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. You do not need to speak to a representative. The system accepts payment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and processes most payments the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time.
Have your bill in front of you when you call. The system will ask for your account number (found in the top right of your bill), the amount you want to pay, and your payment method — either a checking or savings account for an ACH transfer, or a debit or credit card. The system will confirm the payment amount and date before you complete the transaction.
If you pay by debit or credit card through this line, PG&E charges a convenience fee. The fee varies but is typically between $1 and $3 depending on the payment amount. ACH transfers from a bank account have no fee.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-743-5000 to reach PG&E's automated payment system, which works 24/7 and processes payments the same business day if you call before 5 p.m. Pacific time.
- You will need your account number from your bill, the payment amount, and either a bank account or debit/credit card information.
- Paying by debit or credit card incurs a convenience fee of roughly $1 to $3, while ACH transfers from a bank account are free.
- If you need to speak to a representative instead of using the automated system, call the same number and select the option to wait for an agent.
- Payment by phone is different from setting up autopay, which you can arrange through the same line or through your online account.
Speaking to a representative if the automated system does not work for you
If you prefer to speak with someone or run into a problem with the automated system, call 1-800-743-5000 and select the option to speak with a representative. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the line is. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than calling on a weekend or at the end of the month when many bills are due.
A representative can process your payment the same way the automated system does, and they can also help if you have questions about your bill, need to set up a payment plan, or want to discuss your account balance. They can also take payment over the phone using the same methods — bank account, debit card, or credit card.
Understanding convenience fees for card payments
PG&E does not charge a fee when you pay by ACH transfer from a checking or savings account. However, if you use a debit card or credit card to pay by phone, a third-party payment processor charges a convenience fee that PG&E passes along to you.
The fee is calculated as a percentage of your payment amount plus a flat charge, so larger payments incur larger fees. Before you confirm your payment, the automated system or representative will tell you the exact fee amount. You can choose to proceed or cancel and pay a different way.
If you want to avoid the fee, pay by ACH transfer from your bank account instead, or pay online through your PG&E account at pge.com without using a card.
Setting up autopay to avoid calling each month
If you want to stop calling to pay your bill each month, you can set up autopay through the same phone line. Call 1-800-743-5000 and ask a representative to enroll you in automatic payments. You can also set up autopay through your online account at pge.com by logging in and going to the billing section.
Autopay withdraws money from your bank account on your due date each month. There is no fee for ACH autopay. You can change the amount, pause the service, or cancel it at any time by calling the number above or logging into your account online.
Autopay is useful if your bill amount stays roughly the same each month, but if your usage varies widely by season, you may want to review your bill before it is withdrawn to make sure the amount is correct.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If you cannot pay your full bill by phone, you have other options. You can call 1-800-743-5000 and ask a representative about a payment plan, which lets you spread your balance over several months. Payment plans are available for past-due amounts and for current bills if you request one before your due date.
You can also pay a partial amount by phone now and pay the rest later. The system accepts any amount you choose. If you do not pay by your due date, PG&E will add a late fee to your next bill and may eventually shut off your service, so contacting them about a plan before you fall behind is important.
If you are struggling with your bill because of financial hardship, ask the representative about low-income programs or bill assistance. PG&E offers programs like CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) that reduce rates for may have access to households.
Timing and processing for phone payments
When you pay by phone before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day, your payment usually posts to your account the same day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays typically post the next business day.
The payment date that matters for avoiding late fees is the date PG&E receives your payment, not the date you call. If your due date is coming up and you are cutting it close, ask the representative what time zone they are in and confirm that your payment will post before midnight on your due date.
If you are paying a past-due balance, the payment goes toward the oldest charges first. If you have multiple past-due amounts, the system will apply your payment in order of age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay by phone?
There is no fee if you pay by ACH transfer from a bank account. If you use a debit or credit card, PG&E charges a convenience fee of roughly $1 to $3 depending on the payment amount. The system tells you the exact fee before you confirm the payment.
Can I pay someone else's PG&E bill by phone?
Yes, but you will need their account number. Call 1-800-743-5000 and provide the account number when prompted. The system will pull up that account and let you pay it. You do not need to be the account holder, but you do need the account number.
What if my payment does not show up on my bill?
Payments usually post within one business day of being made. If more than two business days have passed and your payment still does not appear, call 1-800-743-5000 and ask a representative to look up the payment status. Have your confirmation number from the payment ready.
Can I set up autopay over the phone?
Yes. Call 1-800-743-5000 and ask a representative to enroll you in autopay. They will set it up to withdraw from your bank account on your due date each month. You can also set up autopay online at pge.com without calling.
What happens if I pay late?
If you do not pay by your due date, PG&E adds a late fee to your next bill. If you remain unpaid for about 30 days after the due date, they may send a shut-off notice. If you know you will be late, call 1-800-743-5000 before your due date to ask about a payment plan or to discuss your options.