Electric Providers in Nashville
Nashville Electric Service
EnergySage
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- Home solar
- Quotes
- Free
Electricity in Nashville
Electricity across Music City is delivered by Nashville Electric Service (NES), one of the largest public power utilities in the country, operating as a non-profit municipal entity overseen by the Electric Power Board of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Because NES does not generate its own power, it purchases 100 percent of its wholesale electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) under a regulated public power framework. Residential rates average roughly 13.5 to 14.2 cents per kWh, combining a standard customer charge with volumetric base rates and monthly TVA Fuel Cost Adjustments (FCA) that fluctuate based on wholesale power plant fuel costs. With hot, sticky Middle Tennessee summers pushing central air conditioning systems into overdrive from June through September, cooling accounts for the largest portion of your electric statement. To keep power bills manageable, residents utilize TVA EnergyRight home efficiency rebates, set smart thermostats to pre-cool homes in the morning, and shift heavy appliance loads — like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and EV chargers — away from peak afternoon cooling hours.
Natural Gas Providers in Nashville
Natural Gas in Nashville
Natural gas service across Nashville and Davidson County is distributed and supplied by Piedmont Natural Gas, which owns, operates, and maintains the underground pipeline infrastructure and responds to 24/7 emergency gas leaks. Because natural gas is fully regulated by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC), commodity fuel costs and physical pipeline delivery fees are bundled together on your statement under state-approved tariffs, protecting consumers from independent retail broker markups. Piedmont assesses a mandatory fixed monthly customer charge (typically $10.00 to $14.00 per month) alongside volumetric distribution rates per therm. Because Nashville winters bring sharp sub-freezing snaps and occasional ice storms, natural gas is heavily relied upon to fire central forced-air furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces between November and March. Consumption drops off sharply once spring arrives; however, Piedmont’s fixed monthly customer fee ensures your statement carries a baseline infrastructure charge year-round, even in July or August when your home heating system is turned off completely.
Top 11 Internet Providers in Nashville
Xfinity
- Speeds up to
- 2 Gbps
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 98.24%
AT&T Fiber
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 90.05%
Starlink
- Speeds up to
- 400 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 99.13%
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 498 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- 1.2 TB
- Availability
- 95.15%
AT&T Air
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 96.07%
- Speeds up to
- 150 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- 150-850 GB
- Availability
- 100%
- Speeds up to
- Varies
- Type
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Data cap
- Varies
- Availability
- 95%
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 26.38%
Spectrum
- Speeds up to
- 7 Gbps**
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 9.75%
TDS Telecom
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 5.01%
What to Expect in Nashville
Getting internet set up in Nashville is a breeze because the city has some of the best broadband competition in the South. Your two main fiber heavyweights are Google Fiber — Nashville was an early flagship launch market — and AT&T Fiber, both offering symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds with no data caps and transparent pricing. If fiber has not been pulled to your block yet, Xfinity provides reliable cable internet across nearly the entire metro area, alongside solid 5G home internet options from T-Mobile and Verizon. If you are moving into one of Nashville’s historic neighborhoods — like an East Nashville craftsman, a Germantown Victorian, or a bungalow in 12 South or Sylvan Park — older overhead lines and mature tree canopies along alley easements can occasionally require an installer to plan the exterior line drop carefully. In newer apartment and condo towers throughout The Gulch, Midtown, or Downtown, high-speed fiber or coax is usually pre-wired and ready to activate on day one.
Water & Sewage Providers in Nashville
METRO WATER SERVICES
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- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Online & Phone
HARPETH VALLEY U D
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
Nashville drinking water quality: 4 contaminants above health guidelines, none above legal limits
Primary source: surface water. Levels are averages of EPA SDWA LCR and UCMR 3–5 samples. Health guidelines come from the EPA, WHO, or state health departments; legal limits are EPA regulations.
Do I Need to Use a Water Softener in Nashville?
You probably don't need a water softener right away. Nashville tap water is rated “moderately hard” (80 to 120 mg/L), drawn from Cumberland River surface intake. Most local households get by comfortably without one. However, if you start seeing cloudy glassware, stiff laundry, or crusty mineral buildup on your fixtures, a softening system is worth considering to protect your appliances. We suggest checking for signs of hard water or waiting a few weeks after move-in before making the investment. How to tell if you have hard water.
