PGW bill pay basics

PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works) lets you pay your gas bill through their website, by phone, or through automatic payments from your bank account. You do not need to set up a separate account with a third-party service — you pay PGW directly using the account number on your bill.

The fastest way is usually their online portal at pgworks.com, where you can pay when ready with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call their payment line at 215-235-1212. Both routes process your payment the same day you submit it, though it may take a few business days to show up on your account.

If you set up automatic payments, PGW withdraws the amount directly from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This removes the step of paying manually, but you are responsible for making sure you have enough money in your account on that date.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay your PGW bill online at pgworks.com, by phone at 215-235-1212, or by setting up automatic bank withdrawals.
  • Online and phone payments process the same day but may take several business days to appear on your account.
  • You will need your PGW account number, which appears on your bill, to make a payment.
  • Automatic payments require you to provide your bank account information and choose a payment date each month.

Paying online through the PGW website

Go to pgworks.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. You will need to enter your account number (a 10-digit number on your bill) and either your zip code or the phone number associated with your account. PGW will pull up your current balance and due date.

Once you see your balance, you can choose how much to pay — the full amount, a partial payment, or a different amount. Then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you use a debit or credit card, you will be charged a convenience fee (the amount varies). Paying from your bank account typically has no fee, though you should check the current fee schedule on their site.

After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. The payment posts to your account the same day, but it may take two to three business days for the money to actually leave your bank or card.

Paying by phone

Call PGW's automated payment line at 215-235-1212. You will need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information ready. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then confirm your balance and due date.

You can then choose your payment amount and payment method. Like online payments, card payments carry a convenience fee. The system will give you a confirmation number at the end of the call — save this in case you need to reference the payment later.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call PGW's customer service line during business hours. The number and hours are on your bill or at pgworks.com.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments mean PGW withdraws money from your bank account on the same date each month. To set this up, go to pgworks.com, log into your account, and look for the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" option. You will provide your bank account number and routing number, then choose which day of the month you want the payment to come out.

You can set the payment to be your full bill amount, or you can choose a fixed amount each month. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it covers your average bill so you do not fall behind. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.

The main advantage of automatic payments is that you never have to remember to pay — the money comes out on schedule. The main risk is overdrafting your account if you do not have enough money on the payment date, so make sure your bank account has a buffer.

Payment methods and fees

PGW accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers. Paying with a debit or credit card online or by phone charges a convenience fee — this is a fee PGW charges you for processing the card payment, separate from any fee your card issuer might charge. The fee amount changes periodically, so check pgworks.com for the current rate before you pay.

Paying from your bank account (either online, by phone, or through automatic payments) typically has no convenience fee. This is the cheapest way to pay if you want to avoid extra charges. Some people use this method even if they have to log into their bank separately, because the savings add up over time.

If you pay by mail with a check, there is no fee, but the payment takes longer to reach PGW — usually five to seven business days. Mail payments are slower than online or phone payments, so use this method only if you do not have internet access or a phone.

What to do if your payment does not show up

If you made a payment online or by phone and it does not appear on your account within three business days, log back into pgworks.com and look for your confirmation number. You can search your payment history to see whether the payment went through. If you cannot find it, call customer service at 215-235-1212 with your confirmation number ready.

If you set up automatic payments and a payment did not come out on the scheduled date, check your bank account first to see if the money left your account. If it did, the payment is processing and should show on your PGW bill within a few days. If the money did not leave your account, log into your PGW account and check whether automatic payments are still active — sometimes they stop if your bank account information changes.

Keep your confirmation numbers for at least one billing cycle so you can prove you paid if there is ever a dispute. PGW can look up payments by confirmation number if you need to verify that a payment was received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PGW bill with a credit card without paying a fee?

No. Credit card payments online or by phone include a convenience fee. Paying from your bank account or by check avoids this fee. If you want to use a credit card for rewards or other reasons, factor the fee into whether the benefit is worth the cost.

What happens if I pay late?

PGW charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date on your bill. The amount varies. If you are having trouble paying, contact PGW customer service to ask about payment plans or hardship programs — they may be able to work out a schedule with you instead of charging late fees.

Can I pay someone else's PGW bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment online or by phone. However, you cannot set up automatic payments on someone else's account unless you have access to their PGW online account login.

Is it safe to pay my PGW bill online?

PGW's website uses encryption to protect your payment information. If you are paying through their official site (pgworks.com), your data is find. Never pay through a link in an email or text unless you initiated the contact yourself — scammers sometimes send fake PGW payment links.

How long does it take for an automatic payment to process?

Automatic payments typically process the same day they are scheduled, but it may take two to three business days for the money to leave your bank account and show on your PGW bill. Plan ahead so you know the money will be gone from your account by the payment date.