How to Pay Your Nashville Electric Service Bill Online and by Mail

Nashville Electric Service bill pay basics

Nashville Electric Service (NES) is the municipal utility that serves Nashville and surrounding areas in Tennessee. You can pay your NES 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 recurring payments.

NES does not charge a fee for online payments made through their official website or for payments by phone. If you use a third-party bill pay service through your bank, your bank may charge a fee — check with them first. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach NES and post to your account, so plan ahead if your bill is due soon.

Key Takeaways

• You can pay NES bills online at nespower.com, by phone at 615-226-1600, or by mail to the address on your bill.
• Online payments through NES's website are free and typically post within one business day.
• You can set up automatic recurring payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to act.
• If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to arrive and post to your account.
• NES accepts payments from customers who are behind on their bill, and you do not need to pay the full amount at once.

Paying online through the NES website

Go to nespower.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button on the homepage. You will need your NES account number, which appears on your bill or in any NES correspondence. Enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. NES will ask for a payment method — you can use a debit card, credit card, or bank account (ACH transfer).

If you pay by debit or credit card, the payment posts when ready to your account online, though it may take one business day to clear from your bank. If you pay by ACH (direct transfer from your bank account), the payment is free and posts within one business day. After you submit payment, NES sends a confirmation number to your email — save this for your records.

You do not need to create an online account to make a one-time payment, but creating one lets you see your bill history, set up automatic payments, and receive email reminders when your bill is due. To create an account, click "Enroll" on the NES website and follow the prompts.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments mean your bill is paid on a date you choose each month without you having to log in or call. To set this up, log into your NES online account, go to "Billing" or "Payment Options," and select "Automatic Payments." Choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out (usually between the 1st and the 28th), and select your payment method.

NES will deduct the full amount due on that day each month. If your bill varies month to month (which is common with electric bills), NES calculates the amount based on your most recent bill. You can pause, change the amount, or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you cancel, you will need to pay future bills manually.

Paying by phone

Call NES customer service at 615-226-1600 to pay by phone. Have your account number and payment method ready (debit card, credit card, or bank account). A representative will walk you through the payment and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments are free and post within one business day.

NES's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Central Time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message, but your payment will not be processed until the next business day.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to "Nashville Electric Service" and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are paying an overdue bill, include a note with your account number so NES applies the payment to the correct account. You can also pay in person at NES payment centers during business hours — locations and hours are listed on nespower.com.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

If your bill is due and you cannot pay it all at once, contact NES at 615-226-1600 or visit nespower.com to discuss a payment plan. NES may allow you to split your payment across two or more months. You will need to agree to the plan before your bill becomes overdue, or NES may charge a late fee and eventually disconnect your service.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, ask NES about information programs. Some utility information programs in Tennessee may help cover part or all of your bill if you meet income requirements. NES can direct you to local resources or you can call 211 to find programs in your area.

Understanding your NES bill and due dates

Your NES bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date — usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is mailed. The bill also shows your current charges, any previous balance you owe, and your payment history. If you have questions about specific charges on your bill, call NES customer service before you pay.

If you do not pay by the due date, NES charges a late fee (the amount varies). If you are more than 30 days late, NES may disconnect your service. If your service is disconnected, you will need to pay the full overdue amount plus a reconnection fee to restore power. Reconnection typically takes one business day during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my NES bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through nespower.com. NES does not charge a fee, but your credit card company may charge a cash advance fee or treat it as a purchase — check your card's terms. Using a debit card or bank account (ACH) is free and avoids this issue.

What happens if I pay online but my payment does not show up right away?

Online payments through NES's website post within one business day. If you paid by ACH (bank transfer), it may take one business day to clear. If more than one business day has passed and you do not see the payment, call NES at 615-226-1600 with your confirmation number and they will look it up.

Can I change or cancel an automatic payment after I set it up?

Yes. Log into your NES online account, go to "Automatic Payments," and select the option to pause, change the amount, or cancel. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date. If you cancel, you will need to pay future bills manually or set up a new automatic payment.

What if I overpay my NES bill?

If you pay more than you owe, NES credits the extra amount to your account and applies it to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling 615-226-1600, though it may take several weeks to process.

Is there a way to avoid late fees if I am behind on my bill?

Contact NES before your bill is overdue to set up a payment plan. If you are already late, call 615-226-1600 to discuss your options. NES may waive a late fee if you have a good payment history or are experiencing hardship, but you must ask before the fee is applied.