How to Pay Your Rhode Island Energy Bill

Where to pay Rhode Island Energy

Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid Rhode Island) operates the electric and gas system across most of Rhode Island. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to set up automatic payments.

The fastest way to pay is online at the Rhode Island Energy website using a bank account or debit card. Payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day typically post the same day. Phone payments also process when ready and can be made 24 hours a day by calling the number on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the company and post to your account.

Key Takeaways

• Rhode Island Energy accepts online payments through their website, which process the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. on a business day.
• Phone payments can be made 24 hours a day by calling the customer service number on your bill, and they process when ready.
• Automatic payments can be set up through your bank or directly with Rhode Island Energy to avoid late payments.
• Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
• In-person payment locations exist in some Rhode Island communities, though online and phone options are faster.

Online payment through Rhode Island Energy's website

To pay online, go to the Rhode Island Energy website and log into your account or create one if you do not have one yet. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill. Once logged in, select the option to make a payment and enter the amount you want to pay.

Rhode Island Energy accepts payments from a checking or savings account (no fee) or from a debit card (a small fee applies). The website will show you the fee amount before you confirm the payment. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, the payment posts to your account the same day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day.

Phone payments and automated payment lines

You can pay by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the customer service number on your bill. Have your account number and payment method (checking account, savings account, or debit card) ready. A representative will walk you through the payment or you can use the automated system to enter your information.

Phone payments process when ready, so your payment is recorded right away. If you call during business hours (typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday), you can speak to a representative if you have questions about your bill or account. The automated line works outside those hours if you want to pay without waiting.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. You can set up automatic payments directly through Rhode Island Energy's website or through your own bank's bill pay system. If you set it up through Rhode Island Energy, you choose the payment date and amount each month, and the company withdraws the money from your bank account automatically.

Bank bill pay works the same way but is managed through your bank instead. Some people prefer this method because they see all their bills in one place. Both methods are free when you pay from a bank account. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same system where you set them up.

Mailing a check or money order

If you prefer to pay by mail, write your account number on the check or money order and send it to the address shown on your bill. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. Because of this delay, send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Rhode Island Energy may not receive your payment on time if mail is delayed, so keep a record of when you mailed it. If your payment is late, you may be charged a late fee even though you sent the check on time. For this reason, online or phone payments are safer if your due date is within the next week.

In-person payment locations

Some Rhode Island communities have in-person payment locations where you can pay cash, check, or money order. These locations vary by area and are not available everywhere. Check the Rhode Island Energy website or call customer service to learn about a payment location exists near you.

In-person payments are processed when ready, so your account is updated the same day. This method works well if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. Hours vary by location, so call ahead to confirm when the office is open.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact Rhode Island Energy before the bill becomes late. The company may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. Payment plans are usually available for customers who have not missed payments recently and who contact the company before the due date.

Rhode Island also has energy information programs for households with low income. These programs may help pay part or all of your bill. Contact your local community action agency or call 211 to learn about programs in your area. These programs are separate from Rhode Island Energy and do not require you to have a bank account or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

Online and phone payments show confirmation numbers when ready. Check your Rhode Island Energy account online within 24 hours to see the payment posted. For mailed checks, call customer service after 10 business days to confirm receipt. Automatic payments show up in your bank statement and on your Rhode Island Energy account.

What happens if I pay late?

Late fees are added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill. If you are more than 30 days late, Rhode Island Energy may disconnect your service. Contact the company when ready if you think your payment will be late.

Can I pay someone else's Rhode Island Energy bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online or by phone using their account number instead of your own. The payment will post to their account. You do not need to be the account holder to make a payment.

Is there a fee for paying online?

Paying from a bank account (checking or savings) is free. Paying with a debit card has a small fee that Rhode Island Energy shows you before you confirm the payment. Phone payments from a bank account are also free. Debit card fees explore to phone payments as well.

What if I overpay my bill?

If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. Rhode Island Energy will explore the credit to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact customer service and request one. Refunds are usually processed within two to four weeks.