What LCUB bill pay is and how to use it
LCUB stands for Loudon County Utility Board, a public utility that serves parts of East Tennessee. You can pay your LCUB electric bill through their online portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online payment option — called bill pay on their website — lets you set up one-time payments or recurring automatic payments without leaving your home.
The fastest way to pay is through LCUB's website at loudonutilities.com. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and a valid payment method: a checking account, savings account, or debit card. Setting up an account takes about five minutes and gives you access to your billing history, usage data, and payment records all in one place.
If you prefer not to pay online, LCUB accepts payments by phone at their customer service line, by check mailed to their office, or by dropping a payment at their walk-in location during business hours. Each method has different processing times, which matters if your bill is due soon.
Key Takeaways
- LCUB's online bill pay portal at loudonutilities.com accepts one-time and recurring payments from checking accounts, savings accounts, or debit cards.
- You need your account number and a valid payment method to set up online payments, and the process takes about five minutes.
- Phone payments, mail payments, and in-person payments are available if you don't want to use the online portal.
- Online payments typically post within one to two business days, while mailed checks may take five to seven business days to reach LCUB's office.
- Setting up automatic recurring payments through the online portal prevents missed due dates and late fees.
How to pay online through LCUB's website
Go to loudonutilities.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Payments" link on the homepage. Click it and you'll be asked to either log in to an existing account or create a new one. To create an account, you'll need your account number (the number at the top of your bill), your service address, and an email address.
Once logged in, select the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method. LCUB accepts payments from a U.S. checking or savings account (you'll enter your routing number and account number) or from a debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover). Enter the payment date — you can pay immediately or schedule it for a future date — and review the details before confirming.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Save this or write it down. Your payment will post to your account within one to two business days. If you need to check the status of a payment you just made, log back into your account and look for a "Payment History" or "Recent Transactions" section.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments mean LCUB withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose each month, so you never have to remember to pay. This is especially useful if you have a tight budget and want to avoid late fees, which LCUB applies if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill.
To set up automatic payments, log into your LCUB account online and look for an "Autopay" or "Recurring Payment" option. You'll select the amount (your full bill, a fixed amount, or a percentage), the day of the month you want the payment to come out, and your payment method. Once confirmed, the payment will happen automatically each month until you cancel it.
If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for electric bills), you can set up autopay for a fixed amount that covers your average bill, or you can choose to pay the full amount due each month. LCUB will send you a reminder email before each automatic payment goes through, so you have a chance to catch any errors.
Paying by phone, mail, or in person
If you prefer to pay by phone, call LCUB's customer service line at the number on your bill. A representative will take your payment information over the phone. Phone payments are processed the same day you call, but there may be a wait time to reach someone, especially during business hours.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "Loudon County Utility Board" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. The U.S. Postal Service typically takes five to seven business days to deliver mail, so send your payment at least a week before the due date to avoid a late fee. LCUB's office may take another day or two to process the check once it arrives.
You can also pay in person at LCUB's office during their business hours. Bring your bill or account number and a check, money order, or cash. In-person payments are posted immediately, so this is the fastest non-online option if you're near their location and need to pay urgently.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill on time
If you're short on money before your due date, contact LCUB's customer service as soon as possible. Many utilities offer payment arrangements — a plan to pay your bill in smaller installments over several weeks — that prevent disconnection and late fees. LCUB may be willing to work with you if you reach out before your account falls behind.
Some customers also may have access to for bill assistance programs through local nonprofits or government agencies in Loudon County. These programs can help cover part or all of your electric bill if you meet income requirements. Ask LCUB's customer service representative whether they know of programs in your area, or search online for "utility assistance Loudon County Tennessee."
If your bill has already been marked late, paying it as soon as you can will stop additional late fees from accumulating. Late fees vary by utility, so check your bill or contact LCUB to find out what you owe beyond the bill amount itself.
Understanding your LCUB bill and due dates
Your LCUB bill shows your account number, service address, the amount due, and the due date. The due date is usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you pay online or by phone, your payment should post within one to two business days. If you pay by mail, allow at least a week for delivery plus processing time.
Your bill also shows your current charges (the cost of electricity you used during the billing period) and any previous balance you still owe. If you have a previous balance, LCUB will apply your payment to that first, then to your current charges. Make sure you understand what you're paying for before you submit payment.
If you notice an error on your bill — a charge that seems too high, a duplicate charge, or a charge for a service you didn't request — contact LCUB's customer service before you pay. They can investigate and correct billing errors, sometimes resulting in a credit to your account.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If your online payment is rejected, the most common reasons are a typo in your bank account or routing number, insufficient funds in your account, or a mismatch between the name on your bank account and the name on your LCUB account. Double-check all the information you entered and try again. If the problem persists, call LCUB's customer service line.
If you made a payment but it hasn't posted to your account after three business days, log into your account and check your payment history. If the payment shows as "pending," wait another day or two. If it shows as "failed" or doesn't appear at all, contact LCUB immediately with your confirmation number so they can investigate.
If you accidentally set up a duplicate payment or paid more than you owed, LCUB will usually issue a credit to your account that you can use toward your next bill. Contact their customer service to request a refund if you prefer cash back instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my LCUB bill online?
LCUB does not charge a fee for online payments made directly from a checking or savings account. Some utilities charge a small fee for debit card payments, so check LCUB's website or call to confirm their current policy before you pay.
Can I pay someone else's LCUB bill online?
You can pay another person's bill if you have their account number and permission. Log into the LCUB website, enter their account number instead of yours, and proceed with payment. The payment will post to their account.
What happens if I pay late?
LCUB charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date. The amount varies, so check your bill or contact LCUB to find out what the fee is. If you're more than 30 days late, LCUB may disconnect your service, so contact them immediately if you're behind.
Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?
Yes. Log into your LCUB account, find your autopay settings, and edit the payment date or amount. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment. If you need to cancel autopay entirely, you can do that through your account or by calling customer service.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Log into your LCUB account and check your payment history or recent transactions. You should see the payment listed with the date it posted. You can also call LCUB's customer service with your account number and confirmation number to confirm receipt.