The fastest way to pay MLGW is through their website at mlgw.com, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) offers several payment methods, and the one you choose depends on how much control you want over the timing and whether you want to avoid a trip. Online payment through mlgw.com takes a few minutes and posts within one business day. Phone and in-person payments are also available if you prefer to speak with someone or don't have internet access at home.
Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on what you selected when you opened your account. The due date is printed on the front of your bill, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. Paying after the due date triggers a late fee, so marking the due date on your calendar or setting up automatic payments prevents that charge.
Key Takeaways
- MLGW's website at mlgw.com lets you pay online with a bank account or debit card, and the payment posts within one business day.
- Automatic payments through mlgw.com remove the risk of forgetting a due date and cost nothing to set up.
- You can pay by phone at 901-544-6549 during business hours, or in person at any MLGW payment location or authorized retailer.
- Late payments trigger a fee, so knowing your due date and paying before it arrives is the simplest way to avoid extra charges.
Paying online through mlgw.com
Go to mlgw.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill, and either a bank account or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, though using a debit card or bank account transfer avoids credit card processing fees.
Enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. If you're paying the full bill, the website will show your current balance. You can pay less than the full amount, but any unpaid balance will accrue interest and may trigger a late fee if it's not paid by the due date. After you submit the payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen — write it down or take a screenshot.
One-time payments posted before 5 p.m. Central Time typically show up in your account by the next business day. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend, the payment may not post until the following business day. MLGW does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date. Log into mlgw.com, go to your account settings, and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you set yourself. The payment will deduct from your bank account or card on the date you choose — usually a few days before the due date is safest.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account. If your bill amount varies significantly month to month (which is common with gas in winter or air conditioning in summer), you may prefer to set a fixed amount and pay any difference manually, or you can adjust the automatic amount each month before the payment date.
Automatic payments cost nothing and are one of the most reliable ways to stay current. If you're worried about overdrafts, set the payment date a few days after you normally receive income, or choose a fixed amount slightly lower than your average bill and pay the remainder by hand.
Paying by phone or mail
Call MLGW's customer service line at 901-544-6549 during business hours to pay over the phone. Have your account number and a debit card or bank account information ready. A representative will process your payment and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments typically post within one business day, the same as online payments.
You can also mail a check or money order to the address on your bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed under "Payment by Mail" on your statement. Mailed payments take longer to post — usually 7 to 10 business days — so send it at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
Paying in person at MLGW locations and authorized retailers
MLGW has payment centers in the Memphis area where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. Find the nearest location on mlgw.com under "Payment Locations" or call 901-544-6549 for the address and hours. In-person payments post the same day if you pay before closing time, making this the fastest option if you need the payment to show up immediately.
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and check-cashing services in Tennessee also accept MLGW payments as an authorized payment agent. These retailers may charge a small fee for the service, so ask before you pay. Payments made at authorized retailers typically post within one business day.
What happens if you miss the due date
A late fee is added to your bill if payment is not received by the due date printed on your statement. The amount of the late fee varies but is usually a percentage of your bill or a flat fee — check your bill or call 901-544-6549 to confirm the exact amount. The late fee is separate from your regular bill and must be paid in addition to any unpaid balance.
If you fall behind on payments, MLGW may suspend your service after a certain number of days without payment. The exact timeline depends on your account history and whether you contact MLGW to work out a payment plan. If you're having trouble paying, call 901-544-6549 to discuss options before your service is cut off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MLGW charge a fee to pay online?
No. MLGW does not charge a fee when you pay through mlgw.com using a bank account or debit card. Some credit card companies may charge their own processing fees, so using a debit card or bank account transfer is the lowest-cost option.
Can I pay someone else's MLGW bill?
Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online at mlgw.com, by phone at 901-544-6549, or in person at a payment location. The payment will be applied to that account regardless of whose name is on the payment method.
What if I pay too much by accident?
The overpayment will show as a credit on your next bill and will be applied automatically. If you want a refund instead, contact MLGW at 901-544-6549 to request one. Refunds typically take one to two billing cycles to process.
How do I know if my payment went through?
You'll receive a confirmation number immediately after paying online or by phone. Check your account on mlgw.com a day or two later to confirm the payment posted. You can also call 901-544-6549 to verify that a payment was received.
Can I set up automatic payments if I don't have a bank account?
Automatic payments require either a bank account or a debit card. If you don't have either, you can pay by phone, mail, or in person at an MLGW location or authorized retailer each month instead.