Billing and Payments FAQs
Billing and Payments FAQs
![Autopay and Automatic Funds Transfer billing payments](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-billing-payments.png?rev=36835311f8ec463881370d847ef95611&modified=20181015210210&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=EBDE33406227E80965FDD622E04F6655)
Autopay and Automatic Funds Transfer
Can I set up AutoPay?
Yes. Visit the Schedule AutoPay page (login required) and to setup AutoPay with any major credit card, debit card, PayPal account, electronic check, or automatic funds transfer. (Click ADD PAYMENT METHOD to add credit card, debit card, or bank information.)
Can I set a payment limit on AutoPay?
No. AutoPay will pay your total amount due on the bill due date, regardless of the amount. If you would like to view your bill before the auto payment is made, you can opt-in to receive a notification between 1 and 5 days before your payment is processed. If you choose to receive this notification, you'll also have an opportunity to cancel or update your AutoPay.
How do I enroll in, change or cancel Automatic Funds Transfer?
If looking for automatic payments, you can set up AutoPay with a credit card, bank account, or PayPal.
You can also replace your AFT with AutoPay by following the directions above to enroll in AutoPay online. If you are currently enrolled in Automatic Funds Transfer, and would like to cancel or update your enrollment, contact PSE at 1-888-225-5773.
How do I update or cancel AutoPay?
To update the payment method on your existing AutoPay schedule:
- Sign-in to your online PSE account
- Click "Edit" next to Payment Details for the account you'd like to update
- Choose your preferred payment method or "Add a Payment Method"
To cancel the AutoPay schedule:
- Sign-in to your online PSE account
- Select "Edit" next to the Schedule number
- Select "Remove Schedule"
- Select "Confirm"
How will I know if I am enrolled in Automatic Funds Transfer or AutoPay?
AutoPay
- Sign in to your online PSE account
- If you are enrolled in AutoPay, you will see a link below the balance that is due on your account stating: "You are enrolled in AutoPay"
- If you are not enrolled in AutoPay, the link will read: "Manage AutoPay"
- For more details about your AutoPay enrollment, select "You are enrolled in AutoPay"
- After enrolling in AutoPay, your bill stub will display the phrase "AutoPay" in the amount due box.
Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT)
Your bill stub will display the "automatic withdrawal" phrase in the amount due box.
Your bank's bill payment service
Contact your personal bank to see if your account is set up for automatic payments.
What's the difference between Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT) and AutoPay?
Both AutoPay and Automatic Funds Transfer allow you to make automatic monthly payments.
AutoPay
You can easily manage your monthly payments online through AutoPay. Start by signing in to your online PSE account and setting up AutoPay. With this payment feature, you can make your payment via your bank account, credit card, or PayPal account. Your bill will display how much will be paid and when. You can also edit your AutoPay, skip a month, or cancel it online at any time.
Coming Soon - You will also be able to set up AutoPay with a Venmo account by adding the account to your Wallet through the PSE mobile app.
Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT)
With AFT set up, your full amount due is paid each month from your checking account. Your bill will display how much will be taken out of your checking account and when.
To cancel or make changes to an existing AFT agreement, call 1-888-225-5773
Why was my payment not withdrawn after I set up AutoPay?
After you set up AutoPay, it will not take effect until the next billing statement. If a bill is currently due, you will need to schedule your payment manually.
![Bill Discount Rate financial assistance](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-financial-assistance.png?rev=48d33381d0f74083a2801ebb0f342ecd&modified=20181015210358&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=0C60BD60545AC7CF6A49699308F2BA13)
Bill Discount Rate
What does PSE do with my income and household information?
Your information is protected. We only use your income and household information to verify that you’re eligible for the program.
Will being on a Bill Discount Rate impact my ability to receive additional energy assistance?
No. In fact, by applying for Bill Discount Rate, an application will automatically be created for you, applying for our HELP assistance program. To apply for LIHEAP you will need to contact your local community agency.
What is the verification process and why was I selected to prove I am eligible?
We will ask a small percentage of customers enrolled to provide proof of household income to ensure that only qualified customers are receiving the benefit of the Bill Discount Rate program. Customers who are selected for verification have 90 days to prove their eligibility for the program.
What happens after signing up?
- Once you submit your application, we will review your information to see whether you qualify for the program. Please allow 30 days for your application to be processed.
- After you’re approved, we will send you a notification email to confirm your enrollment and the percentage of discount you will receive.
- After you apply, we will automatically create an application for our PSE HELP program grant, where you could receive a credit on your account for up to $1,000.
Once enrolled, what else should I know about the program?
- Your monthly discount will last for 13 months. You will need to re-enroll after one year, but we will send you a reminder in advance. The discount only applies to new energy charges billed after enrollment. The discount does not apply to charges billed prior to enrollment.
