How to Pay Your National Grid Bill Online and by Mail

What National Grid Bill Pay Is

National Grid Bill Pay is the system National Grid uses to let you pay your electric or gas bill through their website, phone, or mail. National Grid is the utility company that serves parts of New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. When you set up bill pay with them, you can choose how often to pay, whether to pay the full balance or a partial amount, and which payment method works for you.

You do not have to use their bill pay system — you can mail a check, pay in person at a payment center, or set up automatic payments from your bank account. But their online portal gives you a record of every payment right away and lets you see your balance before you pay.

Key Takeaways

• National Grid bill pay works through their website at nationalgridus.com, by phone at the number on your bill, or by mailing a check to the address printed on your statement.
• You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer, though credit card payments may include a processing fee.
• Online payments usually post within one business day, while mailed checks take seven to ten business days to reach the company.
• You can set up automatic recurring payments so your bill is paid the same day each month without you having to log in.
• If you are behind on your bill, National Grid may offer a payment plan or hardship program — call the number on your statement to ask.

Paying Online Through the National Grid Website

Go to nationalgridus.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section. You will need your account number, which appears on your paper bill or in any email from National Grid. Click the link to pay now, and you will be asked to enter your account number and zip code to find your account.

Once your account is found, you will see your current balance and due date. You can choose to pay the full amount, a partial amount, or set up a one-time payment for a future date. Then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. If you use a credit card, National Grid or their payment processor may charge a fee — usually 2 to 3 percent of the payment. Debit cards and bank transfers typically have no fee.

After you submit the payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The payment will post to your account within one business day, though it may take longer if you pay late in the evening or on a weekend.

Paying by Phone

Call the phone number on your National Grid bill. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. They will walk you through entering your payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account — over the phone. Like online payments, credit card payments may carry a processing fee.

Phone payments are useful if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone. The payment posts the same way as an online payment: usually within one business day. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order payable to National Grid. On the front of the check, write your account number in the memo line so they know which account to credit. Place the check in an envelope with the payment stub from your bill — the stub has the mailing address printed on it. If you do not have a payment stub, the address is on your bill statement.

Mail the check at least ten business days before your due date to give it time to arrive and be processed. National Grid receives mail at a lockbox, not at a local office, so delivery takes longer than a local payment. Once the check arrives and clears, it will post to your account. If you are worried about the check getting lost, you can request a tracking number from your bank when you mail it, though National Grid cannot tell you the exact day it will post.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

Automatic payments mean your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember. On the National Grid website, look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the billing section. You will enter your bank account information (routing number and account number) or debit card details. Then you choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out.

Most people set it for a few days after their paycheck arrives or a few days after the bill due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the website or by calling National Grid. If your bill amount changes month to month (which it usually does for gas and electric), National Grid will deduct whatever the current balance is on the day you chose.

What to Do If You Cannot Pay the Full Amount

If your bill is more than you can pay right now, call the number on your statement and ask about a payment plan. National Grid can sometimes spread your balance over several months so you pay a smaller amount each billing cycle. You will still owe the full amount, but the monthly payment becomes manageable.

If you are having financial hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other crisis — ask about hardship programs. These vary by state and by your income, but some programs may lower your bill or give you time to catch up without late fees or service disconnection. National Grid cannot tell you over the phone whether you may have access to, but they can explain what the program requires and direct you to explore.

Tracking Your Payment and Fixing Problems

After you pay online or by phone, log back into your National Grid account within a day or two to confirm the payment posted. Your balance should go down by the amount you paid. If it does not, contact National Grid right away with your confirmation number.

If you mailed a check and it has been more than two weeks, call National Grid with your check number and the date you mailed it. They can search their records to see if it arrived. If a check is lost in the mail, you may need to stop payment on it through your bank and send another one, or pay online instead.

If you are charged a late fee and you paid on time, call to dispute it. Bring your confirmation number or canceled check as proof. National Grid will remove the fee if they can confirm the payment was received by the due date.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

National Grid or their payment processor charges a fee for credit card payments, usually 2 to 3 percent of the amount you pay. Debit cards and bank account transfers have no fee. If you want to avoid the fee, use one of those methods instead.

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

A check typically takes seven to ten business days to arrive at National Grid's lockbox and be processed. Mail it at least ten days before your due date. If you need to pay faster, use online or phone payment, which posts within one business day.

What happens if I miss my due date?

National Grid will charge a late fee, usually a percentage of your balance. Your service may be disconnected if you do not pay within 30 to 60 days, depending on your state. Call when ready to set up a payment plan or ask about hardship programs before you fall too far behind.

Can I change my automatic payment date after I set it up?

Yes. Log into your National Grid account and go to the Autopay section to change the payment date or cancel automatic payments entirely. You can make changes at any time, and they take effect on your next billing cycle.

What if I overpay my bill?

If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. National Grid will explore it to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, call and ask — they can mail you a check, though it may take several weeks.