Free Guide to Paying Your Piedmont Natural Gas Bill

Understanding Your Piedmont Natural Gas Bill

Your Piedmont Natural Gas bill is a monthly or periodic statement that shows how much natural gas you used and what you owe. Understanding the different parts of this bill helps you see where your money goes and identify opportunities to manage your costs. Most gas bills contain several key sections that work together to calculate your total amount due.

The bill typically starts with your account information, including your account number, service address, and billing period dates. This section confirms that the bill belongs to you and covers a specific time frame, usually about 30 days. The billing period varies slightly month to month because meter readings happen on different dates each cycle.

Next, you'll find your usage information. This shows how many cubic feet or therms of natural gas you used during the billing period. One therm equals about 100 cubic feet of gas. The meter reading section displays your previous meter reading, your current meter reading, and the difference between them—that difference is your usage. Piedmont calculates this by reading your meter monthly or, in some cases, using estimated readings based on your usage history.

The charges section breaks down what you're paying for. Most bills include a customer charge (a fixed fee for service availability), the gas commodity charge (based on how much gas you used), and any applicable taxes. Some bills may also show delivery charges, which cover the cost of maintaining the pipes and infrastructure that bring gas to your home. Understanding these individual charges helps you see what portion of your bill is fixed versus variable based on usage.

Your bill also displays any previous balance, payments received since the last bill, and your current amount due. If you paid your last bill, you'll see a credit reflected. If you didn't pay, you'll see a past due amount added to your current charges.

Practical takeaway: Before paying, review each section of your bill to confirm the billing period, your usage amount, and all charges listed. Compare your current usage to previous months to spot any unusual patterns that might indicate a problem.

How to Pay Your Bill Online

Paying your Piedmont Natural Gas bill online is one of the fastest ways to manage your account. The online payment method allows you to pay from your computer or mobile device without waiting for mail delivery or visiting a payment location in person. Piedmont offers an online portal where registered customers can view bills, make payments, and manage account settings.

To pay online, first visit the Piedmont Natural Gas website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Account" section. You'll need to log into your account using your account number and a password. If you haven't created an online account yet, you can register by providing your account number, service address, and other identifying information. The registration process typically takes a few minutes and requires a valid email address.

Once logged in, you can view your current bill and payment history. The payment screen allows you to enter how much you want to pay—you can pay the full amount due, make a partial payment, or pay more than the minimum. When you select the payment option, you'll be asked to choose your payment method: bank account (checking or savings), debit card, or credit card. If using a bank account, you'll provide your routing number and account number for an ACH transfer, which is typically free. Credit and debit card payments may include a processing fee, usually between 2-3% of your payment amount.

After entering your payment information, review the details carefully before confirming. The system will show you the amount being paid, the payment method, and the expected posting date. Most online payments post within one to three business days, though some same-day options may be available. You'll receive a confirmation number and email receipt after the payment is submitted.

For security, always pay through the official Piedmont Natural Gas website or their authorized payment processor. Avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or texts, as these may be phishing attempts designed to steal your information.

Practical takeaway: Set up your online account today so you can monitor your bill and make payments anytime. If you choose ACH payments from your bank account, you'll typically avoid processing fees and can schedule recurring payments for the same date each month.

Payment Options Through Phone and Automated Systems

If you prefer not to pay online, Piedmont Natural Gas offers payment options through phone-based systems. Automated phone payment systems allow you to pay your bill 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without speaking to a representative. You simply call the customer service number on your bill, follow the automated prompts, and provide your payment information.

To use the automated phone payment system, call the number listed on your bill or on the Piedmont website. You'll be guided through a series of prompts asking for your account number and personal information to verify your identity. The system will display your current balance and allow you to choose how much to pay. Like online payments, you can pay the full amount, a partial payment, or more than required.

When making a phone payment, you'll need to provide either bank account information (routing and account numbers) or a debit/credit card number. Bank account payments are typically processed without a fee and post within one to three business days. Card payments may include a processing fee. The system will confirm your payment amount, method, and expected posting date. You'll receive a confirmation number to keep for your records.

If you want to speak with a customer service representative instead of using the automated system, you can call during business hours. A representative can help you understand your bill, discuss payment arrangements, or process your payment over the phone. This option is particularly useful if you have questions about your account or need to discuss payment options due to financial hardship.

Piedmont also offers the option to set up automatic recurring payments through phone systems. With recurring payments, the same amount is withdrawn from your bank account on the same date each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees, though you should still review your bills monthly to ensure the amount is accurate.

When providing payment information by phone, ensure you're calling the official Piedmont number and that your connection is secure. Be cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from Piedmont and asking for payment information—legitimate companies typically don't call you requesting immediate payment.

Practical takeaway: Save the customer service number from your bill and consider setting up automatic payments if your usage and bill amount remain fairly consistent month to month. This reduces the chance of late payments.

In-Person and Mail Payment Methods

For customers who prefer traditional payment methods, Piedmont Natural Gas accepts payments by mail and at authorized payment locations. These methods take longer to process than online or phone payments but may be preferred by those without internet access or who want a physical record of payment.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Piedmont Natural Gas. Include your account number on the check or money order. Place the payment and your bill (or a copy showing your account number) in an envelope and mail it to the address shown on your bill. The address typically appears in the "Make checks payable to" section of your statement. Mail payments should be sent to the lockbox address provided by Piedmont, not to their main office, to ensure proper processing and posting.

Mail payments take 5-10 business days or longer to post to your account, depending on mail delivery times and processing schedules. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least one week before the due date shown on your bill. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. If you're concerned about whether your payment arrived, wait 10 business days after mailing, then check your account online or call customer service to confirm posting.

Piedmont also works with authorized payment agents in some communities. These may include utility payment centers, grocery stores, or other retail locations that process bill payments. You can ask a customer service representative where authorized payment locations are near you. In-person payments typically post within 1-3 business days. When paying in person, bring your bill or account number and ask for a receipt. The receipt serves as proof of payment while you wait for it to show on your account.

When paying by cash at authorized locations, request a receipt and keep it until the payment appears on your bill. Some payment locations may charge a small fee for processing cash payments, so ask about fees before paying.

Never leave cash or checks in an insecure location or with someone you don't know. If you choose to pay in person, go directly to an authorized Piedmont payment location or partner business confirmed by Piedmont.