EPB bill pay basics

EPB (Chattanooga's Electric Power Board) offers several ways to pay your electric bill: online through their website, by phone, through automatic bank withdrawals, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment processed and whether you want to set it and forget it.

Most people start with online pay because it's available 24/7 and shows your balance when ready. If you prefer not to use the internet, phone and mail are reliable alternatives, though they take longer to process. Automatic payments remove the need to remember a due date at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay EPB bills online at chattanoogaelectric.com, by phone at 423-648-1372, or through automatic bank withdrawal from your checking or savings account.
  • Online and phone payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach EPB and clear.
  • Setting up automatic payments means your bill is deducted on the same date each month, which helps you avoid late fees if you tend to forget due dates.
  • If you mail a check, write your account number on it and send it to the address on your bill; paying by mail does not stop late fees if the check arrives after the due date.

Paying online through EPB's website

Go to chattanoogaelectric.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your EPB account number (found on your bill) and either a checking account, savings account, or debit card. The site will ask you to enter the payment amount and choose a payment date.

Online payments are usually processed the same business day or the next morning. EPB does not charge a fee for paying from a bank account, but some third-party payment processors may charge a small fee if you use a credit card. Check the fee disclosure before you confirm the payment.

If you set up an online account, you can also see your usage history, view past bills, and get alerts when your bill is ready. This makes it easier to spot unusual charges or usage spikes.

Paying by phone

Call EPB's automated payment line at 423-648-1372. You will need your account number and a checking account, savings account, or debit card. The system will walk you through entering the payment amount and choosing a payment date. Phone payments process the same way as online payments and typically post within one business day.

If you prefer to speak to a person, you can call during business hours and ask to make a payment over the phone. The number is the same, and a representative can help if you have questions about your account or need to set up a payment plan.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments deduct your bill from your bank account on the same date each month, usually a few days before the due date. You can set this up online, by phone, or by mailing a form to EPB. Once it is active, you do not have to remember to pay — the money comes out automatically.

To set up automatic payments online, log into your EPB account and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" in the settings. You will choose the date and authorize EPB to debit your account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime, though you should do it at least a few days before the scheduled deduction date.

Automatic payments are especially useful if you have a fixed income or a predictable budget. They also help you avoid late fees, since the payment goes through on schedule even if you forget.

Paying by mail

Write a check to "Chattanooga Electric Power Board" and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. EPB typically receives mailed payments 7 to 10 business days after you send them, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

Late fees explore if the payment is not received by the due date, even if you mailed it on time. For this reason, mailing works best if you pay well before the due date or if you are not in a rush. Keep a record of the check number and amount in case you need to follow up.

In-person payment locations

EPB has payment centers in the Chattanooga area where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. Payments made in person are processed when ready, so this is the fastest option if you need to avoid a late fee on the same day. You can find the nearest location and hours on the EPB website.

In-person payments are also useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer not to share banking information online. Bring your account number and the payment amount in cash or a check.

What to do if you cannot pay the full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact EPB before the important date. They may be able to set up a payment plan that breaks your bill into smaller amounts due on different dates. Some programs also help customers who are struggling with energy costs, though these vary by income and household size.

Paying even a partial amount before the due date shows good faith and may prevent a late fee or service disconnection. EPB is usually willing to work with customers who reach out early rather than waiting until after the bill is overdue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my EPB bill?

Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Monday morning. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, pay at least one business day early.

Can I pay my EPB bill with a credit card?

EPB does not accept credit cards directly, but some third-party payment processors on their website may allow credit card payments for a fee. Check the fee amount before you proceed, as it can be $2 to $5 depending on the processor.

What happens if I pay late?

EPB charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date. The amount varies, but it is typically a percentage of your bill. If you are more than 30 days late, EPB may disconnect your service, though they usually send notices before doing so.

Can I change or cancel automatic payments?

Yes. Log into your EPB account online or call 423-648-1372 to change the payment date or cancel automatic payments. Make the change at least a few days before the scheduled deduction date to make sure it takes effect in time.

Is there a fee for paying my EPB bill online?

EPB does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account. If you use a debit or credit card through a third-party processor, a small fee may explore. The site will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.