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 in minutes

PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) serves Northern and Central California. You can pay your bill without creating an online account by using your bill number and ZIP code, though an account makes recurring payments simpler. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day. If you mail a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and process.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments. Each route has different timing and different confirmation steps, so knowing what to expect prevents confusion about whether your payment went through.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay PG&E online at pge.com, through their mobile app, or by phone at 1-800-743-5000 without logging into an account.
  • One-time online or phone payments post within one business day; mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to clear.
  • Setting up automatic payments through your PG&E account prevents late payments but requires you to verify your bank account first.
  • If you pay by phone with a debit or credit card, PG&E charges a convenience fee; online and automatic payments have no fee.
  • Your bill number appears on your paper bill or in your online account and is required for payments made without logging in.

Paying online without an account

Go to pge.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and select "Pay as a guest." You will need your bill number (a 10-digit number on your paper bill) and your ZIP code. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account.

If you use a debit or credit card, PG&E charges a convenience fee (the amount varies but is typically $2 to $4). Paying from a bank account has no fee. After you submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down or save the confirmation number — it is your proof the payment was sent.

The payment posts to your account within one business day. If you need to check whether it went through, log into your account later or call 1-800-743-5000 and provide your bill number.

Paying by phone

Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. A representative or automated system will ask for your bill number and ZIP code. You can then pay by debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments also charge a convenience fee if you use a card, but not if you pay from your bank account.

The representative will give you a confirmation number before the call ends. Ask them to repeat it and write it down. Like online payments, phone payments post within one business day.

If you prefer to speak to a person rather than navigate an automated system, calling is slower than the website but gives you the option to ask questions about your bill at the same time.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Create or log into your PG&E account at pge.com. Go to "Billing and Payment" and select "Automatic Payments" or "Autopay." Choose whether you want to pay your full bill each month or a fixed amount. Then enter your bank account number and routing number, or your debit card details.

PG&E will verify your bank account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and then withdrawing them back. Check your bank statement for these deposits, then return to your PG&E account and enter the amounts to confirm. This verification step takes 3 to 5 business days. Once verified, your automatic payment will begin on the date you choose.

Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee. If you set up autopay with a debit or credit card, the convenience fee still applies each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "PG&E." Include your bill number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — do not send it to PG&E's corporate office, as it will be delayed. Use a stamp and allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery and processing.

If you are paying late or want to confirm the payment arrived, keep a copy of the check or the envelope you mailed it in. You can then call 1-800-743-5000 and provide your bill number to ask whether the payment has posted.

Mailing is the slowest method and carries the risk of the check being lost in transit. Use it only if you do not have online access or prefer not to share your bank details electronically.

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

Some PG&E offices and authorized payment locations accept cash, checks, and money orders in person. Visit pge.com and search "Payment Locations" to find offices near you and their hours. Bring your bill or bill number and the payment amount in cash or as a check.

In-person payments typically post the same day or next business day. This method works if you prefer to hand over cash or want an when ready receipt, but it requires you to travel to a location during business hours.

What to do if your payment is late

If your bill is overdue, you can still pay online, by phone, or in person. PG&E will not when ready shut off your service for a single late payment, but continued non-payment can result in disconnection. If you are struggling to pay, call 1-800-743-5000 and ask about payment plans or hardship programs — PG&E offers options for customers facing financial difficulty.

Paying as soon as you can, even if late, stops additional late fees from accumulating. Set a reminder on your phone for your due date each month to avoid falling behind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill?

Yes. Use the guest payment option on pge.com or call 1-800-743-5000 and provide the account holder's bill number and ZIP code. You do not need access to their account. Provide your own payment method and you will receive a confirmation.

What if I do not have my bill number?

Your bill number is a 10-digit number on your paper bill. If you do not have a paper bill, log into your PG&E account online or call 1-800-743-5000 and a representative can provide it. You will need your service address and ZIP code to verify your identity.

Why is there a convenience fee for card payments?

PG&E charges a fee when you pay by debit or credit card because the card processor charges PG&E a percentage of the transaction. Bank account payments have no fee because the cost to PG&E is lower. Automatic payments from a bank account are always 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 email for a confirmation receipt. You can also log into your PG&E account and view your payment history, or call 1-800-743-5000 and provide your bill number to ask whether the payment has posted.

Can I set up automatic payments for only part of my bill?

Yes. When you set up autopay, you can choose to pay a fixed amount each month instead of the full bill. This is useful if you want to spread payments across the month, though you will still owe any remaining balance on your due date.