Where to pay your PGW bill
Philadelphia Gas Works offers four main ways to pay: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the PGW website or mobile app, which processes immediately and costs nothing extra.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call PGW's customer service line at 215-235-1212 to pay by phone using a debit card or bank account. Payment by phone takes a few minutes and the payment posts within one business day. For mailed payments, write your account number on the check or money order, include the payment stub from your bill, and send it to the address printed on your statement — allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
In-person payment is available at PGW's payment centers in Philadelphia during business hours. You can pay with cash, check, or debit card at these locations, and the payment is recorded immediately. Check the PGW website for the nearest center and current hours before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the PGW website or app is free, immediate, and available 24/7 — you need your account number and a debit card or bank account.
- Phone payment at 215-235-1212 takes a few minutes and costs nothing, but the payment takes one business day to post.
- Mailed checks should include your account number and payment stub, and allow 7 to 10 days to reach PGW and process.
- In-person payment at a PGW payment center posts immediately and accepts cash, check, or debit card.
- Your bill due date is printed on your statement — paying after that date may result in a late fee.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want to stop thinking about your gas bill each month, PGW allows you to set up automatic payments from your bank account. You can arrange this through the PGW website by logging into your account, going to the billing section, and selecting the automatic payment option. You choose the payment date each month — many people pick a date shortly after they receive their paycheck.
Automatic payments are free and reduce the risk of missing a due date. You can change or cancel the arrangement at any time through your online account, and PGW will send you a confirmation email each time a payment is processed. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month, you can set up automatic payment for a fixed amount and adjust it as needed, or you can pay the full statement balance automatically.
Understanding your bill due date and late fees
Your bill due date appears on the front of your statement, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If payment is not received by that date, PGW charges a late fee — the amount depends on your bill total but is typically a percentage of what you owe. The late fee is added to your next bill.
If you cannot pay by the due date, contact PGW before the deadline to discuss your options. The company offers payment plans for customers who are behind on their bills, and you may be able to arrange a later payment date without a late fee if you reach out early. Waiting until after the due date passes makes it harder to avoid the fee.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are struggling to pay your gas bill, PGW has programs designed to help. The company offers a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) for low-income households, which can reduce your monthly bill based on your household income and size. To learn about CAP, call 215-235-1212 or visit the PGW website to find the income limits and required documents.
PGW also works with the Philadelphia Housing Trust Fund and other local nonprofits to help customers facing utility shutoff. If you are at risk of losing service, contact PGW immediately — the company is required to work with you on a payment arrangement before disconnecting your gas. Many arrangements allow you to pay a portion now and the rest over several months.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that may help pay your heating bills if you meet income requirements. You can find out more by calling 211 (a free helpline) or visiting the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website. LIHEAP funds are limited and distributed on a first-come basis, so contact them early in the heating season if you think you may be may be able to access.
Paying a bill from a previous address
If you moved and still owe PGW for service at your old address, you can pay that bill online, by phone, or by mail using the account number from your final bill at that address. When you pay by mail or phone, make sure to reference the old address so PGW applies the payment to the correct account.
If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding balance from a previous address, call PGW customer service at 215-235-1212 with your name and the address in question. They can tell you the balance and set up a payment plan if needed. Unpaid utility bills can affect your credit score, so it is worth settling them even if you no longer live at that location.
Handling payment problems and disputes
If you believe your bill is incorrect, contact PGW before paying to discuss the issue. You can call 215-235-1212 or submit a written dispute through your online account. PGW will investigate meter readings, rate calculations, and any unusual usage patterns. While the dispute is being reviewed, you are still expected to pay the undisputed portion of your bill on time to avoid late fees.
If a payment you made online or by phone does not appear on your account within the expected timeframe, log into your account or call customer service to confirm it was processed. Keep a record of your confirmation number for online payments and the date and amount for phone payments. If there is a delay, PGW can usually locate the payment and credit your account within one or two business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my PGW bill with a credit card?
PGW does not accept credit card payments directly through their website or phone line. You can pay with a debit card online or by phone, or with cash or check in person at a payment center. Some third-party payment processors may allow credit card payments, but they typically charge a fee.
What happens if I miss the due date?
A late fee is added to your next bill. The amount varies but is usually a percentage of your bill total. If you miss the due date, contact PGW right away to set up a payment plan and ask whether the late fee can be waived — the company sometimes does this for first-time late payments or financial hardship.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments through the PGW website post immediately and are reflected in your account balance right away. You will receive a confirmation email with your transaction number. If you do not see the payment within a few hours, check your email spam folder or log back into your account to verify the payment went through.
Can I pay someone else's PGW bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. When paying online or by phone, enter their account number instead of your own. If paying in person or by mail, include their account number on the check or payment stub so PGW credits the correct account.
What if PGW shuts off my gas for non-payment?
If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore gas. Call PGW immediately at 215-235-1212 to discuss a payment plan before disconnection happens — the company is required to work with you on arrangements. After disconnection, reconnection can take several business days.