MLGW bill payment options and where to send your money
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) accepts payments through their website, by phone, through automatic bank transfers, by mail, and at walk-in payment centers across Memphis. The fastest way is online at mlgw.org — you can pay immediately without waiting for mail delivery or phone lines. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their payment line, mail a check, or visit a payment location in person.
Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 days after the bill date. MLGW charges a late fee if payment arrives after that date. Knowing which payment method works for your situation helps you avoid that fee and keeps your service from being disconnected.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at mlgw.org without a fee, and the payment posts the same day if you submit before their cutoff time.
- Automatic bank draft (autopay) removes the need to remember a due date and costs nothing to set up.
- Mail payments to the address on your bill, but allow at least 7 to 10 days for delivery and processing.
- Walk-in payment centers and phone payments are available if you cannot pay online, though phone payments may carry a small fee.
- Late fees apply if payment arrives after the due date shown on your bill, and service can be disconnected after 30 days past due.
Paying online through MLGW's website
Go to mlgw.org and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" link on the homepage. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and either a checking or savings account, or a debit or credit card. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want it to post.
If you submit payment before MLGW's cutoff time — usually 5 p.m. on business days — the payment posts the same day and counts as on-time. Payments submitted after hours or on weekends post the next business day. MLGW does not charge a fee for online payments made from a bank account, though credit or debit card payments may include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent.
You can also set up a one-time payment or recurring automatic payments through the website. Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and work well if your bill amount stays roughly the same month to month.
Setting up automatic bank draft (autopay)
Automatic bank draft pulls money directly from your checking or savings account on a date you choose — usually a few days before the due date. You authorize MLGW once, and the payment happens every month without you having to log in or write a check. This method is free and takes about 5 to 10 business days to activate after you set it up.
To enroll, log into your MLGW account online or call their customer service line at 901-544-6549. You will need to provide your bank routing number and account number. If your bill amount varies significantly (for example, much higher in summer or winter), you can set the draft for a fixed amount that covers your average bill, or you can adjust it manually each month before it processes.
If you want to stop automatic payments, contact MLGW at least 5 business days before the next scheduled draft date. Canceling is free and takes effect within one billing cycle.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. MLGW's mailing address is typically listed in the payment section of your statement. Allow 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery and processing — if you mail a payment close to the due date, it may arrive late and trigger a late fee.
Include the payment stub from your bill if possible; it helps MLGW match your payment to your account faster. If you do not have the stub, write your account number clearly on the check itself. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you need to know whether your mailed payment arrived, call MLGW customer service at 901-544-6549 after 10 business days. They can confirm receipt and the date it posted to your account.
Paying by phone or at a walk-in location
Call MLGW's automated payment line at 901-544-6549 to pay by phone using a debit or credit card. The system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone payments typically process the same day if you call before 5 p.m. on a business day. Some phone payment systems charge a convenience fee of $2 to $5, depending on the payment method.
Walk-in payment centers are located throughout Memphis. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at these locations. Hours vary by location, so check mlgw.org for the center nearest you and its hours before you go. Payments made in person before the center closes usually post the same day.
What happens if your payment is late
MLGW charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date on your bill. The fee amount is shown in your billing terms and typically ranges from $10 to $25 depending on your account type. Late fees are added to your next bill.
If your account is 30 days past due, MLGW may disconnect your service without further notice. If disconnection happens, you will need to pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee (usually $50 to $100) to restore service. Reconnection can take 24 to 48 hours after payment is received.
If you are having trouble paying your bill, contact MLGW before the due date. They may offer a payment plan or direct you to local assistance programs that help with utility bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MLGW bill with a credit card online?
Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through mlgw.org or by phone. Credit card payments usually include a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent added to your payment amount. Paying from a bank account online has no fee.
What time does MLGW's online payment system close each day?
Online payments submitted before 5 p.m. on business days post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends post the next business day. Check mlgw.org for exact cutoff times, as they may vary by season or system maintenance.
How long does it take for a mailed check to show up on my account?
Allow 7 to 10 business days from the date you mail it. If your due date is within 10 days, mail may not arrive in time. For payments close to the due date, use online payment, phone payment, or a walk-in center instead.
What should I do if my service gets disconnected?
Pay the full past-due balance plus the reconnection fee (usually $50 to $100) by phone, online, or at a walk-in center. Service is typically restored within 24 to 48 hours. If you cannot pay the full amount, call MLGW immediately to ask about payment plans or local assistance programs.
Can I change my automatic payment date or amount?
Yes. Log into your MLGW account online or call 901-544-6549 to adjust the payment date or amount. Changes usually take effect within one to two billing cycles. If you need to stop autopay, contact MLGW at least 5 business days before the next scheduled draft.