MLGW's online payment system lets you pay your Memphis Light, Gas and Water bill from your computer or phone without calling or visiting an office.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) offers three ways to pay online: through your MLGW account on their website, through their mobile app, or by setting up automatic payments. You can pay a single bill immediately, schedule a payment for a future date, or arrange recurring monthly payments. The system accepts bank account transfers and credit or debit cards, though card payments may include a processing fee.

The fastest route is logging into your MLGW account at mlgw.org. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to set one up first — this takes about five minutes and requires your account number (found on your bill) and a valid email address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online through mlgw.org, the MLGW mobile app, or by setting up automatic monthly payments from your bank account.
  • Paying with a bank account transfer has no fee; paying with a credit or debit card usually includes a processing charge.
  • You can schedule a payment for a future date or set up recurring payments so you never miss a due date.
  • Your account number appears on your MLGW bill and is required to set up online payment.

Setting up your MLGW online account

Go to mlgw.org and click the "Pay My Bill" or "Account Login" link. Select "Create Account" or "New User" if you do not already have one. You will be asked for your account number, service address, and email address. MLGW will send a confirmation email — click the link in that email to activate your account.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to view your current balance, past bills, and payment history. Keeping your email address current in your account settings ensures you receive payment confirmations and due date reminders.

Paying a single bill right away

Log into your MLGW account and look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment." The system will show your current balance and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance or a partial amount) and choose your payment method.

If you pay by bank account transfer, there is no fee and the payment usually posts within one business day. If you use a credit or debit card, MLGW or their payment processor will charge a fee — the exact amount appears on the screen before you confirm, so you can see the total cost before completing the transaction. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records.

Scheduling a payment for a future date

In the payment section, look for an option to "Schedule Payment" or "Pay Later." Select the date you want the payment to be processed — MLGW typically allows you to schedule up to 30 days in advance. Enter the amount and payment method, then confirm.

Scheduling is useful if you want to time your payment with your paycheck or if you need to spread out when money leaves your account. The payment will process on the date you choose, so make sure funds are available in your bank account or that your card has sufficient balance.

Setting up automatic monthly payments

Automatic payments remove the need to log in each month. In your account settings, look for "Autopay," "Recurring Payment," or "Automatic Payment Setup." Choose whether you want to pay your full bill each month or a fixed amount. Select your payment method (bank account transfer is recommended to avoid card fees) and the date each month when the payment should process.

Most people choose a date shortly after they receive their paycheck or a few days before the due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account, and MLGW will send you a confirmation email each time a payment is processed. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month, you may prefer to schedule individual payments instead so you can adjust the amount.

Understanding payment fees and timing

Bank account transfers have no fee. Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that varies depending on the payment processor MLGW uses — this fee is shown to you before you complete the payment, so you always know the total cost. Some people choose to pay by bank account transfer to avoid the fee, even if it means logging in manually each month.

Payments made before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day usually post the same day or the next business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays may not post until the following business day. If your due date is approaching, schedule your payment at least one business day early to avoid a late fee.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

You can pay a partial amount online anytime. If you are behind on your bill or struggling to pay, MLGW offers payment plans and hardship programs. Contact MLGW directly at 901-528-4465 to discuss options — they can arrange a plan that spreads your balance over several months, which may be easier to manage than paying the full amount at once.

Paying something online, even if it is not the full balance, shows good faith and may help if you later need to negotiate a payment plan. Keep records of all payments you make, including confirmation numbers from online transactions.

Troubleshooting common online payment problems

If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. MLGW will send a reset link to your email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact MLGW customer service.

If a payment fails, the system usually tells you why — often because the bank account or card information is outdated or the account does not have sufficient funds. Update your payment method in your account settings and try again. If the problem continues, call MLGW at 901-528-4465 to verify your account information or pay over the phone.

If you see a payment on your confirmation but it has not posted to your account after two business days, contact MLGW with your confirmation number. They can track the payment and confirm when it will appear on your bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my MLGW bill without creating an online account?

Yes. You can pay by phone at 901-528-4465, by mail, or in person at an MLGW payment center. However, creating an online account takes only a few minutes and lets you pay anytime without waiting on hold or traveling to an office.

Is it safe to pay my MLGW bill online?

MLGW's website uses encryption to protect your banking and payment information. Never share your account number or password with anyone, and always log in through mlgw.org rather than clicking a link in an email, which could be a phishing attempt.

What happens if I set up automatic payments and then move?

Update your service address in your MLGW account as soon as you know your move date. Your automatic payments will continue to the new address. If you are moving out of MLGW's service area, contact them to close your account and stop automatic payments.

Can I pay someone else's MLGW bill online?

You can pay if you have the account number and access to the account (through login credentials). If you want to pay a family member's bill but do not have their login, ask them to add you as an authorized user on their account, or have them log in and process the payment themselves.

What if I overpay my bill?

The overpayment becomes a credit on your account and will be applied to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact MLGW at 901-528-4465 to request one.