Madison Gas and Electric payment options and where to send your money

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) is a municipal utility serving the Madison area. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest way is online at mge.com — you can pay immediately without waiting for mail delivery, and you'll see confirmation right away.

If you don't have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can call MGE's customer service line to pay by phone using a debit or credit card. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach MGE, so if your bill is due soon, mail is the slowest option. In-person payments at MGE's office on East Washington Avenue are processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through mge.com is the fastest method and shows you a confirmation number immediately.
  • Phone payments work 24/7 and let you pay by debit or credit card without setting up an online account.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them early if your due date is approaching.
  • MGE does not charge a fee for any standard payment method — online, phone, mail, and in-person are all free.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and you'll need it to pay by phone or online.

Paying online through MGE's website

Go to mge.com and look for the "Pay My Bill" or "Billing" section. You can pay as a guest without creating an account, or you can create a free account to save your payment information and see your bill history. To pay as a guest, you'll need your account number (printed on your bill) and the amount due.

MGE accepts debit cards, credit cards, and bank account transfers online. If you use a credit card, check whether your card issuer charges a cash advance fee — some do, even though MGE doesn't. Bank transfers are free and take one business day to process. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen; save or print this for your records.

Paying by phone or automatic bank draft

Call MGE's customer service number (listed on your bill) to pay by phone. A representative can process a one-time payment using your debit card or credit card. The call takes about 5 minutes. If you call outside business hours, an automated system may allow you to pay without speaking to anyone.

If you want to avoid paying each month, you can set up automatic bank draft through MGE. This withdraws your bill amount directly from your checking account on a date you choose — usually around your due date. You can change or cancel automatic draft anytime. Set it up online, by phone, or by mailing a form to MGE.

Mailing a check or money order

If you pay by mail, write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. MGE's mailing address is typically on the back of your bill or in the payment section. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send it at least 10 days before your due date to avoid a late payment.

Include the payment stub from your bill if possible — it helps MGE match your payment to your account faster. If you don't have the stub, your account number alone is enough. Keep a copy of the check number and mailing date for your records in case you need to track the payment later.

In-person payment at MGE's office

MGE's main office is located at 133 South Blair Street, Madison, Wisconsin. You can walk in during business hours and pay your bill at the counter with cash, check, or debit card. In-person payments are processed the same day, so your account is updated immediately. Call ahead to confirm office hours, as they may change seasonally or for holidays.

Bring your bill or account number so the staff can locate your account quickly. If you're paying someone else's bill, bring their account number and a form of ID. In-person payment is useful if you need a receipt on the spot or if you prefer to handle money face-to-face.

What to do if you can't pay your full bill

If you're struggling to pay your MGE bill, contact their customer service before your due date. MGE offers budget billing, which spreads your annual costs into equal monthly payments so bills are more predictable. You can also ask about a payment plan that lets you pay part of your bill now and the rest over several months.

MGE also has a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for households that meet income limits. This is a state program that can help pay heating and cooling bills. Contact MGE or your local social services office to learn whether you may be may be able to access and how to start the process. During winter months, MGE cannot shut off service for non-payment if you're a residential customer, which gives you time to arrange help.

Understanding your MGE bill and due dates

Your MGE bill shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. Bills are usually due 20 to 25 days after the bill date. If you pay online or by phone, the payment posts within one business day. If you mail a check, allow 10 days for delivery plus one day for processing.

If you miss your due date, MGE will charge a late fee and may send a reminder notice. If you're more than 30 days late, MGE may disconnect your service. If disconnection happens, you'll need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Paying on time or setting up automatic draft prevents these extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MGE charge a fee to pay my bill online?

No. MGE does not charge a fee for online payments, phone payments, mail payments, or in-person payments. All standard payment methods are free. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee, but MGE's own website and phone line do not.

Can I pay my MGE bill with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card online or by phone. However, check with your credit card company first — some cards charge a cash advance fee even though MGE doesn't. Using a debit card or bank transfer avoids this fee.

What happens if I pay late?

MGE charges a late fee if payment arrives after the due date. If you're more than 30 days late, MGE may disconnect your service. You'll need to pay the full amount owed plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Paying on time or setting up automatic draft prevents these charges.

How do I set up automatic payments?

You can set up automatic bank draft online at mge.com, by calling customer service, or by mailing a form to MGE. Once set up, your bill amount is withdrawn from your checking account on a date you choose. You can change or cancel it anytime.

Can I pay someone else's MGE bill?

Yes. If you're paying in person, bring the account number and your ID. If you're paying online or by phone, you'll need the account number. You cannot pay online as a guest for someone else's account — the account holder must set up a third-party payer option, or you can pay by phone or mail.