PG&E's main customer service phone number and what it handles

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) operates a single main customer service line for most account and billing questions: 1-800-752-4743. This number works for residential and small business customers in Northern and Central California who need help with their bill, want to report an outage, have questions about their service, or need to set up or cancel an account.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and season — winter months typically see longer queues because more people call about heating and billing issues. You can also reach the same department through the PG&E website by starting an online chat or submitting a message through your account.

Key Takeaways

  • The main PG&E customer service number is 1-800-752-4743 for billing, outages, and account changes.
  • Gas leaks and electrical emergencies have a separate 24-hour line: 1-800-743-5000.
  • You can reach PG&E through their website, mobile app, or by mail if phone wait times are long.
  • Having your account number or the service address ready will speed up your call.
  • PG&E offers payment plans and financial hardship programs that you can discuss with a representative.

Emergency numbers for gas leaks and electrical hazards

If you smell gas, see downed power lines, or suspect an electrical fire, do not call the main customer service line. Instead, call PG&E's emergency number: 1-800-743-5000. This line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and connects you to someone who can dispatch a crew when ready.

For a gas leak, leave your home or building and move to a safe distance before calling. Do not use your phone indoors if you smell gas — use a neighbor's phone or a mobile phone from outside. PG&E will send a technician to your location at no charge to investigate and repair the leak if one exists.

What to have ready before you call

Calls move faster when you have information in front of you. Before dialing, gather your PG&E account number (found on your bill or in the PG&E app), the service address (the location where you receive service, which may differ from a mailing address), and the phone number associated with the account.

If you are calling about an outage, have your address ready and note whether your neighbors' power is also out — this helps the representative determine whether the problem is widespread or isolated to your home. If you are calling about a bill, have the bill in front of you so you can reference specific charges or dates. For service requests like a meter inspection or line repair, describe what you observed and when you first noticed the problem.

Alternatives to phone calls

PG&E's website (pge.com) offers several ways to reach the company without waiting on hold. You can log into your account, view your bill, report an outage, and start a live chat with a representative during business hours. The chat feature often has shorter wait times than the phone line, especially during peak hours.

The PG&E mobile app lets you check your balance, pay your bill, and report outages from your phone. You can also mail a payment or question to PG&E's billing address (listed on your bill), though responses by mail take longer than phone or online contact. For billing disputes or formal complaints, PG&E has a dedicated process that begins with a written request to your local PG&E office.

Billing and payment questions

When you call about your bill, a representative can explain charges, discuss your usage, and help you understand rate changes. If your bill is higher than expected, ask whether weather, seasonal rates, or a meter reading change affected the amount. PG&E can also walk you through the online bill-pay system or set up automatic payments from your bank account.

If you are struggling to pay your bill, tell the representative during your call. PG&E offers payment plans that spread your balance over several months, and some customers may be may be able to access for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which reduces rates for low-income households. The representative can provide information about these programs and direct you to explore.

Service outages and restoration updates

When you report an outage, PG&E's system will confirm whether the outage is known and provide an estimated restoration time. If the outage is not yet reported, your call adds it to the queue. You can also check outage status on the PG&E website or app without calling — the map shows active outages by location and updates in real time.

For Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events — when PG&E deliberately cuts power to prevent wildfires during high-wind conditions — the company sends notifications by phone, email, and text to customers in affected areas. You can sign up for these alerts through your PG&E account online. If you have a medical device that requires power, tell PG&E during a PSPS event so they can prioritize your area for restoration or discuss backup options.

Account changes and service requests

Call the main number to start or stop service, add a second account holder, update your contact information, or request a meter inspection. You can also report a suspected meter problem or ask for a bill review if you believe you were overcharged. The representative will schedule a technician visit if needed and provide a time window.

If you are moving and need to transfer service to a new address, PG&E can often handle this over the phone. You will need the move-out date, the new address, and confirmation of who will be responsible for the bill at each location. Some moves require a technician visit to disconnect and reconnect lines, which PG&E will schedule during your call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I wait on hold when I call PG&E?

Wait times range from a few minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and season. Calling early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. If the wait is long, try the online chat on pge.com or use the mobile app to handle your issue without holding.

Can I pay my PG&E bill over the phone?

Yes. When you call the main number, a representative can take a payment by debit card, credit card, or bank account. You can also pay online through your account, use the mobile app, or mail a check. Online and app payments are usually processed the same day.

What should I do if I think my meter is broken or my bill is wrong?

Call 1-800-752-4743 and ask for a meter inspection or bill review. Describe what made you suspicious — for example, a sudden spike in usage or a meter that is not moving. PG&E will send a technician to check the meter at no charge. If an error is found, they will adjust your bill.

Is there a number for billing disputes or complaints?

Start with the main customer service line to try to resolve the issue. If you remain unsatisfied, ask for information about filing a formal complaint. PG&E has a dispute resolution process, and you can also contact the California Public Utilities Commission if you believe PG&E has violated regulations.

What if I cannot afford my bill?

Tell the representative during your call. PG&E offers payment plans, the CARE program for low-income customers, and other hardship information. You may also be may be able to access for state or local energy information programs — the representative can provide referrals or you can search through 211.org for programs in your area.