How to Pay Your EPB Electric Bill Online and by Mail

EPB bill pay basics

EPB is the electric utility serving Chattanooga, Tennessee and surrounding areas. You can pay your EPB bill through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

EPB bills arrive monthly and show your usage, charges, and due date. The due date is typically 20 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, EPB may charge a late fee. Payments made online or by phone usually post within one business day, while mailed checks take longer.

You do not need to create an online account to pay a one-time bill, but an account makes it easier to track usage, set up automatic payments, and receive paperless bills.

Key Takeaways

• EPB bills are due 20 days after the bill date, and late payments trigger a fee.
• Online and phone payments post within one business day; mailed checks take five to seven business days or longer.
• You can set up automatic monthly payments through your EPB account to avoid late fees.
• EPB accepts payment by debit card, credit card, bank account transfer, check, and cash at authorized payment centers.

Paying online through your EPB account

To pay online, go to the EPB website and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an account, you can create one by entering your account number and the zip code associated with your service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay.

EPB accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers (ACH) for online payments. Debit and credit card payments may include a convenience fee set by the payment processor, typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment amount. Bank account transfers have no fee. Choose your payment method, review the details, and confirm the payment. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.

Online payments post to your account within one business day. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, the payment usually posts the next day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day.

Paying by phone

To pay by phone, call EPB's customer service line at 1-423-648-1372. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account number. Phone payments also accept a convenience fee for card payments, but not for bank account transfers.

Phone payments are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Like online payments, phone payments post within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number when the payment is processed.

Paying by mail or in person

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to EPB and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. Do not send cash by mail. Mailed payments typically take five to seven business days to post, sometimes longer depending on postal delays. Mail your payment at least one week before the due date to avoid a late fee.

You can also pay in person at EPB's main office or authorized payment centers in the Chattanooga area. EPB accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards at these locations. Call EPB customer service or check their website for the nearest payment center and its hours. In-person payments post the same day or the next business day.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay and incurring a late fee. Log into your EPB account, go to the "Billing" or "Payments" section, and select "Set Up Automatic Payment." Choose whether you want to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. Select your payment method (bank account transfer is recommended because it has no fee) and the day of the month you want the payment to occur.

EPB will deduct the payment automatically on your chosen date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. Even with automatic payments, review your bill each month to catch any billing errors or unusual charges.

What to do if your payment does not post

If you made a payment and it has not appeared on your account after two business days, log into your account and check the payment history. The confirmation number from your payment should appear there. If the payment shows as pending, wait one more business day. If it shows as failed, you will need to make the payment again.

If your payment was mailed and more than two weeks have passed without it posting, contact EPB customer service. Provide your account number, the check number, and the amount and date you mailed the payment. EPB can investigate whether the check was received and help you resolve the issue. If the check was lost in the mail, you may need to stop payment on the original check and send a new one or pay by another method.

Late fees and disconnection

EPB charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee. If your bill remains unpaid 30 days past the due date, EPB may send a disconnection notice. If you do not pay or contact EPB to arrange a payment plan within the notice period, EPB will disconnect your service.

If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact EPB customer service before the due date. EPB may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, allowing you to keep your service active while you catch up. Some customers may also be may be able to access for bill information programs through local nonprofits or government agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my EPB bill with a credit card without a fee?

EPB does not charge a fee for credit card payments made through their website or by phone, but the payment processor may add a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent. Bank account transfers have no fee. If you want to avoid fees, use a bank account transfer or pay by mail, phone, or in person.

What happens if I pay my bill after the due date?

EPB will charge a late fee. The exact amount depends on your bill total. If your payment arrives more than 30 days late, EPB may send a disconnection notice. Contact EPB when ready if you cannot pay by the due date to discuss a payment plan.

How long does it take for a mailed check to post?

Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to post, but can take longer depending on mail delays. Mail your payment at least one week before the due date to be safe. For faster posting, use online or phone payment, which post within one business day.

Can I set up automatic payments for a partial amount each month?

Yes. When you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay the full bill amount or enter a fixed amount of your choice. If you choose a fixed amount less than your bill, you will still owe the difference, so make sure the amount covers your typical monthly bill.

What should I do if I think my EPB bill is wrong?

Log into your account and review your usage and charges. If you see an error, contact EPB customer service with your account number and details about the discrepancy. EPB will investigate and correct the bill if an error is found. Do not withhold payment while disputing a charge; pay the undisputed portion to avoid late fees.