Philadelphia Gas Works bills can be paid online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers — each method has different timing and fees

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is the natural gas utility serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas. You can pay your bill the same day you receive it or wait until the due date shown on your statement. The method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you pay a fee.

PGW does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website, phone payments to their automated system, or mail payments. Third-party payment processors that appear in search results may charge convenience fees — those are not PGW fees, and you can avoid them by using PGW's own payment channels.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through PGW's website post within one to two business days and carry no fee.
  • Phone payments to PGW's automated system (215-235-1212) process the same day but require your account number and a debit or credit card.
  • Mail payments should be sent at least ten days before your due date to avoid late fees, and checks are the only accepted form.
  • In-person payments at PGW payment centers or authorized retailers do not incur fees and post when ready to your account.
  • Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly charge on the overdue balance, so paying by the due date matters even if you pay a few days late.

Online payment through the PGW website

Go to www.pgworks.com and select "Pay My Bill" from the homepage. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a checking account, savings account, debit card, or credit card. The system accepts all four payment methods without charging a fee.

Payments made before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day typically post within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday post the next business day. PGW's system does not allow you to schedule a payment for a future date — you can only pay when ready.

If you set up an online account, you can also enroll in automatic recurring payments, where PGW withdraws the amount due from your bank account on a date you choose each month. This removes the need to log in and pay manually, though you should still review your bill to catch any billing errors before the withdrawal occurs.

Phone payment to PGW's automated system

Call 215-235-1212 to reach PGW's automated payment line. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The system will confirm your account, read your current balance, and ask you to enter your card information and the amount you want to pay.

Phone payments process the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Calls made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays are queued and processed the next business day. The automated system does not charge a fee, but if you speak to a representative instead of using the automated line, confirm before proceeding whether they are directing you to a third-party processor that may charge a convenience fee.

Mail payment by check

Write a check payable to Philadelphia Gas Works and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — PGW's mailing address changes based on which region you are in, so do not use an old bill's address.

Mail payments take five to ten business days to arrive and post. Send your payment at least ten days before your due date to may support it arrives on time. If your check arrives after the due date, PGW will assess a late fee of 1.5% of the overdue balance each month the account remains unpaid. Checks are the only payment method PGW accepts by mail — do not send cash or money orders.

In-person payment at PGW locations and authorized retailers

PGW operates payment centers in Philadelphia where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payments made at these centers post to your account when ready. You can find the nearest payment center and its hours on the PGW website under "Payment Centers."

You can also pay at authorized retailers throughout Philadelphia, including some grocery stores and convenience stores. These retailers accept cash and debit cards but not checks. Payments at retailers post within one business day. Call 215-235-1212 to confirm which retailers near you accept PGW payments, as the list changes.

What happens if you miss the due date

PGW charges a late fee of 1.5% per month on any balance that remains unpaid after the due date. This fee compounds — if your bill is unpaid for two months, you owe 1.5% for the first month plus 1.5% on the new total for the second month. The fee continues to accrue until the balance is paid in full.

If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, PGW may issue a shutoff notice. The notice gives you a window (usually 10 to 14 days) to pay the full balance or contact PGW to arrange a payment plan. If you do not respond, PGW can disconnect your gas service. Reconnection requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee.

If you are unable to pay your full bill, contact PGW at 215-235-1212 to discuss a payment plan. PGW offers extended payment arrangements for customers facing hardship, and these arrangements can prevent shutoff while you catch up on your balance.

Avoiding third-party payment processors and convenience fees

Search results for "pay PGW bill" often include third-party payment processors that charge 2% to 3% convenience fees on top of your bill amount. These processors are not affiliated with PGW and are not necessary — PGW's own website and phone line are free and faster.

If you use a third-party processor, you are paying extra money that goes to that company, not to PGW. The payment still posts to your PGW account, but you have paid a markup for the same service PGW offers at no cost. Stick to www.pgworks.com or 215-235-1212 to avoid these fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. PGW's website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts without charging a fee. Third-party payment sites that appear in search results may charge a fee, but PGW's own site does not.

What if I pay online but my payment doesn't post before my due date?

Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day post within one business day, so you have a small window. If you are cutting it close, pay by phone instead — phone payments process the same day. If your payment posts after the due date, PGW will still assess a late fee, so timing matters.

Can I set up automatic payments so I never have to think about it?

Yes. Create an account on www.pgworks.com and enroll in automatic recurring payments. PGW will withdraw the amount due from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You should still review your bill each month to catch errors before the withdrawal occurs.

What should I do if I can't afford to pay my full bill?

Call PGW at 215-235-1212 and ask about a payment plan. PGW offers extended payment arrangements for customers facing hardship. A payment plan can prevent shutoff while you pay down your balance over time.

Is there a way to pay my bill without going online or calling?

Yes. You can mail a check to the address on your bill (send it at least ten days early) or pay in person at a PGW payment center with cash, check, or debit card. In-person payments post when ready, while mail payments take five to ten business days.