Call PG&E's automated payment line at 1-800-743-5000
The fastest way to pay PG&E by phone is to call their automated system at 1-800-743-5000. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to speak to a representative — the system walks you through payment in about five minutes.
Have your PG&E account number ready before you call. You can find it on your bill in the upper right corner, or in the PG&E mobile app. The system accepts payment from a checking or savings account, or from a debit or credit card. If you pay by bank account, the payment usually posts within one business day. Credit and debit card payments may take slightly longer and may include a processing fee.
If you reach a live representative instead of the automated system, you can ask them to transfer you to the payment line, or you can hang up and call back — the automated system is usually faster.
Key Takeaways
- PG&E's automated payment phone line is 1-800-743-5000 and operates 24/7 without wait times for simple payments.
- You will need your account number, which appears on your bill or in the PG&E app, and a bank account or debit/credit card.
- Payments from a bank account usually post within one business day, while card payments may take longer and could include a fee.
- If you need to discuss your bill, set up a payment plan, or report a problem, you will need to speak to a representative at 1-800-743-5000 during business hours.
- You can also pay online at pge.com, by mail, or in person at a payment location if the phone line does not work for you.
What information you need before calling
Gather these details before you dial so the call moves quickly. You will need your PG&E account number, which is printed on your bill. If you do not have a bill in front of you, log into your account at pge.com or open the PG&E mobile app — both show your account number on the dashboard.
You will also need the payment method you want to use. If paying from a bank account, have your routing number and account number ready. If using a debit or credit card, have the card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). The system will ask for your zip code to verify your identity.
How the automated payment system works
When you call 1-800-743-5000, the system asks you to enter your account number using your phone keypad. It then confirms your account and tells you the amount due and the due date. You choose whether to pay the full amount or a partial amount.
Next, you select your payment method and enter the required information. The system confirms the payment amount, the date it will post, and any fees. You will hear a confirmation number at the end — write it down or note it in your records. This number proves you made the payment if there is ever a question later.
If the system cannot process your payment — for example, if your card is declined — it will tell you why and give you the option to try again with a different method or to speak to a representative.
When to call during business hours instead
The automated line handles straightforward payments only. If you need to do anything else, call 1-800-743-5000 during business hours (usually 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends) and ask to speak to a representative.
Call a representative if you want to set up a payment plan, discuss a high bill, report a billing error, ask about budget billing or other rate programs, or if you have questions about your account. Representatives can also help if you are having trouble with the automated system or if you need to make a payment arrangement due to financial hardship.
Other ways to pay if the phone line does not work
If you cannot reach the phone line or prefer a different method, PG&E offers several alternatives. You can pay online at pge.com using the same account number and payment method. The website is available 24/7 and usually processes payments the same day.
You can also pay by mail by sending a check to the address on your bill, though mail payments take longer to post. Some areas have in-person payment locations — check pge.com for a location near you. Automatic payments from your bank account are another option; you can set these up online or by calling a representative.
What to do if your payment does not post
After you hang up, the system gives you a confirmation number. Write this down. Payments from a bank account usually appear within one business day. Card payments may take two to three business days. If your payment does not show up within that window, log into your account at pge.com and check the payment history to see if it is pending.
If the payment is not there and you have your confirmation number, call 1-800-743-5000 during business hours and speak to a representative. Have your confirmation number ready. They can look up the payment in their system and tell you exactly when it will post, or they can help you troubleshoot if something went wrong.
Avoiding common payment mistakes
Do not assume a payment posted just because you received a confirmation number. Check your account online or on your next bill to confirm. If you are close to your due date and worried the payment might not arrive in time, pay a few days early.
Do not give your account number or payment information to anyone who calls you claiming to be from PG&E. PG&E does not call customers asking for payment information. If someone calls you about your PG&E bill, hang up and call 1-800-743-5000 yourself to verify.
If you are having money trouble and cannot pay your full bill, do not ignore it. Call a representative at 1-800-743-5000 and ask about payment plans or hardship programs. PG&E has options for customers who need more time to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay by phone?
There is no fee to pay from a bank account. If you use a debit or credit card, PG&E may charge a processing fee — the automated system will tell you the exact amount before you confirm the payment. You can choose to pay a different way if you do not want to pay the fee.
Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill by phone?
You can pay a bill if you have the account number and are authorized on the account. If you are trying to pay for a family member or roommate, ask them for their account number. The system does not require a name, only the account number and payment information.
What if I want to set up a recurring payment?
The automated phone line does not set up recurring payments. You can set up automatic payments online at pge.com or by calling a representative at 1-800-743-5000 during business hours. Automatic payments pull from your bank account on the date you choose each month.
How long does a payment take to show up on my account?
Bank account payments usually post within one business day. Credit and debit card payments may take two to three business days. Weekend and holiday payments may take longer. You will get a confirmation number immediately when you hang up, even if the payment has not posted yet.
What if the automated system will not accept my payment?
The system may decline your card if there are insufficient funds, if the card is expired, or if there is a fraud hold. Try a different payment method, or call 1-800-743-5000 during business hours to speak to a representative who can help troubleshoot or set up a payment plan.