Water & Sewer in Nashville: What to Know
Water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater drainage services are managed directly by Metro Water Services (MWS), which draws clean raw water from the Cumberland River through the Omohundro and K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plants. Billed on a single monthly municipal statement, MWS combines a base meter fee with an escalating three-tiered volumetric clean water rate. Wastewater collection and treatment fees scale directly against your incoming water volume. However, MWS provides an automatic Seasonal Sewer Billing / Sprinkler Adjustment from April through November: your summer sewer bill is capped at your average winter water consumption (measured across January, February, and March) plus 30 percent. This automatic adjustment prevents residents from paying sewage fees while watering gardens or running lawn sprinklers. Because indoor sewer rates scale with incoming metered water up to that cap, an unaddressed toilet flapper leak or plumbing break during those winter tracking months will artificially elevate your sewer cap for the entire rest of the year.
Top 13 Trash and Recycling Providers in Nashville
Nashville Department of Waste Services
All 10 additional trash and recycling providers
Trash & Recycling in Nashville: What to Expect
Trash and recycling in Nashville are handled by Nashville Waste Services (NWS) for homes inside the Urban Services District (USD), where curbside collection is funded through local property taxes without a separate monthly trash bill. Household garbage is collected weekly in your brown rolling cart, and all trash must be bagged before going into the bin. Single-stream recycling is collected every other week in your green rolling cart on the same day as your trash, and items must go in clean, dry, and completely loose (never bag your recycling). There are two major logistical rules that catch nearly every newcomer off guard: glass is strictly banned from curbside recycling carts, and Nashville does NOT offer curbside bulk trash pickup. If you leave an old couch, mattress, or extra trash bags next to your cart, the automated trucks will leave them on the curb. For bulk items and glass recycling, you have to haul them yourself to one of the city’s four Metro Convenience Centers (like Omohundro or Ezell Pike). Make sure your carts are rolled out by 6:00 AM on collection morning with the arrow pointing toward the street and four feet of clearance on all sides.
Utilities Summary for Nashville, TN
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Set Up Your Home with Utility Services in Nashville
Nashville, known affectionately as Music City, is Tennessee’s capital and the 21st-largest U.S. city. Nestled along the Cumberland River, it’s bursting with country music heritage, a booming tech and healthcare scene, and lush urban forests covering over 56% of its area. Whether you’re settling in East Nashville, Germantown, or Brentwood, you’ll find a welcoming community, rich cultural offerings, and well-developed infrastructure, especially utilities.
Electricity
In Davidson County, Nashville Electric Service (NES) supplies your electric power. NES is a large public utility serving around 450,000 customers across 700 sq mi in Nashville and nearby areas. Their electricity comes from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
Energy Efficiency & Rebates
NES partners with TVA’s EnergyRight program to offer rebates and upgrades:
- Home energy efficiency rebates covering HVAC, insulation, duct sealing, and more, totaling up to $1,500 or more.
- Low-income residents may qualify for free upgrades through NES’s “Home Uplift” program, attic insulation, HVAC, monitors, funded by the Power of Change round-up initiative.
- TVA also offers broader residential and commercial efficiency rebates, including geothermal systems, duct sealing, and insulation.
Sustainability Programs
TVA’s EnergyRight program makes it easier to reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, Tennessee offers state-level solar incentives, like tax credits and property tax reductions for homeowners installing solar panels.
Natural Gas
Piedmont Natural Gas, a Duke Energy subsidiary, provides natural gas across much of Nashville and Davidson County . It’s the main source for heating, cooking, and water heating in many homes.
Efficiency Tips & Rebates
- While Piedmont offers standard safety inspections, major energy-efficiency incentives usually come from TVA/EnergyRight, rebates for gas appliances like efficient water heaters and furnaces .
- Home upgrades such as smart thermostats, pipe insulation, and demand-response devices may be eligible through TVA/NES programs.
Conservation
Simple fixes, like sealing leaks, ensuring proper HVAC maintenance, and installing programmable thermostats, can significantly reduce consumption and cost.
Water & Sewage
Metro Water Services (MWS), run by Metro Nashville government, handles your water, wastewater, and stormwater needs. They use Cumberland River water and operate multiple treatment plants.
