Where to pay your MLGW bill and what payment methods work
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) accepts payments through several channels, and the fastest route depends on whether you want to pay right now or set up automatic payments. You can pay online at mlgw.org, by phone at 901-544-6549, in person at any MLGW payment center, by mail, or through automatic bank draft.
Online payment through the MLGW website is the quickest option if you have your account number and a debit or credit card ready. The payment posts the same day if you submit it before the cutoff time (usually early afternoon on business days). Phone payments work the same way — a representative can process your payment while you're on the call, though you'll pay a convenience fee unless you're calling from a touch-tone phone to use the automated system.
If you prefer not to pay online or by phone, MLGW payment centers are located throughout Memphis. You can find the nearest one on the MLGW website by entering your zip code. Walk-in payments are processed immediately, and you'll receive a receipt on the spot. Mail payments take longer — allow at least 10 business days for the payment to reach MLGW and post to your account, so use this method only if your bill isn't due soon.
Key Takeaways
- Online and phone payments post the same day if submitted before the afternoon cutoff, while mail payments take 10 business days or more.
- MLGW charges a convenience fee for credit card payments online or by phone, but debit card payments and bank draft payments have no fee.
- Setting up automatic bank draft through your checking account is free and ensures your bill is paid on time every month without action from you.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at an MLGW center.
- If your payment is late, MLGW may charge a late fee and can disconnect service after 30 days of non-payment.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic bank draft is the most reliable way to ensure your bill is paid on time, and it costs nothing. You authorize MLGW to withdraw the bill amount directly from your checking account on a date you choose — usually around the due date shown on your bill. Once set up, the payment happens every month without you having to remember or take action.
To enroll in automatic bank draft, log into your MLGW account online, call 901-544-6549, or visit a payment center in person. You'll need to provide your bank routing number and account number. MLGW will send you a confirmation, and the first draft typically occurs within one to two billing cycles. If your bill amount changes month to month (which it will, since usage varies), the draft adjusts automatically.
If you want to pause or cancel automatic payments, you can do so through your online account or by calling MLGW. Give at least three business days' notice before your next scheduled draft date if you need to stop a payment. This is useful if you're disputing a charge or if your service is being disconnected and you don't want the payment to process.
Understanding your bill due date and late payment consequences
Your bill due date appears on the front of your MLGW statement, usually 20 to 25 days after the bill is issued. Payment is considered on time if MLGW receives it by 5 p.m. on the due date. If you pay after that time or after the due date, MLGW charges a late fee — the amount varies but is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat fee, shown in your account terms.
If your payment is 30 days late, MLGW can disconnect your service without further notice. Before disconnection, you should receive a disconnect notice in the mail, usually 10 to 15 days before the service is cut off. If you receive a disconnect notice, contact MLGW immediately — even a partial payment or a commitment to pay by a specific date may stop the disconnection process.
Once service is disconnected, reconnection requires payment of the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee. Reconnection typically takes one to two business days after payment is received. To avoid this situation, pay as soon as you receive your bill, or set up automatic bank draft so the payment happens automatically.
Paying by mail: timing and where to send your check
Mail payments take significantly longer than online or phone payments, so only use this method if your bill is not due within the next two weeks. Write your account number on the check, include the payment stub from your bill, and mail it to the address printed on your statement. MLGW's mailing address is typically listed on the back of your bill or on the website.
Allow at least 10 business days for your check to arrive and be processed. If your bill is due in fewer than 10 days, use online payment, phone payment, or in-person payment instead. If you're mailing a check close to the due date and you're worried it won't arrive in time, call MLGW to let them know a payment is on the way — this may prevent a late fee if the check arrives a few days after the due date.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If the payment doesn't post to your account within 15 business days, contact MLGW with this information so they can track it down.
Paying in person at MLGW payment centers
MLGW operates payment centers throughout Memphis where you can walk in and pay your bill in cash, check, or debit card. Bring your bill or account number, and the payment posts immediately. You'll receive a receipt showing the payment amount, date, and confirmation number.
Payment center hours vary by location, but most are open during standard business hours Monday through Friday. Some locations may have extended hours or Saturday hours — check the MLGW website or call 901-544-6549 to confirm the hours at the center nearest you. If you're paying in cash, bring exact change or be prepared to receive change, as some centers may have limited cash on hand.
In-person payment is useful if you don't have online access, prefer not to use a card, or need an immediate receipt. It's also the fastest way to ensure your payment is recorded if your bill is due very soon.
What to do if you can't pay your full bill on time
If you're unable to pay your full bill by the due date, contact MLGW as soon as possible — before the bill becomes late. Call 901-544-6549 and explain your situation. MLGW may offer a payment arrangement, which is an agreement to pay your bill in installments over a set number of weeks. This stops a late fee from being charged and prevents disconnection as long as you stick to the agreed schedule.
Payment arrangements typically allow you to split your bill into two to four payments spread over 30 to 60 days. You'll need to make the first payment when you set up the arrangement, and the remaining payments on dates you agree to. If you miss a payment in the arrangement, MLGW can resume disconnection proceedings, so treat these dates as seriously as you would a regular due date.
MLGW also has programs for customers with low income or hardship. Ask about the Lifeline program or other assistance when you call. These programs may reduce your bill or provide one-time help with past-due balances, though they have income limits and other requirements.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If you paid your bill but it hasn't posted to your account, the timing depends on the payment method. Online and phone payments post the same day; in-person payments post immediately; mail payments take 10 to 15 business days. Check your MLGW account online to see if the payment has been recorded. If you paid more than 15 business days ago and the payment still doesn't show, call MLGW with your payment confirmation number or check number.
If you were charged a late fee but you believe you paid on time, contact MLGW to dispute it. Have your payment confirmation or cancelled check ready. MLGW will review when the payment was received and may reverse the fee if it was posted before the due date. This process usually takes a few business days.
If you received a disconnect notice but you've already paid, call MLGW immediately with your payment confirmation. Provide the confirmation number, date, and amount. MLGW will verify the payment and should cancel the disconnect order. If the payment was very recent, it may not have posted yet, so ask when the system will be updated and confirm the disconnect will be cancelled once it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MLGW bill with a credit card without a fee?
No. MLGW charges a convenience fee for credit card payments made online or by phone. The fee is a percentage of your bill amount and is added to your payment. Debit card payments and bank draft payments have no fee, so use those methods if you want to avoid the extra charge.
What happens if I pay my bill after the due date?
MLGW charges a late fee, which is typically a percentage of your bill or a flat amount. If your payment is 30 days late, MLGW can disconnect your service. You'll receive a disconnect notice before the service is cut off, giving you a chance to pay or set up a payment arrangement.
How do I know if my online payment went through?
After you submit an online payment, MLGW displays a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Log into your account a few hours later to verify the payment has posted. You can also call 901-544-6549 to confirm. Online payments typically post the same day if submitted before the afternoon cutoff.
Can I set up automatic payments for just part of my bill?
No. Automatic bank draft withdraws the full bill amount each month. If you want to pay a partial amount automatically, you would need to set up the draft for that amount, but MLGW would still expect the remaining balance to be paid separately by the due date.
What should I do if I think there's an error on my bill?
Contact MLGW before paying to discuss the error. Call 901-544-6549 or log into your online account to submit a dispute. MLGW will investigate and may adjust your bill if an error is found. You should still pay the amount you believe is correct by the due date to avoid late fees while the dispute is being reviewed.