The fastest way to pay NES is online through their website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail — each method takes a few minutes and you can choose what works for your schedule.

Nashville Electric Service (NES) gives you several payment routes, and the one you pick depends on whether you want to pay right now, set up automatic payments, or handle it by mail. Online and phone payments go through the same day you submit them. Automatic payments pull money on a date you choose each month, so you never have to remember. Mail takes about a week to reach NES and clear, so plan ahead if you use that method.

Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. Paying by the due date keeps you current and avoids late fees. If you miss the due date, NES charges a late fee — the amount depends on your bill size, but it is added to your next bill.

Key Takeaways

  • NES online payments and phone payments process the same day you submit them, so use these if you need to pay quickly.
  • The NES mobile app and website both let you set up automatic monthly payments, which removes the need to remember your due date.
  • Mail payments take about a week to arrive and clear, so send them at least 10 days before your due date to avoid late fees.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and you will need it to pay by phone or online.
  • If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact NES about a payment plan before the bill becomes late.

Paying online or through the NES mobile app

The NES website (www.nespower.com) has a "Pay My Bill" section where you log in with your account number and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. Once you are logged in, you see your current bill amount, due date, and payment history. You can pay a one-time amount or set up automatic payments for future months.

The NES mobile app works the same way — download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, log in, and choose your payment method. You can pay from a checking or savings account, or use a debit or credit card. If you use a credit card, NES may charge a small processing fee (usually 2 to 3 percent), so check before you confirm. Bank account payments have no fee.

Automatic payments are set up in the same place: choose the amount, the date each month you want it to come out, and whether you want to pay your full bill or a set dollar amount. Once it is running, the payment happens on that date every month until you turn it off.

Paying by phone

Call NES customer service at 615-226-1600 to pay by phone. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The phone line is open during business hours, and you can speak to a representative who will walk you through the payment. Like online credit card payments, there may be a processing fee.

If you prefer not to speak to someone, NES also has an automated phone payment system. Call the same number and follow the prompts to enter your account number and payment information. The automated system is available 24/7.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to Nashville Electric Service. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — this is usually the NES payment processing center, not the main office. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so send it at least 10 days before your due date.

Do not mail cash. If your check is lost in the mail, you have no proof of payment, so keep a copy of the front and back of your check or take a photo before you mail it.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

If your bill is larger than you can pay by the due date, call NES customer service at 615-226-1600 before the bill becomes late. NES can set up a payment plan that breaks your bill into smaller amounts over several weeks or months. The sooner you call, the more options you have — waiting until after the due date limits what NES can offer.

Payment plans do not erase late fees that have already been added, but they stop new late fees from being charged while you are on the plan. Ask NES what the plan will cost you in total and what happens if you miss a payment on the plan.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your NES bill shows the meter reading, the amount of electricity you used, the cost per kilowatt-hour, and your total amount due. It also shows the bill date (when NES created the bill) and the due date (when payment must arrive). The due date is usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date.

If you pay online or by phone, the payment posts to your account the same day. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive and clear. Paying after the due date triggers a late fee, which NES adds to your next bill. If you are more than 30 days late, NES may disconnect your service, so contact them as soon as you know you will be late.

What to do if you have trouble paying

NES offers a budget billing program that spreads your annual electricity costs evenly across 12 months, so your bill is the same amount each month instead of spiking in summer or winter. This makes it easier to budget. You can enroll through the NES website or by calling 615-226-1600.

If you are having financial hardship, NES also has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that may help cover part of your bill. You can learn more about LIHEAP through the Tennessee Department of Human Services or by asking NES directly. NES can also refer you to local nonprofits that help with utility bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through the NES website or mobile app. NES charges a processing fee for credit card payments, usually 2 to 3 percent of the amount you pay. Paying from a checking or savings account has no fee.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

NES adds a late fee to your account, which appears on your next bill. The fee amount depends on your bill size. If you are more than 30 days late, NES may disconnect your service. Contact NES before the due date if you know you will be late.

How long does it take for a mailed check to show up on my account?

Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive at NES and clear. To be safe, mail your payment at least 10 days before your due date. Keep a photo of your check in case it is lost in the mail.

Can I set up automatic payments for just part of my bill?

Yes. When you set up automatic payments through the NES website or app, you can choose to pay your full bill amount or a set dollar amount each month. You can change this anytime by logging into your account.

What is budget billing and how do I sign up?

Budget billing spreads your annual electricity costs evenly across 12 months, so your bill stays the same amount each month instead of changing with the seasons. You can enroll through the NES website, the mobile app, or by calling 615-226-1600.