PG&E's main payment methods and where to use them

PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) operates in Northern and Central California and offers four primary ways to pay your bill: online through their website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed, whether you want a record of the transaction, and whether you prefer to avoid fees.

Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take seven to ten business days from the date you send them, so timing matters if your due date is approaching. In-person payments at a PG&E office or authorized payment location post the same day.

PG&E does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website or app, or for payments by phone to their automated system. If you use a third-party payment processor or pay by phone with a representative, fees may explore — the company discloses these before you complete the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • PG&E's website and mobile app allow you to pay with a bank account or debit card at no charge, and the payment posts within one to two business days.
  • Phone payments through PG&E's automated system (1-800-743-5000) are free, but payments made to a representative may carry a fee.
  • Mail payments take seven to ten business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • You can set up automatic recurring payments (autopay) through the website to have your bill paid on the same date each month without logging in.
  • If you miss a due date, PG&E typically adds a late fee and may disconnect service after 30 days of non-payment.

Paying online through the PG&E website or app

The fastest and most common way to pay is through PG&E's website at pge.com or their mobile app, available on iOS and Android. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a bank account or debit card. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Log in to your account, select "Pay My Bill," enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method. You can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. The transaction is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. The payment typically appears in your account within one to two business days.

If you set up autopay through the website, PG&E will deduct your bill automatically on a date you choose each month. You can change the payment date, pause autopay, or cancel it at any time. This is useful if you want to avoid the risk of forgetting a due date.

Paying by phone

PG&E's automated phone system accepts payments 24 hours a day at 1-800-743-5000. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. The system guides you through the payment step by step and provides a confirmation number at the end. There is no fee for this method.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call the same number during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday). A representative can process your payment but may charge a fee for this service. PG&E discloses the fee amount before the payment is processed, so you can decline if you prefer.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed under "Payment Mailing Address" on your statement. Do not mail cash.

Mail payments take seven to ten business days to reach PG&E and be processed. If your due date is fewer than ten days away, mailing a check risks a late fee. For time-sensitive payments, use online or phone payment instead. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records.

Paying in person at a PG&E office or authorized location

PG&E operates payment centers in major cities throughout their service area. You can find the nearest location by visiting pge.com and searching "payment centers" or calling 1-800-743-5000. In-person payments are processed the same day and can be made by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Some authorized retailers (such as grocery stores or pharmacies) also accept PG&E bill payments. These locations may charge a small fee, so ask before you pay. In-person payment is useful if you do not have online access or prefer to pay with cash.

What happens if you miss a payment or pay late

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, PG&E adds a late fee to your account. The fee is typically a percentage of your bill (the exact amount varies). You will see the late fee on your next bill.

If you do not pay within 30 days of the due date, PG&E may send a disconnection notice. If payment is not received within an additional period (usually 10 to 15 days), the company can shut off your service. To avoid disconnection, contact PG&E as soon as you know you will be late. They may offer a payment plan or direct you to financial information programs if you may have access to.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If you owe a large bill and cannot pay it all at once, you can request a payment plan through PG&E's website or by calling 1-800-743-5000. A representative will work with you to set up a schedule of smaller payments over several weeks or months.

Payment plans help you avoid late fees and disconnection while you catch up. The terms depend on the amount you owe and your account history. If you are struggling with bills due to financial hardship, PG&E also administers energy information programs that may help cover part of your bill — ask about these when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, through the website, app, or by phone. However, credit card payments may carry a processing fee charged by a third-party processor. The fee is disclosed before you complete the payment. Debit cards and bank account payments through PG&E's official channels are free.

How do I know if my payment went through?

You will receive a confirmation number when ready after paying online or by phone. Check your account on the PG&E website a day or two later to confirm the payment has posted. You can also call 1-800-743-5000 to verify payment status.

What if I pay online but my bill is still marked as due?

Online payments take one to two business days to post to your account. If you paid before the due date, you will not be charged a late fee even if the payment has not yet appeared in the system. If you are concerned, call PG&E to confirm the payment was received.

Can I change my autopay date if it does not work with my paycheck schedule?

Yes. Log into your account on the PG&E website, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Manage Autopay." You can change the payment date to any day of the month, or pause and resume autopay as needed.

What should I do if I cannot afford my bill?

Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to discuss a payment plan or ask about energy information programs. PG&E also has a Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) and other aid programs for customers who meet income requirements.