- The discount may not apply to the next bill you receive, but the following bill after that and you will see it reflected on your bill.
- Certain charges are not included in the discount. The discount only applies to service and energy charges.
What if my household size or income changes?
After one year, you will need to submit a new application and report any changes at that time.
What if I receive a utility allowance?
Receiving a utility allowance does not impact your ability to enroll in the program.
What if I am disconnected, due to my inability to pay my bill?
A disconnection does not impact your participation in this program. You will still be enrolled.
What if I am not currently working, but am starting a new job in the next month?
If you do not have any income, mark your current income as $0.
I am currently on the Budget Payment Plan. Can I remain on it if I enroll in Bill Discount Rate?
Yes, you can remain on the Budget Payment plan after enrolling in Bill Discount Rate.
How do I know how much of a discount I’ll receive on my energy bill?
The discount you could potentially receive is based on several factors, your household’s income, the number of people in your household and the county you live in. Using this information, should you qualify, we will place you in one of six discount tiers, based on level of financial need.
Who is part of a household?
All individuals who live fulltime at the address that is being used to apply for assistance.
What counts as household income?
This means the combined income of all household members age 18 or older.
What is meant by housing status?
The option that best describes your current residence status. Do you own your home, rent or are you living in subsidized housing?
What is meant by housing type?
The best description of your home. A 1-3 family home is a single-family dwelling, a duplex, a triplex or other consisting of three or fewer connected units. A 4+ family home is an apartment or condominium with four or more units. A Hi-Rise is an apartment building with three or more floors. A mobile is a mobile home. An RV is a recreational vehicle.
![Budget Payment Plan budget billing](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-budget-billing.png?rev=93cbf353fb374b238d655d8da14179ed&modified=20181015210230&h=20&w=19&la=en&hash=7B48CA09BC66D1D7487ED0D8820549C9)
Budget Payment Plan
How does the Budget Payment Plan work?
To start, we estimate the total annual energy cost at your location based on previous energy usage, divide that cost by 12 months, and bill for the average monthly cost. If you have lived at the location for less than 1 year, the monthly average payment will reflect usage by previous occupants. If the location is new construction, the monthly average payment will be based on usage at similar locations.
We review your actual energy usage and monthly payment amount in March, June, and November. If your actual energy usage is higher or lower than the estimate, then your monthly Budget Payment Plan payment amount may increase, decrease, or remain the same at those times.
In June, we determine if you have over- or under-paid for actual energy used for the entire year (from June to June). If you over-paid, then you will receive a refund or credit. If you under-paid, you will be billed for the outstanding balance.
What are the eligibility criteria for Budget Payment Plan?
All residential customers in good standing (no past due balance) are eligible for the Budget Payment Plan.
If you have both gas and electric service from PSE, the Budget Payment Plan will include both. It is not possible to pick one service (electric or gas) for the Budget Payment Plan.
You will be removed from the Budget Payment Plan if no payments are received for 2 consecutive billing periods.
Can I sign-up for the Budget Payment Plan at any time?
Yes. We recommend living at the premise for at least 1 year before enrolling in the Budget Payment Plan. This ensures the usage is based on your own consumption. However, this is not required.
If you have lived at the location for less than 1 year, the monthly average payment will reflect usage by previous occupants. If the location is new construction, the monthly average payment will be based on usage at similar locations.
What happens if I want to cancel?
You can cancel the Budget Billing Plan at any time. Payment for any outstanding balance on the account is due at the time of cancellation. You cannot re-start the Budget Billing Plan for 6 months after cancellation.
Can I make my payment late?
To remain on the Budget Payment Plan, payments must be made on-time. You will be removed from the Budget Payment Plan if no payments are received for 2 consecutive billing periods.
If you are removed from the plan due to failure to pay, then the entire balance will be due at that time.
Will I pay less on the Budget Payment Plan?
No, the Budget Payment Plan does not reduce your energy costs. The Budget Payment Plan payment is based on average energy usage for 1 year, so it smooths-out your payments – avoiding the unplanned high bills that come with events such as hot or cold weather.
I am currently on the Budget Payment Plan. Can I remain on it if I enroll in Bill Discount Rate?
Yes, you can remain on the Budget Payment plan after enrolling in Bill Discount Rate.
![Paperless Billing billing payments](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-billing-payments.png?rev=36835311f8ec463881370d847ef95611&modified=20181015210210&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=EBDE33406227E80965FDD622E04F6655)
Paperless Billing
How do I cancel PSE paperless billing?
1. Sign in to your online account and go to "My Settings"
2. Under "Billing Preferences" click "Unenroll" next to the paperless billing option
3. When the pop-up appears, select the option to switch back to paper bills.
You will now begin receiving your bills by mail.
