Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Accepts Visa For Residential Bill Payment

"We are thrilled to be the largest utility in the country to respond to our customers' desire to have credit cards available as another choice for doing business with PG&E," said Helen Burt, PG&E senior vice president and chief customer officer. "The convenience of credit, debit and prepaid cards is an option customers have said they value. We applaud the California Public Utilities Commission for helping us bring this service to our customers through this new program."

Under the no-fee pilot program, PG&E's 5.2 million residential customers are now able to use their Visa cards to make individual payments by phone. The program will be expanded in early 2007 when PG&E residential customers will be able to make regular monthly payments via the Internet and schedule recurring payments for their gas and electric bills using a Visa credit, debit or prepaid card. Based on an evaluation of the customer interest and cost-effectiveness of the pilot program, PG&E hopes to offer the new service on an ongoing basis.

"We have worked closely with PG&E to develop a tailored solution that enables them to increase efficiency and streamline operations while delivering improved service, value and convenience to their customers," said Bruce McElhinney executive vice president, Client Services, Visa USA. "Through this pilot program, PG&E residential customers in California will no longer have to worry about late or missed payments, and they can enjoy the security and rewards that payment cards can deliver."

Customers who participate in the program will be able to track payments easily on their monthly card statements and, depending on their specific card program, may earn reward points every time they pay their PG&E bills.