency funds available depending on your situation. A representative can tell you what programs you might be able to explore based on your income and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but PG&E charges a fee for credit card payments, usually $1 to $3 depending on the card type. Bank account payments are free. You can see the exact fee before you confirm the payment.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

PG&E charges a late fee, which appears on your next bill. The fee is a percentage of your bill amount. If you pay more than 30 days late, PG&E may also threaten to shut off your service, though they must give you notice first.

Can I change my automatic payment date?

Yes. Log into your account online or in the app, go to "Billing and Payment," select "Automatic Payment," and choose a new date. The change takes effect on your next payment cycle.

How do I know if my payment went through?

Online and app payments show a confirmation number when ready after you submit them. You will also receive a confirmation email. Check your account online a few hours later to see the payment reflected in your balance.

What if I overpay my bill?

The overpayment becomes a credit on your account and PG&E applies it to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact PG&E and request one.