How to Pay Your MLGW Bill Online, by Phone, or Mail

MLGW bill payment methods and where to send money

MLGW (Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division) is the municipal utility serving Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. You can pay your MLGW bill through their website at mlgw.com, by phone at 901-544-6549, through automatic bank withdrawals, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Each method has different timing and requirements.

The fastest way to pay is online through your MLGW account. You create a login, enter your account number (found on your bill), and authorize a one-time payment or set up recurring automatic payments. Online payments typically post within one business day. Phone payments work the same way — you speak with an MLGW representative who processes the payment over the phone using your bank account or card information.

If you mail a check or money order, address it to MLGW, P.O. Box 430, Memphis, TN 38101. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach MLGW and post to your account, so send payment well before your due date to avoid late fees. You can also pay in person at MLGW payment centers located throughout Memphis during business hours.

Key Takeaways

• Online payments through mlgw.com post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay.
• Phone payments at 901-544-6549 work when ready but require you to provide bank or card details to a representative.
• Mail payments to MLGW, P.O. Box 430, Memphis, TN 38101, but allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery and posting.
• Automatic bank withdrawals can be set up through your MLGW account to pay on a schedule you choose.
• In-person payments at MLGW payment centers are available during business hours at multiple locations in Memphis.

Setting up an online MLGW account

To pay online, you need an account on the MLGW website. Go to mlgw.com and select "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will need your MLGW account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid email address. MLGW will send a verification link to that email — click it to confirm your account.

Once your account is active, you can view your bill, see your payment history, and set up payments. Your account also shows your usage history and allows you to report outages or request service changes. You can log in anytime to check your balance or make a payment without waiting for business hours.

One-time payments versus automatic payments

A one-time payment means you pay your current bill once and do not authorize future payments. You choose the payment date and amount each month. This gives you full control but requires you to log in or call each time you want to pay.

An automatic payment (also called autopay or recurring payment) withdraws money from your bank account on a date you set — usually around your bill due date. MLGW deducts the full bill amount automatically each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account or by calling 901-544-6549. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring late fees.

Payment methods MLGW accepts

MLGW accepts payments from a checking or savings account (electronic bank transfer), debit cards, and credit cards. If you pay by credit card online or by phone, MLGW may charge a convenience fee — check the website or ask when you call for the current fee amount. Bank transfers and debit cards typically have no fee.

Cash payments are accepted in person at MLGW payment centers. Check or money order payments can be mailed to the address listed above. Some third-party payment processors also accept MLGW payments, but verify that the processor is authorized by MLGW to avoid sending money to a fraudulent site.

Timing and due dates

Your MLGW bill shows a due date, usually about 20 days after the bill is issued. If you pay online, the payment posts within one business day. If you pay by phone, it posts the same day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so if your due date is soon, mail is not reliable — use online or phone payment instead.

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, MLGW may charge a late fee. The late fee amount varies and is shown on your bill. If you are unable to pay the full amount by the due date, contact MLGW at 901-544-6549 to discuss payment arrangements or hardship programs that may be available to you.

What to do if you cannot pay on time

If you cannot pay your bill by the due date, call MLGW at 901-544-6549 as soon as possible. MLGW may offer a payment plan that spreads your bill over several months, allowing you to pay a smaller amount each month instead of the full balance at once. Payment plans vary depending on your account and situation.

MLGW also has programs for customers facing financial hardship. These programs may reduce your bill, defer payment, or provide other relief. Ask about hardship information when you call — the representative can explain what programs you may be able to use and what information you need to provide.

Troubleshooting common payment issues

If your online payment fails, check that your account number is correct and that your bank account or card has sufficient funds. If the problem persists, call 901-544-6549 to pay by phone instead. If you paid online but your bill still shows as unpaid, wait one business day for the payment to post. If it does not post after two business days, call MLGW to confirm the payment was received.

If you paid by mail and your bill shows late, the payment may still be in transit. Call MLGW with your check number or money order number so they can track it. Provide proof of mailing (such as a receipt from the post office) if you have it. MLGW may be able to hold off on late fees while they locate your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my MLGW bill without creating an online account?

Yes. You can pay by phone at 901-544-6549, by mail to P.O. Box 430, Memphis, TN 38101, or in person at an MLGW payment center. You will need your account number, which is on your bill. Online account creation is not required, but it is the fastest way to pay.

Is there a fee to pay my MLGW bill online?

No fee for bank transfers or debit card payments. Credit card payments may have a convenience fee — the amount is shown on the MLGW website before you complete the payment. Mail and in-person payments have no fee.

How long does it take for an automatic payment to show up?

Automatic payments post within one business day of the withdrawal date. The money is deducted from your bank account on the date you set, and MLGW records the payment the next day. If you set autopay for the 15th of each month, the withdrawal happens on the 15th and posts by the 16th.

What happens if I pay twice by accident?

Contact MLGW at 901-544-6549 right away. If both payments have posted, MLGW will credit the overpayment to your next bill or issue a refund, depending on your preference. The sooner you report it, the faster they can process the correction.

Can I change my automatic payment date?

Yes. Log into your MLGW account and edit your autopay settings, or call 901-544-6549 to make the change over the phone. You can set the payment date to any day of the month, though MLGW recommends choosing a date after your bill is issued to avoid paying before you see the amount due.