Conservation & Programs
- Regularly check your bill or MWS website for water-saving tips like repairing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and upgrading to efficient toilets.
- Metro Water often offers educational programs to help homeowners conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff.
- Billing includes stormwater fees to maintain green infrastructure, helping reduce flooding across Nashville’s tree-rich landscape.
Trash & Recycling
Metro Nashville Solid Waste Services handles your trash, recycling, and yard waste. Collection schedules depend on your specific neighborhood.
Tips to Get Started:
- Visit the Metro Nashville Solid Waste site to set up new service and view your pickup day.
- Use provided bins, one for trash, one for recycling, and lawn waste collection in season.
- Check the holiday collection calendar, pickups shift when holidays occur.
- Consider composting: Nashville supports backyard composting and may offer free bins or workshops to help you divert food waste.
Nashville’s Top Internet Options
Here are the best providers in Nashville:
1. AT&T Fiber
- Speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Reliable Fiber network
- Widely available (about 76% coverage)
2. Google Fiber
- Speeds up to 8 Gbps
- Fairly limited availability (~29%)
- No data caps or rate hikes; flat pricing ($70 for 1 Gbps, $150 for 8 Gbps)
3. Xfinity
- Cable speeds to 2 Gbps
- Nearly full coverage of the metro area (99%)
- Bundles with TV/phone, and promotional perks like Apple TV+ or Netflix add-ons
5. 5G Home Wireless (T-Mobile, Verizon)
- Speeds 87–415 Mbps (T-Mobile) and up to 1 Gbps (Verizon)
- Easy installation, no cable needed
6. Satellite Internet (Viasat, HughesNet, Starlink)
- Available everywhere. Viasat (150 Mbps), HughesNet (100 Mbps), Starlink (~220 Mbps)
- Good for rural homes, though latency higher
Pick Based on You
- For fast, reliable speed: go with AT&T or Google Fiber if available.
- Need full-city coverage? Xfinity is an excellent cable choice.
- Prefer no-wires or have limited access? Consider 5G Home Internet or Satellite.
Financial Assistance & Support for Utility Bills in Nashville
City & State Programs
- Metro Action Commission (MAC) administers LIHEAP, helping low-income Davidson County households with utility bills, covering electric, gas, propane, and more.
- TN Housing & Development Agency (THDA) also runs LIHEAP statewide, with local agency implementation and direct payments to utility providers.
- Weatherization Assistance from THDA helps low-income homes weather-strip, add insulation, and seal drafts to reduce future bills.
Nonprofits & Local Support
- NeedLink Nashville offers emergency grants for past-due utility bills, deposits, rent help—caller can apply online or by phone.
- Catholic Charities of Nashville provides emergency utility payment assistance to those in crisis .
NES-Specific Help
- NES provides payment extensions or arrangements, just call 615‑736‑6900 anytime.
- Their “Home Uplift” program installs efficiency upgrades for limited-income households (e.g., HVAC, insulation) at no cost, funded partly via the “Power of Change” rounding-up program.
Green Energy & Conservation Tips
- Take advantage of TVA/EnergyRight rebates on heat pumps, solar-ready upgrades, geothermal systems, insulation, and duct sealing, claim rebates up to $5,000+.
- Explore federal and state tax credits, like the federal 30% residential solar investment tax credit and Tennessee’s solar sales/property tax credits .
- Simple home habits, sealing air leaks, installing efficient lighting and appliances, lowering water use, can reduce both your bills and environmental impact.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I contact NES and Piedmont?
We recommend reaching out to Nashville Electric Service (NES) and Piedmont Natural Gas at least three to five business days before your move-in date. Both allow you to start service easily online. If you are moving into one of Nashville’s many historic homes, it is a good idea to have Piedmont check your gas appliances and pilot lights to ensure everything is venting safely.
Does NES offer any green energy programs?
Yes! You can join the Music City Solar program, which allows you to purchase “shares” in a local solar park. It’s a great way to support renewable energy in Tennessee without having to install panels on your own roof.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Safety first, neighbor! If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, stop what you are doing and leave the house immediately. Do not flip any light switches or use your phone until you are safely away. Then, call 911 and the Piedmont emergency line at (800) 752-7504.
What is the difference between the USD and GSD?
