How to pay MTE (Middle Tennessee Electric) in three ways
You can pay your Middle Tennessee Electric bill online through their website, by phone, or by mailing a check. The online portal is the fastest option and lets you see your balance immediately. Phone payment takes a few minutes and works if you have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the office, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
MTE does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly through their system. If you use a third-party bill payment service (like your bank's bill pay feature), that service may add its own fee — check with your bank first.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the MTE website using your account number; the payment posts the same day if made before 5 p.m. on a business day.
- Call MTE's payment line to pay by phone with a debit or credit card; have your account number ready.
- Mail payments should be sent at least 10 days before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Set up autopay through the MTE website to have your bill paid automatically each month on the due date.
- If you cannot pay in full, contact MTE about a payment plan or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Paying online through the MTE website
Go to the MTE website and log into your account using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and the last four digits of the phone number on file. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay.
You can pay with a debit card or credit card. Enter the card details and confirm the payment. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, the payment posts the same day and your account updates immediately. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day.
The online portal also shows your current balance, past bills, and usage history. You can download copies of old bills from there if you need them for records or to dispute a charge.
Paying by phone
Call MTE's automated payment line at the number on your bill. Have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad, then guide you through entering the payment amount and card details.
Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before 5 p.m. on a business day. If you prefer to speak to a person instead of using the automated system, ask to be transferred to a customer service representative — they can take your payment information over the phone, though wait times may be longer during business hours.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Middle Tennessee Electric. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill — do not send cash through the mail.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. If your due date is within two weeks, pay online or by phone instead to avoid a late fee. Keep a record of when you mailed the payment in case there is a delay.
Setting up automatic payments
Log into your MTE online account and look for the "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" option. You can choose to have your full bill amount or a fixed amount deducted from your bank account or charged to a card on the due date each month.
Autopay removes the risk of forgetting to pay and helps you avoid late fees. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your online account. If you want to skip a payment or adjust the amount for a particular month, log in a few days before the due date to make the change.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If you cannot pay your bill in full by the due date, contact MTE before your account falls behind. Call the number on your bill and explain your situation. MTE may offer a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, or they may have hardship programs for customers facing temporary financial difficulty.
Paying even a partial amount by the due date can help protect your account from disconnection. If you wait until after the due date, late fees and reconnection charges will be added to your balance, making it harder to catch up. Some communities also have energy assistance programs that may help with bills — ask MTE if they know of any in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does MTE stop accepting online payments each day?
Online payments made before 5 p.m. on a business day post the same day. Payments after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Check the MTE website for their exact cutoff time, as it may vary slightly by season or system updates.
Can I pay my MTE bill through my bank's bill pay service?
Yes, most banks let you set up bill pay to MTE. However, your bank may charge a fee for this service, and the payment may take longer to post than paying directly through MTE's website. Check with your bank about fees before you set it up.
What happens if I pay late?
MTE charges a late fee if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. If your account stays unpaid for 30 to 45 days (timing varies), MTE may disconnect your service. Contact them immediately if you fall behind to discuss a payment plan.
Do I need to create an online account to pay my bill?
No. You can pay by phone or mail without an online account. However, creating an account takes just a few minutes and lets you pay anytime, see your balance instantly, and set up autopay.
Can I pay someone else's MTE bill?
Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you want to pay. You do not need to be the account holder. For mail payments, write the account number clearly on the check so MTE applies it to the right account.