How to pay your Washington Gas bill

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Washington Natural Gas (WNG) are the two largest gas utilities in Washington state. Both let you pay online through their websites, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations. PSE also offers automatic monthly payments from a bank account or credit card, and both utilities accept payments through third-party bill pay services that your bank may provide.

The fastest way is usually online through the utility's website — you log in with your account number, see your current balance, and pay when ready. Phone payment takes about five minutes and connects you to a representative who can answer questions about your bill at the same time. If you prefer not to use a computer or phone, you can mail a check to the address on your bill or visit a local payment center, though mailed payments take seven to ten business days to reach the utility.

Key Takeaways

  • PSE and WNG both accept online payments through their websites, which typically post to your account within one business day.
  • Automatic bank draft or credit card payments can be set up through either utility's website and remove the need to remember a due date each month.
  • Phone payments and in-person payments at authorized locations are available if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
  • Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to process, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Some banks and credit unions offer bill pay through their own platforms, which can send a check on your behalf to PSE or WNG.

Online payment through PSE or WNG websites

Both utilities have customer portals where you can log in with your account number and password. PSE's portal is at pse.com/account, and WNG's is at wng.com. Once logged in, you see your current balance, due date, and payment history. You can pay a one-time bill or set up automatic payments for future months.

Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, the payment usually shows as received by the next morning. Paying online does not require a credit card — you can use a debit card or bank account number. Some utilities charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) for credit card payments but not for debit or bank account payments, so check the fee schedule before you choose your payment method.

Automatic monthly payments from your bank account

Both PSE and WNG let you set up automatic payments that withdraw money from your checking or savings account on a date you choose each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and incurring a late fee. You can set it up through the utility's website in the account settings or payment section, and you will need your bank account number and routing number.

Automatic payments typically withdraw two to three business days before your due date, giving the utility time to process the payment. If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for gas, since usage varies with the season), you can set the payment to match your bill automatically, or you can set a fixed amount and adjust it manually when needed. You can cancel automatic payments at any time through your account portal or by calling the utility.

Phone and customer service payments

You can call PSE at 1-888-889-6743 or WNG at 1-509-455-2200 to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Phone payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number.

Paying by phone is useful if you have questions about your bill or your account at the same time. Representatives can explain charges, discuss budget billing options, or help you understand your usage. If you are unable to pay your full bill, you can also ask about payment plans or hardship programs during the call.

Mail and in-person payment options

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check so the payment is credited to the correct account. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Both PSE and WNG accept in-person payments at authorized payment centers, which include some grocery stores, pharmacies, and utility payment offices. PSE has payment centers throughout western Washington, and WNG has locations in central and eastern Washington. You can find the nearest location on the utility's website or by calling customer service. In-person payments are usually processed the same day.

Third-party bill pay services

Many banks and credit unions offer bill pay through their online banking platform. You can set up PSE or WNG as a payee, and your bank will send a check on your behalf. This works well if you prefer to manage all your bills in one place through your bank rather than logging into multiple websites.

Bill pay through your bank typically takes five to seven business days, so plan ahead if you use this method. Some banks offer it at no charge, while others charge a small fee per transaction. Check with your bank about fees and processing time before you set it up. Your bank's bill pay system should allow you to set up recurring payments as well.

Late fees and what happens if you miss a due date

Both PSE and WNG charge a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is typically a percentage of your bill (usually 1 to 1.5 percent) or a flat amount, whichever is greater. If you miss a payment, the late fee appears on your next bill.

If you fall behind on payments, the utility may disconnect your service after a certain number of days without payment. PSE and WNG are required by Washington state law to give you notice before disconnection and to offer a payment plan if you contact them. If you are having trouble paying, call the utility before your bill is due — many utilities have hardship programs or can work out a payment arrangement to keep your service active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying online?

PSE and WNG do not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account or debit card. Credit card payments may have a small fee (usually $1 to $3). Check the utility's website for current fees before you pay.

Can I pay my bill before I receive it in the mail?

Yes. Both utilities let you log into your account online to see your balance and due date before your paper bill arrives. You can pay online anytime, and the payment will be credited to your account.

What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?

Call PSE or WNG before the due date and ask about a payment plan or hardship program. Both utilities are required to work with customers who are unable to pay in full, and setting up a plan before you miss a payment helps protect your service from disconnection.

How long does it take for a mailed check to post to my account?

Mailed payments typically take seven to ten business days to arrive and be processed. Send your check at least two weeks before your due date to may support it arrives on time and avoid a late fee.

Can I set up automatic payments and then cancel them later?

Yes. You can cancel automatic payments anytime through your account portal on the utility's website or by calling customer service. Cancellation usually takes effect within one or two business days.