The three ways to pay PGW

You can pay your Philadelphia Gas Works bill online through your PGW account, by phone, or by mail. The fastest and most convenient method is online — you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments, and the money reaches PGW within one business day. If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call PGW's payment line at 215-235-1212 to pay by phone using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Mailing a check or money order takes longer (typically 7 to 10 business days for the payment to post) but requires no account setup.

Each method has different deadlines and fees. Online and phone payments are free. If you mail a payment, write your account number on the check and send it to the address printed on your bill. Paying late — after the due date shown on your bill — triggers a late fee and may result in a service disconnection notice if the account falls far enough behind.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through your PGW account is the fastest option and posts within one business day at no cost.
  • Phone payments at 215-235-1212 are free and let you pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
  • Automatic payments prevent late fees by charging your account on the due date each month without you having to act.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Late payments trigger a fee and can lead to a disconnection notice if your account falls significantly behind.

Paying online through your PGW account

Go to the PGW website and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number, service address, and ZIP code. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill" — the exact wording depends on which version of the website you see, but the button is always on the main account page.

Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount), choose your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account), and review the details before confirming. The payment posts to your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save or print it as proof of payment. If you want to avoid making this payment every month, you can set up automatic payments on the same page — PGW will charge your chosen account on the due date each month.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay before the due date. You choose a bank account or card, and PGW charges it automatically on your bill's due date each month. To set this up, log into your online account, find the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" section, and enter your payment method. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same section.

Automatic payments are free and work with both bank accounts and cards. If your bill amount varies month to month (which is normal for gas, since usage changes with the season), PGW will charge whatever the current bill is. If you want to pay a fixed amount each month instead, you can set a custom payment amount, though this may leave a balance at the end of the year that you will need to settle.

Paying by phone with a representative

Call PGW's payment line at 215-235-1212 during business hours. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment using your debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The call is free, and the payment posts within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

Phone payments are useful if you do not have internet access, prefer speaking with someone, or need to discuss your bill before paying. If you have questions about charges or your account balance, the representative can answer them while processing your payment. Keep the confirmation number for your records.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number clearly on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash. Mail typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive, and PGW needs another 2 to 3 business days to process and post the payment — so the total time is usually 7 to 10 business days. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date.

Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the money order receipt for your records. If you are unsure whether your payment arrived, log into your online account a few days after the expected posting date to confirm the balance has been updated. If it has not posted after 10 business days, contact PGW at 215-235-1212 to report the missing payment.

What happens if you miss the due date

A late fee is added to your account if payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The amount of the fee varies but is typically a percentage of your bill. If your account remains unpaid for 30 days or more past the due date, PGW will send a disconnection notice warning that service may be shut off. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact PGW immediately to arrange a payment plan or discuss your options — many customers can avoid disconnection by paying the full amount owed or setting up a payment agreement.

If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full balance owed plus a reconnection fee to restore gas service. Reconnection typically takes one to three business days after payment is received. To prevent this, prioritize paying your bill by the due date, or contact PGW before the due date if you know you cannot pay in full.

Payment plans and hardship programs

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, PGW offers payment plans that spread the cost over several months. Contact PGW at 215-235-1212 to discuss a plan. You will need to pay a portion of the bill immediately and agree to pay the remaining balance in installments. Payment plans are free and can help you avoid late fees and disconnection.

PGW also has hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, provide emergency assistance, or offer other support depending on your income and situation. Call 215-235-1212 or visit the PGW website to learn whether you may be may be able to access and what documents you will need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my bill?

Online payments post within one business day. You will see the payment reflected in your account balance the next business day after you submit it. If you pay on a Friday, it typically posts by Monday.

Can I pay my bill with a credit card online?

Yes, PGW accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank accounts for online payments. There is no fee for any payment method.

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

Contact PGW at 215-235-1212 to set up a payment plan. You will pay part of the bill now and the rest in installments over the following months. Payment plans are free and prevent late fees and disconnection.

Can I change or cancel automatic payments?

Yes, you can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. Log in, go to the autopay section, and update or remove your payment method. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.

What if my mailed check gets lost in the mail?

If your payment does not post within 10 business days, call PGW at 215-235-1212 to report it. They can help you track it or process a replacement payment. Keep a copy of the check or receipt for proof.