The fastest way to pay PGW is online through their website or by phone, and you can set up automatic payments to avoid late fees

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) offers several payment methods, and the one you choose depends on how much control you want over the timing and whether you want to pay just once or set it up to happen automatically. You can pay online at pgw.com, by phone at 215-235-1212, by mail, in person at a payment center, or through automatic bank withdrawal. Each method has different timing rules — some payments post the same day, others take several business days — so knowing which one you are using matters if you are close to a due date.

The due date on your bill is the deadline to avoid a late fee. PGW typically adds a late charge if payment arrives after that date, and the charge increases if you stay unpaid for 30 days or more. If you are struggling to pay, PGW has hardship programs that may lower your bill or give you more time, but you have to contact them to set those up — they do not happen automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through pgw.com or by phone at 215-235-1212 is the fastest method and usually posts within one business day.
  • Automatic payments from your bank account remove the risk of forgetting a due date and can be set up or cancelled anytime through your PGW account.
  • Mail and in-person payments take longer to post, so send mail at least one week before the due date to avoid a late fee.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact PGW before the deadline to discuss payment plans or hardship assistance.
  • Late fees start immediately after the due date and increase at 30 days past due, so paying even a partial amount on time is better than waiting.

Paying online or by phone

The PGW website at pgw.com has a "Pay My Bill" section where you can log in with your account number and pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Online payments typically post within one business day, though PGW may take up to two business days during high-volume periods.

Paying by phone at 215-235-1212 works the same way — you provide your account number and payment method, and the payment posts on the same timeline as online. Both methods charge no fee if you pay from a bank account, but credit and debit card payments may include a processing fee (PGW or their payment processor will show you the fee before you confirm the payment).

One advantage of online or phone payment is that you can pay at any time, including evenings and weekends, and you get an immediate confirmation number. Write down or save that number in case you need to dispute the payment later.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember a due date. You can set this up through your PGW online account by linking a bank account and choosing a payment date each month. PGW will withdraw the amount automatically on that date. Most customers choose a date a few days after they receive their paycheck or a few days before the due date, whichever fits their budget.

You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account — there is no penalty for stopping. If you want to skip a month or change the amount, log into your account and adjust the settings before the scheduled payment date. If the payment has already been processed, you will need to contact PGW to request a reversal.

Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee. If you set up automatic payments using a credit or debit card, the same processing fees apply as with one-time online payments.

Paying by mail or in person

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Mail payments are slower — they typically take 5 to 10 business days to post, depending on postal delivery and PGW's processing time. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least one week before the due date.

PGW also operates payment centers in Philadelphia where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payment centers are located at several addresses across the city; you can find the nearest one on pgw.com or by calling 215-235-1212. In-person payments usually post the same day or the next business day.

When paying by mail, include your account number on the check or money order so PGW can match the payment to your account. If you do not include it, the payment may be delayed while they track down which account it belongs to.

Understanding late fees and what happens if you cannot pay

PGW adds a late fee to your bill if payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount (the exact percentage varies, so check your bill or contact PGW for the current rate). If you remain unpaid for 30 days past the due date, PGW may add an additional charge and can begin the process to shut off your gas service.

If you know you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact PGW before the deadline. They offer payment plans that spread the cost over several months, and they have hardship programs for customers with low income or temporary financial hardship. These programs may reduce your bill, extend your due date, or waive late fees — but only if you ask before you miss the payment.

If your service has already been shut off, PGW charges a reconnection fee in addition to the unpaid balance. Reconnection can take several days to schedule, so avoiding that situation is much easier than recovering from it.

Checking your payment history and account balance

Log into your PGW account online to see your current balance, due date, and a history of payments you have made. This is useful if you are unsure whether a payment has posted or if you need to verify how much you still owe. Your online account also shows your billing history going back several months, which can help you spot patterns in your usage or catch billing errors.

If you do not have an online account, you can create one at pgw.com using your account number and the service address on your bill. Once you are logged in, you can view your bill, set up automatic payments, and update your contact information.

What to do if a payment does not post or you spot an error

If you paid on time but your account still shows as late, or if you see a charge you do not recognize, contact PGW customer service at 215-235-1212. Have your account number and the confirmation number from your payment ready. If you paid by check or in person, it may still be processing — PGW can tell you the status and when it will post.

If you believe there is a billing error (for example, you were charged for a month you did not use gas, or the amount is much higher than usual), ask PGW to review your account. They can check your meter reading and usage history. If an error is found, they will issue a credit or adjust your next bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PGW bill with a credit card without a fee?

PGW does not charge a fee for payments from a bank account, but credit card payments include a processing fee that varies depending on the card type. The fee is shown before you confirm the payment, so you can decide whether to use the card or switch to a bank account payment.

What happens if I miss the due date by one day?

A late fee is added to your bill if payment arrives after the due date, even by one day. The fee is a percentage of your bill. If you realize you will be late, contact PGW before the due date to discuss a payment plan or hardship assistance — they may be able to waive the fee if you are a first-time late payer or facing hardship.

How long does it take for an automatic payment to post?

Automatic payments from a bank account typically post within one business day of the scheduled date. Choose your payment date with this timing in mind — if your due date is the 15th and you schedule automatic payment for the 15th, the payment may not post until the 16th, which could result in a late fee.

Can I set up automatic payments if I do not have a bank account?

Automatic payments require a bank account or a credit/debit card linked to your PGW account. If you do not have either, you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center instead.

What should I do if PGW threatens to shut off my gas?

Contact PGW immediately at 215-235-1212 to discuss payment options. Explain your situation — if you have recently lost income, faced a medical emergency, or are experiencing other hardship, PGW may offer a payment plan, extend your due date, or connect you with assistance programs. Acting before the shutoff date gives you more options than waiting until service is cut.