What NBU Bill Pay is and how to use it
NBU Bill Pay is the online payment system run by Oncor Electric Delivery, the company that owns and operates the poles, wires, and meters across North Texas. If you live in Oncor's service territory — which covers much of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and extends into West Texas — your electric bill goes through Oncor's system even if you buy power from a retail electric provider (REP).
NBU stands for "North and Central Texas Electric Cooperative" and is part of Oncor's billing infrastructure. When you pay through NBU Bill Pay, you are paying Oncor for the delivery charges on your bill — the cost to get electricity to your home. If you have chosen a retail provider for your actual power supply, you may see two separate charges on your bill, and both go through the same payment system.
You can pay online through NBU's website, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized payment locations. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you prefer to keep a paper record.
Key Takeaways
- NBU Bill Pay processes payments for Oncor's delivery charges in North and Central Texas, whether you use Oncor's power supply or a retail electric provider.
- You can pay online at the NBU website, by phone using an automated system, by mailing a check with your bill stub, or at authorized payment centers in your area.
- Online and phone payments usually post within one business day; mailed checks take seven to ten business days depending on mail delivery and processing time.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at some locations.
- If your bill is past due, NBU may charge a late fee, and Oncor can disconnect service if the account remains unpaid for a set period — contact NBU immediately if you cannot pay on time.
Paying online through the NBU website
The fastest way to pay is through NBU's online portal. Go to the NBU website and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment" button on the homepage. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill statement, and a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account information.
Enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. Review the payment details carefully before confirming. Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. NBU does not charge a fee for online payments made with a debit card or bank account, though credit card payments may carry a processing fee — the system will show you the fee before you confirm.
Keep a record of your confirmation number, which appears after you complete the payment. This number proves you paid and when, which is useful if there is ever a dispute about whether a payment arrived on time.
Paying by phone or automated system
You can pay by phone by calling NBU's customer service line. The automated system will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then guide you through entering your payment method. Phone payments also post within one business day and do not carry an extra fee if you use a debit card or bank account.
If you prefer to speak with a representative rather than use the automated system, you can request to be transferred to a live agent. Wait times vary depending on call volume, and speaking with an agent does not change how long the payment takes to post.
Like online payments, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot before you hang up.
Paying by mail with a check
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check payable to NBU and include your account number on the check itself. Detach the payment stub from your bill and send both the check and stub to the mailing address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mailed payments take longer to post because they must travel through the postal system and then be processed by NBU's mail room and accounting department. Expect seven to ten business days from the date you mail the check until it posts to your account. If your bill is due before that time, paying by mail may result in a late fee even if you mailed the check on time — the payment date is when it is received and processed, not when you mailed it.
Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If NBU later says they never received the payment, you will have proof you sent it.
In-person payment locations and walk-in options
Some areas served by NBU have authorized payment centers where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. These locations are often grocery stores, utility payment centers, or local NBU offices. Check the NBU website for a list of payment locations near you, or call customer service to ask where you can pay in person.
In-person payments typically post the same day or the next business day. This method is useful if you do not have online access, prefer not to use a card over the phone, or want to pay with cash and receive an immediate receipt.
What to do if your payment is late or your bill is past due
If you miss your due date, NBU will charge a late fee on your next bill. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or contact NBU to learn the exact amount. A late payment does not immediately disconnect your service, but it does add to your balance.
If your account remains unpaid for 20 to 30 days past the due date (the exact number depends on Oncor's policy), Oncor may send a disconnection notice. This notice gives you a final deadline to pay or contact them to set up a payment plan. If you do not pay or arrange a plan by that deadline, Oncor can disconnect your service.
If you cannot pay your full bill on time, contact NBU as soon as possible. Ask whether they offer a payment plan or budget billing, which spreads your annual costs across equal monthly payments. Some programs may help if you are facing financial hardship, though these vary by provider and your situation.
Understanding your bill and what you are paying for
Your NBU bill shows charges for electricity delivery — the cost to maintain the poles, wires, transformers, and meters that bring power to your home. This is separate from the cost of the electricity itself. If you buy power from a retail electric provider, your bill may show two sections: one for Oncor's delivery charges and one for your REP's supply charges. Both are due on the same date, and you pay both through NBU Bill Pay.
Your bill also shows your account number, the billing period, the due date, and any balance you owe from previous months. Read the due date carefully — it is not always 30 days from the bill date. If you set up automatic payments, make sure the amount covers your full bill, including any past-due balance.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
If you want to stop worrying about remembering to pay each month, you can set up automatic payments through NBU's website or by phone. You provide your bank account or card information once, and NBU withdraws the payment on a date you choose — usually a few days before the due date.
Automatic payments post the same way as manual online payments and do not carry an extra fee if you use a bank account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account or by calling customer service. If your bill amount changes significantly, you may want to adjust your automatic payment amount to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my bill?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days. In-person payments at authorized locations usually post the same day or next business day. The posting date is what matters for avoiding late fees, not the date you made the payment.
Can I pay my bill with a credit card without a fee?
NBU does not charge a fee for payments made with a debit card or bank account, but credit card payments typically include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. The system shows you the fee before you confirm the payment, so you can decide whether to use a different payment method.
What is the difference between my NBU bill and my retail electric provider bill?
If you have chosen a retail provider, your NBU bill covers only the delivery charges — the cost to get electricity to your home. Your retail provider's bill covers the cost of the electricity itself. Both bills are due on the same date and both go through NBU Bill Pay, but they are separate charges from two different companies.
What happens if I do not pay my bill by the due date?
NBU charges a late fee, which appears on your next bill. If your account stays unpaid for 20 to 30 days past the due date, Oncor sends a disconnection notice. If you do not pay or arrange a payment plan by the deadline on that notice, Oncor can disconnect your service. Contact NBU immediately if you cannot pay on time to discuss options.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Contact NBU customer service to ask about payment plans or budget billing options. Availability depends on your account history and the reason you cannot pay. Some programs are available for customers facing hardship, though these vary. Calling as soon as you know you will be late gives you the best chance of working out an arrangement before disconnection becomes a risk.