The fastest way to pay BGE is online through your account on bge.com, by phone at 1-888-685-0123, or by mail with a check

BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) gives you several ways to pay your bill, and the method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you pay a fee. Online payment through your BGE account is free and usually the fastest — the payment typically shows within one business day. Phone payment is also free but requires you to speak with a representative. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so use it only if you are paying well ahead of your due date.

If you want to set up automatic payments so you never have to think about it, BGE offers that option too. You can arrange for the bill amount to be withdrawn from your bank account or charged to a credit or debit card on a date you choose each month. This removes the risk of missing a due date, though you should still check your bill each month to catch any errors or unusual charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment at bge.com is free and posts within one business day, making it the fastest option for most people.
  • Phone payment at 1-888-685-0123 is also free but requires speaking with a representative during business hours.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to clear, so only use this method if you are paying at least two weeks before your due date.
  • Automatic payments remove the risk of late fees but require you to monitor your bill each month for errors or unexpected charges.
  • Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of which payment method you use.

Paying online through your BGE account

Log in to your account at bge.com using your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. Once you are logged in, look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button — it is usually on the main dashboard. You will see your current bill amount and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or more than you owe if you want a credit on your account).

BGE accepts payment from a checking or savings account at no charge. If you use a credit or debit card, BGE does not charge a fee, but your card issuer may treat it as a cash advance and charge you interest or a fee — check with your bank first if you plan to use a card. After you submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. The payment usually posts within one business day, though BGE recommends allowing up to two business days to be safe.

Paying by phone

Call BGE customer service at 1-888-685-0123. A representative will ask for your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay. They will also ask which account you want to pay from — a checking account, savings account, or debit card. Phone payments are free and the representative can answer questions about your bill at the same time.

BGE's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message, but your payment will not be processed until the next business day. For this reason, online payment is often faster if you are paying in the evening or on a weekend.

Paying by mail

Write a check payable to BGE and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this address is different from BGE's main office and is specifically for payments. Do not mail cash. Include only the check; do not send other documents unless BGE has asked you to.

Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, do not use mail — use online or phone payment instead. If you are mailing a payment and your due date is approaching, call BGE to let them know a payment is in the mail. This does not prevent a late fee if the payment arrives after the due date, but it creates a record that you sent it on time.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember to pay each month and eliminate the risk of late fees. Log in to your BGE account at bge.com, go to "Billing & Payment," and select "Automatic Payment" or "Autopay." You will choose the date each month when you want the payment to be withdrawn (for example, the 15th of each month) and the account or card you want to pay from.

BGE withdraws the full bill amount on the date you choose. If your bill varies month to month (which it does for most customers), the amount withdrawn will be different each time. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account. Even with automatic payments set up, check your bill each month — if there is an error or an unusual charge, you can contact BGE before the automatic payment goes through.

What happens if you miss the due date

If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, BGE will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee varies depending on your bill amount, but it is typically a percentage of what you owe. The late fee is added to your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, BGE may suspend your service, meaning your gas or electric will be shut off.

If you know you will miss a due date, contact BGE before the date arrives. You may be able to arrange a payment plan or a short extension. BGE also has programs for customers facing hardship — call 1-888-685-0123 to ask about options. If your service has already been shut off, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to have it restored.

Payment methods you should avoid

Do not pay BGE through a third-party bill payment service unless you have confirmed with BGE that the service is approved. Some third-party services charge fees or may not deliver the payment to BGE correctly, leaving you responsible if the payment does not arrive on time. The safest approach is to pay directly through bge.com, by phone, or by mail to the address on your bill.

Avoid paying in cash at a retail location unless BGE has specifically told you that location accepts BGE payments. Some convenience stores or check-cashing places may claim to accept utility payments but may not actually send the money to BGE, or may charge you a fee. Stick with the methods BGE controls directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my BGE bill with a credit card?

Yes, BGE accepts credit cards online and by phone at no charge. However, your credit card company may treat a utility payment as a cash advance and charge you interest or a fee. Check with your card issuer before paying this way. A debit card or bank account is usually a better choice.

What if I pay more than I owe?

The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. BGE will apply it to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact BGE at 1-888-685-0123 and ask about their refund process. Some credits may be held on your account for a certain period before a refund is issued.

How do I know if my payment went through?

If you paid online, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. If you paid by phone, the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write it down. You can also log into your BGE account a day or two later and check your payment history to confirm the payment posted. If you paid by mail, allow 10 business days before contacting BGE to verify.

Can I set up automatic payments to pay a different amount each month?

No, automatic payments withdraw the full bill amount each month. If you want to pay a fixed amount instead, you will need to make manual payments. Contact BGE if you want to discuss a payment plan for a specific reason, such as hardship.

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

Contact BGE at 1-888-685-0123 before your due date. They may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, or they may have hardship programs available. Calling before the due date is important — it shows good faith and may help you avoid a late fee or service disconnection.