Portland General Electric's main payment methods

Portland General Electric (PGE) is the utility company serving parts of Oregon and Washington. You can pay your bill through their website, by phone, through automatic bank transfers, or by mail — and the method you choose affects when the payment posts and whether you pay a fee.

The fastest way is online through PGE's website or their mobile app, where payment posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day. Phone payments also post same-day but cost $15.95 per transaction. Automatic bank transfers (called AutoPay) have no fee and pull money on your due date each month. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach PGE's processing center, so paying by mail only works if you have a buffer before your due date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mobile app payments are free and post the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.
  • AutoPay through your bank account has no fee and removes the risk of forgetting a payment, but you must set it up in advance through your PGE account.
  • Phone payments cost $15.95 and post the same day, making them useful only if you cannot access the website and need same-day posting.
  • Mail payments are free but take 7 to 10 business days, so you must send them well before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Paying online or through the PGE mobile app

The PGE website and mobile app are the most common payment routes because they are free and when ready. Log into your account at pge.com, click "Pay My Bill," 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, the payment posts the same day. If you use a bank account transfer, it posts within one business day.

The mobile app works the same way and is available on iOS and Android. Many people use it because they can pay from anywhere without logging into a computer. The app also shows your current balance, usage history, and due date in one place, which helps you plan ahead if your bill is higher than usual.

Setting up automatic payments (AutoPay)

AutoPay is PGE's term for recurring automatic payments from your bank account. Once you set it up, money leaves your account on your due date each month without you having to do anything. There is no fee, and you cannot be charged a late fee if AutoPay successfully processes.

To set up AutoPay, log into your PGE account online, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Enroll in AutoPay." You will need your bank account number and routing number. PGE will process a small test deposit to verify the account — this usually takes one to two business days — and then your first automatic payment will occur on your next due date. You can change or cancel AutoPay anytime through your account settings.

Paying by phone

If you cannot access the website or app, you can pay by phone at 1-800-542-8818. A representative will take your payment information and process it when ready. The fee is $15.95 per payment, which is added to your next bill. The payment posts the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.

Phone payments are useful only in specific situations — for example, if your internet is down and your bill is due tomorrow, or if you need to discuss your account while paying. For routine payments, the website or AutoPay will save you money and time.

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Include your account number on the check so PGE can match it to your account. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach PGE's processing center in Portland, so you must send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Paying by mail is free, but it is the slowest method and carries the risk that your payment will be delayed in transit. If you do not have reliable internet access and cannot use AutoPay, mail is a reasonable option — just plan ahead and keep a record of when you sent it.

What happens if you miss a due date

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, PGE will charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or account for the exact amount. After 30 days past due, PGE may disconnect your service, meaning your power will be shut off.

If you know you will miss a due date, contact PGE before the date arrives. They may be able to set up a payment plan or extend your due date. Calling ahead is much easier than dealing with a disconnection notice later.

Paying a past-due balance

If you have a balance that is already overdue, you can pay it through any of the same methods — online, app, phone, or mail. The payment will post the same day if you use the website or app, or the same day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time. If you owe a large amount and cannot pay it all at once, contact PGE to discuss a payment plan before your service is disconnected.

Some people in financial hardship may be may be able to access for bill information through community programs or PGE's own hardship programs. These are separate from the payment methods above and require a separate conversation with PGE's customer service team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PGE bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through the website or app. The payment posts the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time. There is no fee for credit card payments through the website or app, though your credit card company may charge you interest if you carry a balance.

Does AutoPay work if I change banks?

No. If you close the bank account linked to AutoPay, the payment will fail and you will receive a late notice. You must update your bank account information in your PGE account before closing the old account, or cancel AutoPay and set it up again with your new bank account number.

What if I pay online but the payment does not post?

Contact PGE customer service at 1-800-542-8818 with your confirmation number from the payment. They can verify whether the payment was received and when it will post. Keep your confirmation number until the payment appears on your account.

Can I pay someone else's PGE bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by app, or by phone using their account number instead of your own. The payment will be applied to that account. You do not need their permission to make a one-time payment, but you cannot set up AutoPay on someone else's account without authorization.

Is there a way to avoid late fees if I forget to pay?

AutoPay is the most reliable way to avoid late fees because it removes the need to remember. If you do not want to use AutoPay, set a phone reminder for a few days before your due date, or pay as soon as you receive your bill so you do not have to think about it later.