The fastest way to pay National Grid is through their website at ngrid.com, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in autopay
Go to ngrid.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually near the top of the page. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a checking account, savings account, or debit card. One-time payments process the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day; payments made after that or on weekends process the next business day.
If you want to stop logging in each month, you can set up automatic payments from the same page. National Grid calls this "Budget Billing" when paired with their equal-payment plan, but the autopay itself is separate — you can use autopay with your regular monthly bill amount instead. Autopay removes the risk of a late payment and saves you the step of visiting the website each month.
National Grid serves multiple states (Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island), and the payment process is the same across all of them. Your account number works the same way whether you are a gas customer, electric customer, or both.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at ngrid.com using your account number and a bank account or debit card; same-day processing happens only before 5 p.m. Eastern on weekdays.
- Autopay eliminates the need to log in each month and removes the risk of missing a due date.
- If you cannot pay online, you can mail a check to the address on your bill, but mail takes 7 to 10 days to arrive and process.
- Late payments trigger a reconnection fee and may result in service shutoff after 30 days of nonpayment.
- If you are struggling to pay, National Grid offers hardship programs and payment plans that you can discuss by calling the number on your bill.
Paying by mail if you do not have online access
If you prefer not to pay online or do not have internet access, you can mail a check or money order to National Grid. The mailing address is printed on your bill — do not use a generic company address, because mail sent to the wrong location delays your payment. Include your account number on the check itself.
Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to be safe. National Grid's payment deadline is usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date, depending on your state. If your check arrives after that date, you will be charged a late fee even though you mailed it on time.
Money orders are safer than checks if you are concerned about your account information being visible on a check. You can buy a money order at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks for a small fee (usually $1 to $3).
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
National Grid charges a late fee if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount varies by state but is typically $15 to $25. If you pay within 10 days of the due date, you may still avoid service shutoff, but the late fee applies regardless.
If you do not pay for 30 days after the due date, National Grid can shut off your service. Before they do, they must send you a shutoff notice, usually by mail or phone. If you receive a shutoff notice, call the number on your bill immediately — you may be able to arrange a payment plan or discuss hardship options before service is disconnected.
Once service is shut off, you will owe the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee (typically $50 to $150, depending on your state) before National Grid will restore power or gas. Reconnection can take 24 to 48 hours even after payment is received.
Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full bill
If your bill is too large to pay in full, National Grid offers payment arrangements that let you split the amount over several weeks or months. You do not have to wait for a shutoff notice to ask for this — you can call the number on your bill anytime and request a plan.
Payment plans are usually available for past-due amounts, but some customers can also arrange to spread their current bill across multiple payments. The terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history. Most plans require you to make the first payment immediately and then pay the remaining balance in equal installments over 2 to 12 weeks.
If you miss a payment on your arrangement, National Grid may cancel the plan and demand the full balance. To keep the plan in place, you must pay on the dates agreed to. If your situation changes and you cannot keep up, call again — National Grid may be willing to adjust the schedule.
Budget Billing and other ways to manage your bill amount
National Grid's Budget Billing program averages your usage over 12 months and charges you the same amount each month instead of higher bills in winter (for heating) or summer (for air conditioning). This makes your bill more predictable and easier to budget for, but you are not saving money overall — you are just spreading the cost evenly.
To enroll in Budget Billing, go to ngrid.com or call the number on your bill. You will need at least 12 months of usage history on your account. Once you are enrolled, your bill will stay the same for 12 months, then National Grid recalculates based on your actual usage. If you used less energy than the average, you may get a credit; if you used more, you may owe a balance.
Budget Billing is separate from autopay. You can use one, both, or neither. Many customers find that combining them — equal monthly payments plus automatic deduction from their bank account — removes almost all the friction from paying their bill.
Checking your account and understanding your bill online
Once you log into ngrid.com with your account number, you can see your current bill, past bills, and your usage history. This is useful if you want to spot trends (for example, a sudden spike in usage that might signal a leak or equipment problem) or if you need to dispute a charge.
Your bill shows your usage in kilowatt-hours (for electric) or therms (for gas), the rate per unit, and any taxes or fees. If a charge looks wrong, take a photo of the bill and call the number on it — National Grid can tell you what each line item is and investigate if something is incorrect.
You can also set up bill notifications through the website so that you receive an email or text when your bill is ready. This is a good backup if you are worried about missing a due date.
Hardship programs and assistance if you cannot afford your bill
National Grid offers hardship programs for customers who are struggling to pay because of job loss, medical emergency, or other financial hardship. These programs may include lower rates, extended payment plans, or bill forgiveness depending on your income and situation. You must contact National Grid directly to discuss your circumstances — there is no online form to fill out.
Call the number on your bill and ask to speak with someone about hardship assistance or a payment plan. Have your account number ready and be prepared to explain your situation briefly. National Grid will ask about your household income and may request proof (such as a recent pay stub or unemployment notice). The process is confidential.
Some states also have utility assistance programs run by nonprofits or local government. You can search for these through 211.org or by calling 2-1-1 from any phone. These programs may pay part or all of your bill if you meet income limits, but they are separate from National Grid's own hardship programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my National Grid bill with a credit card?
National Grid does not accept credit cards directly on their website, but you can use a debit card. If you want to use a credit card, you can pay through a third-party service like Plastiq, though this usually charges a fee. For most people, paying from a checking or savings account is simpler and free.
What if I pay online but my payment does not show up on my bill?
Online payments usually appear within one business day. If you paid before 5 p.m. Eastern on a weekday, check your account the next morning. If it still does not show after two business days, call the number on your bill with your confirmation number from the payment — National Grid can trace it and confirm it was received.
Can I change my due date?
National Grid does not allow you to change your due date, but you can set up autopay to deduct from your bank account on a date that works better for you. Contact National Grid if you have a specific reason (such as disability or fixed income on a certain day) — they may make an exception.
What if I move and still owe a balance?
You are responsible for paying any balance owed, even after you move. National Grid will send bills to your new address if you provide it when you close your account. If you do not, they may send it to your old address or refer it to a collection agency. Always settle your balance before moving or provide a forwarding address.
Does National Grid offer paperless billing?
Yes. When you log into ngrid.com, you can opt out of paper bills and receive them by email instead. This also lets you set up bill notifications so you never miss a due date. Paperless billing does not change your bill amount — it just changes how you receive it.