This is the most common point of confusion for new residents. The Urban Services District (USD) receives full city services, including trash and recycling pickup. The General Services District (GSD) usually covers more suburban or rural parts of Davidson County where residents may need to hire a private trash hauler. You can check your address on the Nashville.gov website to see which district you are in.
Is trash collection included in my water bill?
If you are in the Urban Services District (USD), yes! Your Metro Water Services bill will conveniently include your fees for water, sewer, and trash/recycling collection.
Why is my water bill so high in the summer?
Nashville summers are humid and hot. If you have an irrigation system or a large lawn, your water usage can spike quickly. Metro Water Services offers a “Summer Irrigation” credit for some residents to help offset the sewer charges on water that goes into your lawn rather than down the drain—be sure to ask if your home qualifies.
How often is recycling picked up?
In Nashville, curbside recycling is typically collected once a month (every four weeks). Because this is less frequent than in many other cities, we recommend requesting an extra recycling cart through HubNashville if you have a large family or lots of cardboard from your move.
How do I get rid of all my moving boxes?
Once you’ve unpacked, you can break down your cardboard and put it in your brown recycling bin. If you have too many, you can take them to one of the city’s many convenience centers for free, or wait for your quarterly Bulk Item Pickup.
What is HubNashville?
This is your most important tool as a new resident. HubNashville (311) is a website and app where you can report a missed trash pickup, request a new bin, report a pothole, or even ask a question about your property taxes. It is the central nervous system for city services.
Who has the fastest internet in Nashville?
Nashville is a “Google Fiber City,” and their symmetrical gigabit speeds are a favorite for the city’s many songwriters and remote workers. AT&T Fiber also has a massive footprint here. We recommend checking availability for both at least two weeks before you move, as installation appointments in the “IT City” can book up fast.
Can I get a discount on my utilities?
If you are facing a financial hardship, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help Tennessee residents with their heating and cooling bills. Additionally, NES offers the HomeEnergy+ program to help make your new home more energy-efficient.
Can I support local solar without putting panels on my roof?
Yes, and it’s very “Nashville.” Through the Music City Solar program, NES customers can purchase “SunBlocks” from a local solar park. It’s a one-time purchase that credits your bill every month based on the solar energy produced, making it perfect for renters or owners of shaded historic homes.
Why does my neighbor have trash pickup and I don't?
Nashville is split into the Urban Services District (USD) and the General Services District (GSD). If you are in the USD, your property taxes cover trash and recycling. If you are in the GSD (more suburban areas), you are responsible for hiring and paying a private company like Red Knight or Waste Management yourself.
What do I do if my recycling bin is full before the month is up?
Since pickup is infrequent, the city offers several recycling drop-off centers (like the ones at Belle Meade or East Center). You can also request a second recycling bin through hubNashville, though there is a small one-time delivery fee.
What is a "Deduct Meter" and do I need one?
If you’ve moved into a home with a large garden or a swimming pool, you should look into this. A deduct meter measures water that goes into your yard but not into the sewer system. Since Metro Water Services charges you for sewer based on your water usage, this meter ensures you aren’t paying sewer fees for the water you use to keep your lawn green.
Is Nashville's water hard or soft?
Nashville’s water (sourced from the Cumberland River) is considered moderately hard. You likely won’t need a heavy-duty water softener, but you might notice a little bit of scale on your showerheads over time.
Does NES require a credit check?
Yes, NES will run a “soft” credit check to determine if you need to pay a security deposit.
Tip: If you have had a utility account in your name for the last 12 months with a perfect payment record, you can often have your previous provider send a Letter of Credit to NES to get the deposit waived.
What is the TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) on my NES electric bill?
Because Nashville Electric Service purchases wholesale electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority, fluctuations in the market price of coal, natural gas, and uranium used to generate power are passed through directly as an FCA line item. When fuel commodity prices rise regionally, the per-kWh adjustment on your monthly NES statement shifts accordingly.
Where is Google Fiber available in Nashville compared to AT&T Fiber?
Google Fiber has built out extensive coverage across urban Nashville, with heavy availability in East Nashville, Germantown, The Nations, Sylvan Park, Midtown, and 12 South. AT&T Fiber offers a similarly widespread gigabit footprint that extends further into suburban Davidson County, while Xfinity cable covers virtually any street where fiber is unavailable.