The fastest way to pay BGE is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail — and the method you choose affects when the payment posts to your account.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) gives you five main payment routes. Online payment through their website or the BGE mobile app posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. ET on a business day. Phone payment through their automated system or a representative also posts same-day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days from when BGE receives it. In-person payment at a BGE payment center or authorized retailer (like some grocery stores or check-cashing outlets) posts the same day. Auto-pay from your bank account or credit card removes the need to remember a due date at all.
The choice matters most if you are close to your due date or have a past-due balance. Same-day methods keep you current faster. Auto-pay is the safest option if you forget deadlines, because the payment happens automatically on the date you set — usually around your bill date or a few days before your due date.
Key Takeaways
- Online and phone payments post the same day if made before 5 p.m. ET on a business day; mail takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Auto-pay removes the risk of late payment and is set up through your BGE account in minutes.
- BGE charges no fee for online, phone, or mail payments, but some third-party payment processors charge a convenience fee.
- If your bill is past due, call BGE at 1-888-685-0123 before the due date to discuss a payment plan rather than waiting for a disconnect notice.
- You can pay a portion of your bill anytime; you do not have to pay the full amount at once.
Paying online or through the BGE mobile app
Go to bge.com and log into your account, or download the BGE mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Click "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. BGE accepts bank account transfers (no fee) and credit or debit cards (a convenience fee applies — BGE will show you the fee before you confirm).
If you pay from a bank account before 5 p.m. ET on a business day, the payment posts the same day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. Credit and debit card payments may take one business day longer to post, even if you submit them early in the day.
Save your payment method in your account so you do not have to enter it every time. You can also set up a one-time future payment if you know when you want to pay but are not ready to set up auto-pay.
Setting up automatic payments (auto-pay)
Auto-pay is the most reliable way to avoid late fees and disconnection. Log into your BGE account online or in the app, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Enroll in Auto Pay." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount each month. Pick your payment date — most people choose a few days before the due date to ensure the payment clears in time.
You can use a bank account (no fee) or a credit or debit card (convenience fee applies). BGE will send you a confirmation email with your auto-pay details. You can change the payment amount, date, or payment method anytime, and you can pause or cancel auto-pay if your situation changes.
If you are on a budget billing plan or a low-income program, auto-pay works the same way — it will deduct your monthly budget amount on the date you choose.
Paying by phone
Call BGE's automated payment line at 1-888-685-0123. You will need your account number (on your bill) and a bank account or debit card. The automated system walks you through the payment step by step. If you prefer to speak to a representative, stay on the line after the automated greeting and select the option to speak with someone.
Phone payments from a bank account post the same day if you call before 5 p.m. ET on a business day. Debit card payments may take one business day. There is no fee for bank account payments, but debit card payments may incur a convenience fee.
Phone payment is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online. Representatives can also answer questions about your bill or discuss a payment plan if you are behind.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to BGE. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address on your bill — typically BGE, P.O. Box 1122, Baltimore, MD 21203. Do not mail cash.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days from the date BGE receives them. If your due date is coming up, mail is not the best choice because the payment may not post in time to avoid a late fee. Use mail only if you have time before your due date or if you have no other option.
Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the date you mailed it. If you do not see the payment post within 10 business days, call BGE to confirm they received it.
In-person payment at BGE locations and authorized retailers
BGE has payment centers in Baltimore where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payments made at a BGE office before 5 p.m. ET on a business day post the same day. You can also pay at authorized retailers — some grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing outlets accept BGE payments. Call 1-888-685-0123 to find a retailer near you.
In-person payment is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. Bring your account number or bill with you. Some retailers may charge a small fee for the service.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
You do not have to pay your entire bill at once. You can pay any amount — even $10 or $20 — and it will reduce what you owe. If you are struggling to pay, call BGE at 1-888-685-0123 before your due date and ask about a payment plan. BGE offers extended payment arrangements that spread your balance over several months, which can lower your monthly payment.
BGE also has programs for customers with low income or hardship. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) may help cover part of your bill if you meet income limits. Ask BGE about HEAP when you call, or contact your local community action agency for more information.
If you wait until after your due date, BGE may charge a late fee and eventually disconnect your service. Calling before the due date gives you more options and shows BGE you are trying to resolve the issue.
Understanding late fees and disconnection
BGE charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount — the exact percentage varies but is shown in your account or on your bill. A late fee is added to your next bill, increasing what you owe.
If your bill stays unpaid for about 30 days after the due date, BGE will send a disconnect notice. This notice gives you a final deadline — usually 10 to 15 days — to pay or contact BGE to set up a payment plan. If you do not respond, BGE will disconnect your gas or electric service.
If your service is disconnected, you must pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. Reconnection can take one to three business days. Avoiding disconnection is much simpler than dealing with reconnection, so contact BGE as soon as you know you will be late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BGE charge a fee to pay my bill online?
No fee if you pay from a bank account. If you use a credit or debit card, BGE charges a convenience fee — the amount varies but is shown before you confirm the payment. Bank account payments have no fee and post the same day.
Can I pay my BGE bill with a credit card?
Yes, but BGE charges a convenience fee for credit card payments. The fee is typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. If you want to avoid the fee, pay from a bank account instead.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
BGE charges a late fee, which is added to your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, BGE will send a disconnect notice. Contact BGE before the due date to avoid late fees and disconnection.
Can I set up auto-pay and then cancel it later?
Yes. You can cancel auto-pay anytime through your BGE account online or by calling 1-888-685-0123. Changes take effect within one to two billing cycles, so confirm the cancellation in writing or through your account to be sure.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can pay in person with cash at a BGE payment center or authorized retailer, by phone with a debit card, or by mail with a check or money order. In-person and phone payments post the same day if made before 5 p.m. ET on a business day.