Where to pay your PGW bill
You can pay your Philadelphia Gas Works bill through several channels, each with different processing times and fees. The fastest way is to pay online through your PGW account at pgworks.com, where payments post within one business day and there is no fee. You can also pay by phone at 215-235-1212 using a debit or credit card, though this method charges a convenience fee (the amount varies depending on your card type).
If you prefer to pay in person, PGW accepts payments at their office located at 2301 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia during business hours. You can also mail a check to the address listed on your bill — allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach PGW and post to your account. Some banks and payment services like Western Union also accept PGW payments, though you should confirm the fee before paying this way.
Setting up automatic payments through your bank account is another option that eliminates the need to remember due dates. You can arrange this either through your bank's bill pay system or directly through PGW's website by linking your checking account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at pgworks.com is free and posts within one business day, making it the fastest and cheapest option.
- Phone payments through 215-235-1212 charge a convenience fee that varies by card type.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Automatic bank account payments eliminate the need to pay manually each month and carry no fee.
- In-person payment at PGW's office at 2301 N. Broad Street posts immediately but requires a trip during business hours.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your PGW bill shows a specific due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after that date, PGW charges a late fee. The late fee is a percentage of your bill balance — check your bill or call 215-235-1212 to confirm the exact percentage, as it can change. Late fees add up quickly, so paying on time is worth the small effort of setting a reminder.
If your payment is more than 30 days late, PGW may disconnect your gas service. The company must give you notice before disconnection, but the notice period is short. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact PGW immediately to discuss a payment plan or hardship programs before you fall behind.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full
If you owe PGW money and cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan by calling 215-235-1212. PGW typically allows you to spread the balance over several months, with a portion due each billing cycle. The exact terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history, so ask what options are available for your situation.
To set up a plan, have your account number ready and be prepared to discuss how much you can pay each month. PGW will not disconnect your service while you are on an active payment plan, as long as you make the agreed payments on time. If you miss a payment on the plan, you risk losing the agreement and facing disconnection again.
Hardship programs and bill assistance for low-income households
Philadelphia residents with low household income may be able to reduce their gas bills through the Universal Service Program (USP), which is PGW's assistance program. USP provides a discount on your gas rates if you meet income limits. To learn whether you may have access to, call PGW at 215-235-1212 and ask about the Universal Service Program, or visit pgworks.com and look for the assistance section.
You may also be able to receive one-time bill assistance through community action agencies or nonprofit organizations in Philadelphia. The Community Action Partnership of Philadelphia and similar groups sometimes have funds to help with utility bills. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) to find local assistance programs near you.
If you are facing disconnection and need immediate help, tell PGW when you call. Some programs prioritize households at risk of losing service, and the company may delay disconnection while you explore assistance options.
What to do if you receive a disconnection notice
A disconnection notice means PGW plans to shut off your gas service because your bill is unpaid. The notice will state the date service will be cut off and the amount you owe. You typically have at least 10 days from the notice date to pay or contact PGW before disconnection happens.
If you receive a disconnection notice, call 215-235-1212 immediately. Explain your situation — whether you are working on a payment plan, waiting for assistance, or facing a temporary hardship. PGW may delay disconnection if you are actively working toward payment. Waiting until the disconnection date to call makes it much harder to stop the process.
After disconnection, you will need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection fees vary but are typically $50 to $100 or more. Avoiding disconnection in the first place is far cheaper than paying to reconnect.
How to read your PGW bill and understand the charges
Your PGW bill shows several sections: your account number, the billing period, your usage in therms (a unit of gas), the rates charged, and the total amount due. The main charge is for the gas you used, calculated by multiplying your therms used by the per-therm rate. PGW also charges a customer charge (a fixed monthly fee) and may include taxes and other adjustments.
If your bill seems high, check the usage section to see how many therms you consumed. Compare it to previous months — a sudden spike might indicate a leak or a change in your heating use. You can also call PGW at 215-235-1212 to ask about your usage or request a meter check if you think the reading is wrong.
Some bills include notices about rate changes or program information. Read these carefully, as they may affect what you pay in future months or tell you about assistance you did not know was available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PGW bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through pgworks.com, though there is no fee for online payment. If you pay by phone at 215-235-1212, a convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Paying through your bank account online avoids any fees.
What happens if I miss a payment?
PGW charges a late fee if you pay after the due date. If you are more than 30 days late, the company may disconnect your service. Contact PGW before you fall behind to discuss a payment plan or assistance — waiting until disconnection is imminent makes options harder to arrange.
How long does it take for an online payment to show on my account?
Online payments through pgworks.com typically post within one business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. In-person payments at PGW's office post immediately. If you are close to your due date, online or in-person payment is safer than mailing a check.
Can PGW disconnect my service in winter?
Pennsylvania has a winter moratorium that limits disconnections during cold months, but it does not prevent them entirely. PGW can still disconnect if you are significantly behind or refuse to work out a payment plan. Contact the company as soon as you know you cannot pay to explore options before winter arrives.
Where do I find my account number to pay online?
Your account number appears on your bill, usually near the top. You will need it to log into pgworks.com or to pay by phone. If you cannot find your bill, call 215-235-1212 and provide your address — PGW can give you your account number over the phone.