Before you call anyone, ask your leasing office which utilities are already handled. Many larger Nashville apartment buildings take care of water, sewer and trash themselves and bill you back each month, and some are all-electric, with no gas account to open. Electric service is almost always in your own name.
Short answer: electric comes from Nashville Electric Service (NES), water from Metro Water Services, and natural gas from Spire, which bought Piedmont Natural Gas’s Nashville business in 2026.
| Utility | Provider | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Nashville Electric Service (NES) | $250 deposit unless waived; connection fee on first bill |
| Water and sewer | Metro Water Services | $25 start fee, or $35 for guaranteed same-day service |
| Natural gas | Spire (formerly Piedmont) | Billing still runs through Piedmont during the transition |
| Internet | Varies by building | Ask which providers are wired in |
Electric: NES
You can start service online through NES’s My Account. NES asks for a $250 deposit, which you can avoid by passing a credit check or by showing 12 months of on-time payments from a previous gas or electric utility. If you do pay it, NES credits it back to your account after 12 months of on-time payments. A one-time connection fee shows up on your first bill.
Water: Metro Water Services
If your building bills water separately, call Metro Water Services at 615-862-4600. Starting service costs a nonrefundable $25, or $35 if you need it guaranteed the same day. A few areas on the edges of the county are served by separate utility districts, so confirm the provider with your landlord.
Gas: Spire
Spire completed its purchase of Piedmont Natural Gas’s Tennessee business on March 31, 2026. For now, Piedmont still handles billing and customer service on Spire’s behalf, at 800-752-7504, with the full switch to Spire expected in 2027. Gas start appointments are usually on weekdays, and an adult has to be home.
Practical tips
- Start electric a day before you get the keys so you are not moving in the dark.
- Ask the leasing office for the exact unit address format NES and Metro Water use, including the unit number.
- Ask what last month’s average utility bill was for your floor plan. Summer air conditioning is the big one in Nashville.
- Schedule internet installation as soon as you sign. Install slots fill up at the start and end of each month.
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