The fastest way to pay National Grid depends on when you need it done
National Grid operates in New York and Massachusetts. The method you choose depends on how soon the payment needs to reach them and whether you want to set it up once or repeatedly.
If you need to pay today, use their website or call their automated phone line. If you want the same amount deducted every month, set up autopay. If you're paying by mail, send it at least 10 business days before your due date so it arrives on time.
The due date is printed on your bill. If you miss it, National Grid will add a late fee — usually a percentage of what you owe — and may eventually shut off service if the account stays unpaid for 30 days or more.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the National Grid website using your account number, or call their automated payment line to pay by phone without speaking to anyone.
- Set up autopay through your online account to have the same amount withdrawn on your due date each month, which prevents missed payments.
- Mail payments must be sent to the address on your bill at least 10 business days before the due date to arrive on time.
- Late fees apply if payment arrives after the due date, and service can be shut off if the account remains unpaid for 30 days.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact National Grid before the due date to discuss a payment plan or hardship programs.
Paying online or by phone
Go to the National Grid website and log into your account using your account number and password. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The payment usually posts within one business day.
If you do not have an online account, you can pay by phone without creating one. Call the number on your bill and follow the automated prompts. You will need your account number and a debit card or bank account information. This method also takes about one business day to post.
Both methods charge no fee if you pay from a bank account. Credit card payments may carry a processing fee — National Grid does not charge it, but the payment processor does. The fee is shown before you confirm the payment, so you can choose a different method if you prefer.
Setting up automatic payments
Autopay removes the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your National Grid account online, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Set Up Autopay." Choose the amount (your full bill or a fixed dollar amount), the day of the month you want it withdrawn, and your payment method.
The payment will be deducted automatically on that day each month. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account. If your bill amount changes significantly — for example, after a seasonal adjustment — you may want to update the autopay amount so you are not overpaying or underpaying.
Autopay works best when you set it for a date after your bill arrives but before the due date. Most National Grid bills arrive around the same time each month, so picking a date a few days after that gives you time to review the bill before the money leaves your account.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order for the amount shown on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — do not mail it to a National Grid office or store location.
Send it at least 10 business days before your due date. Mail can take 5 to 7 business days to arrive, and National Grid needs time to process it once it arrives. If you mail it closer to the due date, it may not post in time, and you could be charged a late fee even though you sent the payment.
Keep a copy of the check or the envelope for your records. If there is ever a dispute about whether the payment arrived, you will have proof of when you mailed it.
What happens if you miss the due date
National Grid adds a late fee to your account, usually calculated as a percentage of the amount owed. The exact percentage varies by state and rate schedule, so check your bill or contact National Grid to find out what applies to your account.
If payment is 30 days late, National Grid can shut off your service. Before that happens, they will send you a notice warning that disconnection is coming. If you receive a disconnection notice, contact National Grid immediately — even a partial payment or a promise to pay by a specific date may stop the shutoff.
Once service is shut off, you will need to pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to get it turned back on. Reconnection can take 24 to 48 hours, and you may need to be home for the technician to access your meter.
Payment plans and hardship programs
If you cannot pay your bill in full, call National Grid before the due date and ask about a payment plan. They can spread the amount over several months, which lowers what you owe each billing cycle. Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one, and National Grid will review your account to see what they can offer.
National Grid also runs hardship programs for customers with low income or temporary financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill, waive late fees, or offer extended payment plans. The specifics depend on your state and income level. Ask about these programs when you call, or visit the National Grid website to see what is available in your area.
If you are struggling with heating costs in winter, ask about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This is a federal program run through your state, and it can pay part of your heating bill directly to National Grid. Your local community action agency or 211 can tell you whether you meet the income limits and how to apply.
Understanding your account number and bill address
Your account number is printed on your bill and is the fastest way to identify yourself when paying by phone or online. It usually appears near the top of the bill and is different from your meter number. Always have it ready when you call or pay online.
Make sure National Grid has your current mailing address on file. If you move, update your address through your online account or by calling them. If mail goes to an old address, you might miss payment reminders or disconnection notices, which can lead to late fees or service shutoff.
If you have multiple properties or accounts with National Grid, each one has its own account number and due date. Pay each account separately — a payment on one account will not cover another.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my National Grid bill at a store or payment center?
National Grid does not operate payment centers. You must pay online, by phone, by mail, or through autopay. Some third-party bill payment services may accept National Grid payments, but they charge fees and can be slower than paying directly.
What if I pay online but the payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments usually post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you do not see it, log into your account and check the payment history to confirm it went through. If it shows as processed but is not on your bill yet, wait another day. If it never shows, call National Grid with your confirmation number from the payment.
Can I set up autopay for a different amount each month?
No, autopay withdraws the same amount every month. If your bill varies significantly, you can set autopay for a fixed amount and pay any difference manually, or you can turn off autopay and pay manually each month. You can also update the autopay amount anytime through your account.
What if I overpay my bill?
The overpayment stays as a credit on your account and is applied to future bills. You can request a refund of the credit, but it may take several weeks to process. If you are on autopay, the credit will reduce the amount withdrawn next month.
Is there a fee for paying by credit card?
National Grid does not charge a fee, but the payment processor does. The fee is typically 2 to 3 percent of the payment and is shown before you confirm. Paying from a bank account or by mail has no fee.