MGE bill payment options and where to find them
Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) offers several ways to pay your bill: online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient method is online through your MGE account, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic payments. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call MGE's payment line, mail a check, or pay at their downtown Madison location.
Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on your preference, and payment is due by the date printed on your statement. Late payments may result in a reconnection fee or service interruption, so knowing your options ahead of time helps you avoid those costs.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay MGE bills online at their website, by phone at their automated line, by mail with a check, or in person at their Madison office.
- Online payment through your MGE account is the fastest method and lets you choose a specific payment date or set up automatic monthly payments.
- Automatic payments remove the risk of late fees and service interruption, though you should still review your bill each month to catch errors.
- If you mail a payment, allow at least 10 business days for it to reach MGE and post to your account.
- MGE does not charge a fee for standard online or phone payments made through their official channels.
Paying online through your MGE account
Log in to your account at mge.com using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by clicking "Register" on the login page and entering your account number, service address, and email. Once logged in, click "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want the payment to go through.
MGE processes online payments the same business day if you submit them before 5 p.m. Central Time on a weekday. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends will process the next business day. You do not need to pay the full balance — you can pay any amount, though paying less than the full bill will leave a balance for the next month.
To set up automatic payments, go to "Billing & Payment" in your account settings and select "Autopay." You can choose to pay the full bill amount or a fixed dollar amount each month on a date you select. Automatic payments stop the need to remember due dates, but you should still check your bill each month to make sure the charges are correct.
Paying by phone or automatic bank draft
Call MGE's automated payment line at 608-252-7117 to pay by debit card or bank account. You will need your account number and the payment method information. The system accepts payments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments made before 5 p.m. Central Time on a business day post the same day; all other payments post the next business day.
If you want to set up a recurring bank draft (automatic withdrawal from your checking account), you can do this through your online account or by calling MGE's customer service at 608-252-7000 during business hours. A bank draft is one of the most reliable ways to ensure you never miss a payment, since the money comes directly from your bank on the date you choose.
Paying by mail
Write a check payable to Madison Gas and Electric and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Include your account number on the check so MGE can match the payment to your account. Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying multiple bills at once, use separate checks for each utility and mail them to their respective addresses — do not combine payments in one envelope.
Paying in person at MGE's office
MGE's main office is located at 133 South Blair Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53703. You can pay in person during business hours with cash, check, or debit card. Call ahead at 608-252-7000 to confirm hours, as they may vary by season or holiday.
In-person payment is useful if you need to discuss your bill with a representative or if you want to make sure your payment posts immediately. However, for most people, online or automatic payment is more convenient since you do not have to travel to the office.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
If you are struggling to pay your MGE bill, contact MGE's customer service at 608-252-7000 to discuss a payment plan. MGE may be able to spread your balance over several months so you can pay smaller amounts. Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one before your account becomes past due.
You may also be may be able to access for bill assistance through Wisconsin's energy assistance programs if your household income is below a certain level. Your local community action agency or 211 Wisconsin can provide information about programs in your area. These programs are separate from MGE and are run by the state or local government.
Avoiding late fees and service interruption
Your bill is due by the date printed on your statement, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill date. If payment does not arrive by that date, MGE will charge a late fee and may send a disconnection notice. Service can be interrupted as soon as 10 days after the due date if you have not paid or made arrangements.
The best way to avoid these costs is to set up automatic payments or to pay online a few days before the due date. If you are going to be late, call MGE immediately at 608-252-7000 to ask about a payment arrangement. Explaining the situation before you miss the deadline gives you more options than waiting until after service is interrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MGE charge a fee to pay online or by phone?
No. MGE does not charge a fee for payments made through their website, automated phone line, or customer service representatives. Third-party payment processors sometimes charge fees, but MGE's official channels are always free.
Can I pay someone else's MGE bill?
Yes, but you will need their account number and permission. You can pay online using their account number, or you can mail a check with their account number written on it. If you want to set up automatic payments for someone else's account, you will need access to their online account or written authorization from the account holder.
What happens if I pay too much?
If your payment exceeds what you owe, MGE will credit the overpayment to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling customer service, though it may take several weeks to process. Keeping a small credit on your account can help cover the next month's bill if you are tight on cash.
How do I know if my payment went through?
If you pay online, you will see a confirmation number on the screen immediately. If you pay by phone, the automated system will confirm the payment before you hang up. Check your online account a day or two later to verify the payment posted. If you mail a check, allow 10 to 15 business days and then log in to confirm it appears on your account.
Can I change my payment due date?
Your due date is set by MGE based on your billing cycle and cannot be changed. However, you can choose the date your automatic payment goes through, which does not have to match your due date — you can set it for earlier in the month if that works better for your budget.