How do I set up PSE paperless billing?
- Sign in to your online account and go to "My Settings"
- Under "Billing preferences"" click "Sign up" next to the paperless billing option
- To confirm enrollment, select "OK."
PSE's electronic bills will come from myaccount@108g.net. Please make sure emails from myaccount@108g.net do not go to a spam folder.
How do I view my past bills online?
You can view up to 24 months of past bill on an active account by visiting Payment History.
When I print my electronic bill, I see symbols and gibberish rather than my statement. What should I do?
Save the PDF to your computer and print the file (rather than printing it from the "Preview" view.)
You may need Adobe® Reader®. You can download the reader for free.
Why am I receiving this message when trying to opt out of paperless billing? "You are already enrolled in paperless with another paperless billing program."
If you receive this message, then your account is enrolled in paperless billing through a third-party vendor such as your bank. Please contact the third-party or visit their website to opt out of paperless billing.
![Payment Arrangements payment arrangements](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-payment-arrangements.png?rev=61e34486fc8e4e3c990a5df6d1940dc6&modified=20181015210559&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=D46D3F2FC5296D3F4EE53F1F63B2C3EC)
Payment Arrangements
Can I set up a payment arrangement?
We offer payment arrangements with weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments.
To see if you are eligible, please visit our Payment Arrangements webpage.
I can't make my payment arrangement.
We offer bill-payment assistance programs for income-eligible customers who need help with their bills.
Will my autopay settings work with a Payment Arrangement?
No, Autopay does not work with Payment Arrangements. Please cancel your Autopay before signing-up for Payment Arrangements. Once your Autopay is cancelled and Payment Arrangement is setup, be sure to submit your payment by the due date.
I made a payment on X date for Y amount and it hasn't posted to my account. Why not?
Payment posting times depend on how you made the payment. Please visit the Ways to Pay page for more information. If you are pending disconnection, call Customer Service at 1-888-225-5773.
What is my balance? I'd like to make a payment.
Please visit My Account to see your balance and click Pay Now to pay your bill.
I paid the wrong account or a closed account.
Please contact Customer Service and we'll be happy to help you out. We'll need the date of payment, dollar amount of payment and the payment method.
What's my payment arrangement balance, what's due now, what's due later?
To see what you owe on your payment arrangement, sign in to your online account and select "Make/Manage Payment."
I just made a payment. Should I send you the info?
We will receive notice that you've made a payment, however, payment posting times depend on how you made the payment. If you are pending disconnection, please call Customer Service at 1-888-225-5773.
![Payment Assistance financial assistance](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-financial-assistance.png?rev=48d33381d0f74083a2801ebb0f342ecd&modified=20181015210358&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=0C60BD60545AC7CF6A49699308F2BA13)
Payment Assistance
Do you have any tips for lowering my bill?
Yes! Please visit our Energy Savings Tips webpage for ideas on how to reduce your usage and lower your bill.
How can I get financial help with my energy bill?
Please visit our Bill Pay & Weatherization page for information on payment assistance programs and eligibility.
How can I support those who need help paying their energy bills?
You can donate to the Warm Home Fund by visiting the Bill Pay & Weatherization webpage, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking Donate Now under the Salvation Army Warm Home Fund heading.
You can make a one-time donation or donate on a recurring basis. Recurring donations will be withdrawn each month along with the monthly statement amount.
![Payments billing payments](/-/media/Project/PSE/Portal/Icons/faq-billing-payments.png?rev=36835311f8ec463881370d847ef95611&modified=20181015210210&h=20&w=20&la=en&hash=EBDE33406227E80965FDD622E04F6655)
Payments
Can I receive a paper bill and still pay my bill online?
Yes! You can pay online without enrolling in Paperless Billing.
Please sign in to complete a one-time payment, setup automatic payments (credit/debit card), or setup an Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT).
How can I pay my bill? What payment methods are accepted?
You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Online: Please sign in to complete a one-time payment, setup automatic payments (credit/debit card), or setup an Automatic Funds Transfer (AFT).
By phone: Call us at 1-888-225-5773.
By mail: Enclose a check with the bill stub and mail it to Puget Sound Energy, BOT-01H, P.O. Box 91269, Bellevue, WA 98009-9269.
In person: Find a nearby location to pay your PSE bill in person.
How do I cancel or change a payment that was made online?
To cancel or change a payment:
- Sign in to view your scheduled payments
- Click "Change" or "Cancel" under the scheduled payment and follow the prompts
If you require further assistance please contact PSE at 1-888-225-5773.
Is there a fee if I pay my bill with a credit or debit card?
There are no fees for Residential customers that pay by credit or debit card.
Large commercial customers will be charged a third-party transaction fee of 2.65% of the payment amount.