How to pay Memphis Light Gas and Water
Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW) is the public utility that serves the Memphis area. You can pay your bill online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest way is online at mlgw.org — you can pay when ready without waiting on hold or visiting a location.
MLGW bills cover your electricity, natural gas, and water service combined into one statement. The payment methods available depend on whether you want to pay once or set up automatic payments. Most people pay the full balance due by the due date shown on their bill, though you can also make partial payments if needed.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay MLGW bills online at mlgw.org, by phone at 901-528-4465, by mail to the address on your bill, or at an MLGW payment center in person.
- Online payment through the MLGW website is free and processes when ready, making it the fastest option if you have your account number and bill amount ready.
- Automatic payments (called Budget Billing or recurring payments) can be set up online or by phone to deduct from your bank account on a date you choose each month.
- If you pay by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach MLGW and post to your account to avoid late fees.
- Late fees explore if your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, and service can be disconnected if your account falls significantly behind.
Paying online at the MLGW website
The MLGW website at mlgw.org has a payment portal where you can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Go to the homepage and look for "Pay My Bill" or "Make a Payment." You will need your account number (found on your bill) and the amount you want to pay.
Online payments process when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number right away. There is no fee to pay online with a bank account. If you use a credit or debit card, MLGW charges a convenience fee that varies depending on the card type — the website will show you the fee before you confirm the payment.
You can also set up a one-time automatic payment or recurring automatic payments through the website. Recurring payments let you choose a date each month (such as the 15th) when the payment will automatically deduct from your account. This is useful if you want to avoid thinking about the due date.
Paying by phone
Call MLGW customer service at 901-528-4465 to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number and the payment amount, then process the payment using your debit card, credit card, or bank account information. Phone payments are available during business hours, which vary by season.
Like online credit card payments, phone payments with a card may include a convenience fee. Payments made by phone process the same day if you call before the cutoff time (usually early afternoon on business days). If you call after hours, the payment will process the next business day.
Paying by mail
You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order so MLGW can match it to your account. Mail payments take 10 business days or longer to reach MLGW and post to your account, so send your payment well before the due date to avoid late fees.
Include your bill stub with your payment if possible — it helps MLGW process your payment faster. If you do not have the bill stub, write your account number clearly on the envelope and the check itself.
Paying in person at an MLGW location
MLGW has payment centers in the Memphis area where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. Payments made in person are posted to your account when ready. You can find the nearest payment center and its hours on the MLGW website or by calling 901-528-4465.
Bring your bill or account number with you. If you are paying someone else's bill, bring their account number as well. Payment centers are typically open during standard business hours on weekdays, though some locations may have extended hours.
Setting up automatic payments and Budget Billing
Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You set this up once through the MLGW website or by phone, and it continues until you cancel it. This is useful if you want to avoid late payments and do not want to remember the due date each month.
Budget Billing is a separate MLGW program that averages your bills over 12 months so your payment stays roughly the same each month instead of going up and down with the seasons. This makes it easier to budget. You can combine Budget Billing with automatic payments so the same amount deducts automatically each month. To enroll in Budget Billing, call 901-528-4465 or set it up online.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, MLGW will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount. You will see the late fee added to your next bill. If your account falls behind by a significant amount (usually 30 to 60 days), MLGW may send a disconnection notice warning that your service will be shut off.
If you receive a disconnection notice, contact MLGW when ready at 901-528-4465 to discuss payment options. You may be able to set up a payment plan to catch up over time instead of having your service cut off. The sooner you contact them, the more options you typically have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay part of my bill instead of the full amount?
Yes, you can make a partial payment at any time through any payment method. However, the remaining balance will still be due by the due date on your bill. If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact MLGW at 901-528-4465 to discuss a payment plan.
Is there a fee to pay my MLGW bill online?
There is no fee if you pay from a bank account. Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee that varies by card type. The website shows the fee amount before you confirm the payment, so you know the total cost.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments process when ready and you receive a confirmation number right away. The payment shows on your account within a few hours. Mail and phone payments may take longer depending on when they are processed.
What is the difference between automatic payments and Budget Billing?
Automatic payments deduct your actual bill amount on a date you choose each month. Budget Billing averages your bills over 12 months so you pay the same amount every month. You can use one, the other, or both together.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill on time?
Contact MLGW at 901-528-4465 as soon as possible to discuss your situation. They may offer a payment plan that lets you pay over several months instead of all at once. Calling before the due date gives you more options than waiting until after a late fee is charged.