RG&E bill payment methods and where to send your money
RG&E (Rochester Gas and Electric) gives you several ways to pay your bill each month. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to reach them and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
The fastest way is online through the RG&E website or their mobile app — payments post within one business day. Phone payments also process quickly but may charge a fee. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days, so send it early if your due date is approaching. Whichever method you use, have your account number and bill amount ready.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through the RG&E website or app are free and post within one business day, making them the fastest option.
- Phone payments are available 24/7 but may include a convenience fee that varies depending on the payment processor.
- Mail payments should be sent at least 10 days before your due date to avoid late fees, and you must include your account number.
- Automatic payments (autopay) eliminate the need to remember due dates and can reduce your bill by a small percentage on some RG&E plans.
Paying online through the RG&E website or app
Go to the RG&E website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" link on the homepage. You will need to log in with your account number and either a password you create or your email address. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one in a few minutes using your bill and account information.
Once logged in, select the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full bill, a partial amount, or a different amount if you prefer. Choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). Bank account payments are free; card payments may include a small fee depending on the processor RG&E uses that day. Review the details and confirm. The payment posts to your account within one business day.
RG&E also offers a mobile app available on iOS and Android. The app works the same way as the website and is useful if you want to pay on the go or set up automatic payments from your phone.
Paying by phone
Call RG&E's automated payment line at the number on your bill. You will need your account number and the amount you want to pay. Have a debit card, credit card, or bank account information ready. The system will confirm the payment amount and the date it will post.
Phone payments are available 24/7, which is helpful if you realize your bill is due after business hours. However, most payment processors charge a convenience fee for phone payments — typically $2 to $4 depending on the method and processor. Ask the system to state the fee before you confirm the payment so you know the total amount being charged.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to RG&E. Include your account number on the check itself — write it in the memo line. Place the check in an envelope with the payment stub from your bill (the bottom portion of your bill statement). The payment stub has your account number printed on it, which helps RG&E match your payment to your account.
Mail your payment to the address printed on your bill. Do not mail cash. Allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee. RG&E considers a payment late if it is not received by the due date shown on your bill, not the date you mail it.
Setting up automatic payments (autopay)
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your RG&E online account, find the autopay or automatic payment section, and choose the date you want the payment to come out each month. You can set it to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount you choose. Select your payment method — bank account payments are free, while card payments may have a fee.
Once autopay is active, the payment will come out on your chosen date every month unless you cancel it. You can change the amount or payment date anytime through your online account. Some RG&E rate plans offer a small discount (usually 0.25% to 0.5%) if you enroll in autopay, so check your bill or account to see if you may have access to.
If your bill amount varies significantly month to month, you can set autopay to a lower fixed amount and pay the difference manually when the bill is higher. This prevents overpaying in low-usage months.
What to do if your payment is late
If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your bill, RG&E 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. A late payment also may affect your credit report if it remains unpaid for 30 days or more.
If you know your payment will be late, contact RG&E before the due date to ask about a payment arrangement or extension. You can call the number on your bill or log into your online account to see if an extension option is available. RG&E may also offer a budget billing plan that spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments, which can make it easier to budget and avoid late payments.
Finding payment locations near you
RG&E does not operate walk-in payment centers, but you can pay in person at certain retail locations in their service area. Check the RG&E website for a list of authorized payment locations — these are often grocery stores, pharmacies, or utility payment centers. Bring your bill or account number and the cash or check you want to pay with. In-person payments typically post within one to two business days.
Some locations may charge a small fee for in-person payments, so ask before you pay. If no location is convenient, online or phone payment is usually faster and just as easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my RG&E bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can use a credit card on the RG&E website or app. However, the payment processor may charge a convenience fee (typically $2 to $4) for credit card payments. Bank account payments are free, so if you have a checking account, that is the cheapest option.
What happens if I pay more than my bill amount?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. RG&E will apply it to your next month's bill, or you can request a refund. Check your online account or call RG&E to see your current credit balance.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and phone payments show a confirmation number immediately. Check your online account within one business day to see the payment posted. For mail payments, allow 7 to 10 business days and then check your account or call RG&E to confirm.
Can I set up autopay if I do not have a bank account?
You can use a prepaid debit card or credit card for autopay, though a convenience fee may apply each month. Online or phone payment with a card is another option if you prefer not to enroll in recurring autopay.
What if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?
Contact RG&E before the due date to discuss a payment plan or extension. You can also ask about budget billing, which spreads your annual bill into equal monthly payments. RG&E may have hardship programs available depending on your situation — call the number on your bill to learn what options exist.