Where to pay your MLGW bill
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) gives you five ways to pay your bill. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, in person at a payment center, or through automatic bank withdrawal. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need to pay and whether you want to set up recurring payments.
The fastest way is online at mlgw.org. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Phone payments go through their automated system at 901-544-6549, and you can also speak to a representative during business hours. If you prefer not to use digital methods, MLGW has payment centers in Memphis where you can pay in person with cash or check.
Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill. Allow at least 10 business days for a mailed check to reach MLGW and post to your account. If your bill is due soon, mailing is not your best option.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at mlgw.org is the fastest method and processes the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day.
- Phone payments at 901-544-6549 work 24/7 through their automated system, or you can speak to a representative during regular business hours.
- Automatic bank withdrawal (autopay) removes the risk of late payment and can be set up through your online account.
- In-person payment centers accept cash and checks, and you can find locations and hours on the MLGW website.
- Mailed checks take 10 business days or longer to process, so use this method only if your due date is far away.
Setting up autopay to avoid late payments
Autopay is the most reliable way to ensure your bill gets paid on time every month. MLGW withdraws the amount due from your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. You set this up through your online account at mlgw.org by linking your checking or savings account.
To enroll, log into your MLGW account, go to the billing section, and select the autopay option. You'll enter your bank routing number and account number. MLGW will verify the account with two small test deposits, which you'll see in your bank statement within a few days. Once verified, you confirm the amounts and the withdrawal date, and autopay begins the next billing cycle.
If your bill amount varies month to month (which it does for most customers), you can choose to pay the full amount due each month, or you can set a fixed amount if you prefer. You can pause or cancel autopay at any time through your account.
Understanding your bill due date and late payment fees
Your MLGW bill shows a due date, usually 18 to 20 days after the bill is issued. If you pay after that date, MLGW charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your bill total, but it is typically a percentage of the amount owed. Late fees add up quickly, so paying on time saves money.
If you miss the due date, your account will show as past due. MLGW may charge an additional reconnection fee if your service is disconnected for non-payment. The reconnection fee is separate from the late fee and can be substantial. To avoid both, pay by the due date shown on your bill.
If you're having trouble paying your full bill by the due date, contact MLGW directly at 901-544-6549 to discuss payment arrangements. They may be able to extend your due date or set up a plan to pay over time.
Paying a past-due bill or reconnection fee
If your account is past due and you need to restore service, you'll need to pay the past-due amount plus any reconnection fee. MLGW accepts these payments through the same channels as regular bills: online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment, though it can take longer during high-volume periods.
If you cannot pay the full past-due amount at once, call MLGW at 901-544-6549 to ask about a payment plan. They may work with you to set up installments rather than disconnecting service. Having a conversation before your account reaches past due gives you more options than waiting until after disconnection.
Using your online account to track payments
Your MLGW online account shows your current bill, past bills, payment history, and due dates. Log in at mlgw.org with your account number and password. If you don't have a password, you can create one during your first login. This account is where you also set up autopay, view your usage, and report problems.
The payment history section shows every payment you've made, the date it posted, and the method you used. If you're unsure whether a payment went through, check this section first. Payments made online or by phone usually post within one business day. Mailed checks take longer, so the history will show when it actually cleared.
If you see a payment that didn't post or a charge you don't recognize, contact MLGW customer service at 901-544-6549 with your account number and the payment details. They can look up the transaction and correct any errors.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill
If you're facing a hardship and cannot pay your MLGW bill in full, contact them before your account becomes past due. MLGW has programs that may help, including budget billing, extended payment plans, and information about assistance programs in Memphis. Calling early gives you more options than waiting until after disconnection.
Budget billing spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months, which can make bills more predictable and easier to manage. You still pay the full amount over the year, but the monthly payment stays the same. This works best if your usage is fairly consistent.
MLGW can also connect you with local nonprofits and government programs that help with utility bills. These programs vary in what they cover and who they serve, so ask MLGW what's available in your situation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can explore these options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MLGW bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online at mlgw.org or by phone at 901-544-6549. Be aware that MLGW may charge a convenience fee for credit card payments, which is added to your bill. Check the fee amount before you complete the payment.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments usually post within one business day if you pay before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday. Payments made after hours or on weekends post the next business day. Check your online account to confirm the payment went through.
What happens if I pay my bill twice by accident?
MLGW will credit the extra payment to your account, and it will reduce your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact customer service at 901-544-6549 with your account number and payment details. Refunds typically take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your bank account.
Can I change my due date?
MLGW assigns due dates based on your meter reading schedule, so you cannot change it directly. However, if you set up autopay, you can choose the withdrawal date, which gives you some control over when the payment leaves your account. Contact MLGW if you have questions about your specific due date.
What should I do if my payment didn't go through?
Check your online account first to see if the payment posted. If it didn't, try paying again through a different method — for example, if online didn't work, try calling 901-544-6549. If you're unsure what happened, call customer service with the date and amount you tried to pay, and they can look it up in their system.