MLGW's online payment system lets you pay your electric or gas bill from your computer or phone without calling or visiting an office
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) operates the online payment portal at mlgw.com where you can settle your bill any time of day. You'll need your account number (printed on your bill) and a way to pay — debit card, credit card, or bank account. The system processes most payments the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day.
Paying online through MLGW's site costs nothing extra. There is no convenience fee, no hidden charge. You can set up a one-time payment or arrange automatic monthly payments so the bill comes out on a date you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Go to mlgw.com, select "Pay My Bill," and enter your account number and ZIP code to access your account without creating a login.
- You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account information — all processed at no extra charge through MLGW's system.
- Payments submitted before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day usually post the same day; weekend and holiday submissions post the next business day.
- Set up automatic monthly payments to avoid late fees and ensure your bill is paid on schedule every month.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, contact MLGW directly to discuss payment plans or assistance programs before your account falls behind.
Steps to pay a one-time bill online
Start at mlgw.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" button, usually on the homepage. Click it and you'll be asked for your account number and ZIP code. Your account number appears on your paper bill in the upper right corner, or in any email MLGW sends you about your account.
After entering those details, the system shows your current balance and due date. Review the amount to make sure it matches your bill. Then select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Enter the card or account information and confirm the payment date. The system will show you a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot.
You do not need to create a username or password for a one-time payment. If you want to check on a payment later or set up automatic payments, you can create an account at that point, but it is not required for paying once.
How to set up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and triggering a late fee. To set this up, go to mlgw.com and select "Pay My Bill." Enter your account number and ZIP code, then look for an option to "Enroll in AutoPay" or "Set Up Automatic Payments." The exact wording varies, but it is on the same payment page.
Choose the day of the month you want the payment to come out — many people pick the day after they get paid. Select your payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) and confirm. MLGW will send you an email confirmation. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime by logging back into mlgw.com or calling MLGW's customer service line.
Automatic payments are free and do not lock you in. If your bill amount changes month to month (which is normal for electric and gas), MLGW will charge whatever the current balance is on the date you selected.
Payment timing and when money actually leaves your account
The day you submit a payment and the day the money leaves your bank account are not always the same. If you pay before 5 p.m. Central Time on a Monday through Friday, MLGW processes it that day and the charge typically appears on your bank statement within one to two business days. If you pay after 5 p.m. or on a weekend or holiday, the system queues it for the next business day.
This matters if you are paying close to your due date. If your bill is due on the 15th and you pay on the 14th at 6 p.m., MLGW will not process it until the 15th, which counts as on-time. But if you are cutting it very close, call MLGW's customer service line instead of using the website — a representative can take your payment over the phone and confirm it is posted immediately.
For automatic payments, the money leaves your account on the date you selected each month. MLGW sends a reminder email a few days before so you know what amount is coming out.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount
If your bill is larger than you can pay right now, do not ignore it. Contact MLGW before your account is marked late. You can call their customer service line or visit an MLGW office in person. Explain your situation and ask about a payment plan — MLGW often allows you to split a bill into smaller payments over several weeks.
MLGW also offers assistance programs for customers with low income or those facing hardship. These programs may help reduce your bill or provide one-time payment support. The customer service representative can tell you whether you may be may be able to access and how to learn more. Asking about these options before you fall behind protects your account from disconnection and late fees.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If the website rejects your payment, the most common reason is a mismatch between the ZIP code you entered and the one on file with MLGW. Double-check your account number and ZIP code before trying again. If you recently moved, make sure MLGW has your current address — you can update it on the website or by calling customer service.
If you paid but do not see the payment reflected on your bill within two business days, log back into mlgw.com and look for a payment history or transaction record. This shows whether the payment was processed. If it was processed but your bill still shows a balance, the payment may not have been applied yet — wait one more business day. If more than three business days have passed and the payment is not showing, call MLGW with your confirmation number from the payment receipt.
If your automatic payment fails (for example, because your card expired), MLGW will send you an email notification. Update your payment method right away to avoid a late fee. You can do this on mlgw.com or by calling customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my MLGW bill online?
No. MLGW does not charge a convenience fee or processing fee for online payments made through mlgw.com. You pay only the amount of your bill. Credit card companies or your bank may charge their own fees depending on your account, but MLGW itself adds nothing.
Can I pay my bill without creating an account?
Yes. You can make a one-time payment using just your account number and ZIP code. You do not need a username or password. If you want to set up automatic payments or check your payment history regularly, creating an account makes it easier, but it is optional.
What happens if I pay after the due date?
A late fee is added to your next bill if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. If you pay online after the due date, the payment still posts, but the late fee remains. To avoid this, pay before the due date or call MLGW to arrange a payment plan if you cannot pay in full by then.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date?
The mlgw.com website does not allow you to schedule a payment weeks in advance. You can pay immediately or set up automatic monthly payments. If you need to schedule a specific payment for a future date, call MLGW's customer service line and a representative can help.
What should I do if my automatic payment is too much or too little?
Log into your account on mlgw.com and adjust the automatic payment amount anytime. You can also pause automatic payments for a month if needed and resume them later. If you need help figuring out the right amount, call MLGW and they can review your recent bills with you.