How to pay your MLGW bill through My Account
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) lets you pay your bill online through My Account, by phone, by mail, or in person. The fastest route is logging into My Account on the MLGW website, where you can see your current balance, set up automatic payments, and pay immediately without leaving your house.
To pay through My Account, you will need your account number (printed on your bill) and online login credentials. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on mlgw.org by entering your account number and setting a password. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and choose whether to pay the full amount due or a partial payment. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer.
Payment through My Account is processed the same business day if you submit before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday. Weekend and holiday payments are processed the next business day. MLGW does not charge a fee for debit or bank account payments through My Account, but credit card payments carry a processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your MLGW bill online through My Account using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer without a fee for the first two options.
- Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Central Time on weekdays post the same day; weekend and holiday payments post the next business day.
- Setting up automatic payments through My Account ensures your bill is paid on time every month without manual action.
- If you cannot pay online, you can mail a check to MLGW's payment address or pay in person at an MLGW office or authorized payment location.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to log into My Account or pay by phone.
Setting up automatic payments in My Account
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date and take the monthly task off your plate. In My Account, go to "Billing" and select "Autopay." Choose the date you want the payment to come out each month — MLGW recommends picking a date after you expect your paycheck — and whether you want to pay the full amount due or a set dollar amount.
You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through My Account without penalty. If you set autopay to the full amount due, your payment will adjust automatically if your bill changes month to month. If you choose a fixed dollar amount, make sure it covers at least your minimum payment to avoid late fees.
Paying by phone or mail if you do not use My Account
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call MLGW's payment line at 901-544-6549 to pay by phone with a debit card or credit card. Phone payments are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Credit card payments over the phone also carry the processing fee.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to MLGW and send it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take 5 to 7 business days to post to your account, so send your payment early if your due date is approaching. Do not send cash by mail.
You can also pay in person at any MLGW office during business hours or at authorized payment locations throughout Memphis and Shelby County. Call 901-544-6549 to find the nearest location to you.
Understanding your due date and late fees
Your due date appears on your bill and is usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. If you do not pay by the due date, MLGW charges a late fee of 1.5 percent of the amount due. The late fee is added to your next bill.
If your bill remains unpaid 30 days past the due date, MLGW may disconnect your service. If disconnection happens, you will owe a reconnection fee in addition to your unpaid balance and late fees. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are struggling to pay your bill in full, contact MLGW before your due date. You may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months. Call 901-544-6549 and ask about payment arrangements.
MLGW also offers programs for customers with low income or hardship. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help cover heating and cooling costs for households that meet income limits. You can learn more about LIHEAP through the Tennessee Department of Human Services or by asking MLGW directly.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If your payment does not show up in My Account within the expected timeframe, check that you entered the correct amount and payment method. Payments can take longer if you submitted them on a weekend or holiday. You can also call 901-544-6549 to confirm the payment was received.
If you see a charge on your credit card or bank statement but the payment has not posted to your MLGW account, do not pay again. Contact MLGW customer service to track down the payment. Duplicate payments can take several billing cycles to reverse.
If you forget your My Account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the MLGW login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using your account number and other information from your bill. A password reset link will be sent to the email address on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my MLGW bill through My Account?
No fee is charged for debit card or bank account payments through My Account. Credit card payments carry a processing fee of approximately 2.5 percent of the payment amount. Phone and in-person payments have the same fee structure.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my bill?
Payments submitted through My Account before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday post the same day. Weekend and holiday payments post the next business day. Mail payments typically take 5 to 7 business days. If your payment does not appear within this timeframe, contact MLGW at 901-544-6549.
Can I pay my MLGW bill with a credit card without a fee?
Credit card payments through My Account, by phone, or in person all carry a processing fee. If you want to avoid the fee, use a debit card or bank account transfer instead. Mail payments by check or money order also have no fee.
What happens if I miss my due date?
A late fee of 1.5 percent of the amount due is added to your next bill. If your account remains unpaid 30 days past the due date, MLGW may disconnect your service. Reconnection requires payment of the unpaid balance, late fees, and a reconnection fee.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay my full bill?
Yes. Contact MLGW at 901-544-6549 before your due date to discuss payment arrangements. MLGW may also have information about assistance programs like LIHEAP if you may have access to based on income.