Where to pay and what payment methods Memphis Light accepts

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division (MLGW) accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at mlgw.org using a bank account or debit card, by phone at 901-544-6549, by mail to the address on your bill, or in person at MLGW payment centers throughout Memphis and Shelby County.

The online portal is the fastest option if you want confirmation immediately. Phone payments take a few minutes and a representative can answer questions about your account at the same time. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to reach MLGW and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.

In-person payments at MLGW offices are processed the same day. MLGW also partners with third-party payment processors, so you may see options through bill payment services at your bank or through utility payment apps — verify the payee name is Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division to avoid sending money to the wrong place.

Key Takeaways

  • MLGW's online payment portal at mlgw.org is available 24/7 and shows confirmation instantly, making it the most convenient option for most people.
  • Phone payments at 901-544-6549 take about 5 minutes and let you ask questions about your bill or account in real time.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • In-person payments at MLGW offices are processed the same day, and you can bring cash, check, or card.
  • Late fees and service disconnection begin after your bill is 30 days overdue, so contact MLGW immediately if you cannot pay on time.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees

MLGW allows you to set up automatic payments from your bank account through their online portal. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and protects you from late fees, which MLGW charges if your bill is not paid by the date listed on your statement.

To enroll, log into your MLGW account online, go to the payment settings, and select the automatic payment option. You will choose whether to pay the full bill amount or a fixed amount each month, and which day of the month the payment should be drawn. Most people choose the full bill amount on the due date or a few days before.

You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal, but keep in mind that canceling does not stop your bill from coming due — you will need to pay manually after that. If your bill amount changes significantly month to month (which is common with heating or cooling seasons), you may want to review your automatic payment amount quarterly.

What happens if you miss a payment or cannot pay on time

MLGW charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The fee amount depends on your bill size but is typically a percentage of the amount owed. After 30 days past due, MLGW may disconnect your service without further notice, though they usually send warning letters before that point.

If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact MLGW at 901-544-6549 as soon as possible. They may be able to set up a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, which stops the late fee from growing and prevents disconnection. Payment plans are not automatic — you have to request one and agree to the terms.

If your service has already been disconnected, you will need to pay the full past-due balance plus a reconnection fee to restore gas or water. This fee is separate from your regular bill and can be substantial, so preventing disconnection by contacting MLGW early is much cheaper than waiting.

Understanding your bill and due date

Your MLGW bill shows the amount due and the due date clearly at the top. The due date is typically 20 to 25 days after the bill is mailed. Your bill also lists the service address, account number, and a breakdown of charges for gas, water, and sewer service if you receive all three.

The bill date and the due date are different — the bill date is when MLGW reads your meter and creates the invoice, while the due date is when payment must be received. Payments postmarked on the due date may still arrive late if mail is delayed, which is why paying online or by phone is safer if you are close to the deadline.

If you do not receive your bill in the mail, you can view it online through your MLGW account or call 901-544-6549 to confirm the amount and due date. MLGW also offers paperless billing, which sends your bill to your email instead of the mail — this can help you catch bills before the due date passes.

Online account management and payment history

Creating an account on mlgw.org lets you view your current bill, past payment history, and usage trends. You can also update your contact information, enroll in automatic payments, and set up payment reminders through the portal. This is useful if you move, change your phone number, or want to receive bill notifications by email.

Your payment history shows every payment you have made and when it posted to your account. If you believe a payment was not recorded, you can use this history to confirm the date and amount, then contact MLGW with that information if there is a discrepancy. Keeping records of your own payments (receipts or bank statements) is also a good practice.

The usage section of your account shows how much gas and water you used each month over the past year or more. This can help you spot unusual spikes that might indicate a leak or meter problem, and it gives you a baseline for budgeting.

Payment options if you do not have a bank account

If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use one for online payments, you can pay by phone with a debit card at 901-544-6549, or pay in person at an MLGW office with cash, check, or card. In-person payments are processed immediately, and you receive a receipt on the spot.

Some MLGW payment centers also accept payments through third-party services like MoneyGram or similar bill payment networks, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to confirm which payment methods are accepted at the office nearest you.

Mail payments by check are also an option if you have a checking account but no debit card. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Again, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery and posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?

Online payments made through mlgw.org typically post within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately after you submit the payment, which you can use to track it if needed. If you pay close to your due date, the confirmation number is your proof of timely payment even if it has not posted yet.

Can I pay someone else's MLGW bill if I have their account number?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder. However, the payment will be applied to that account, so make sure you have the correct account number before submitting.

What is the reconnection fee if my service gets disconnected?

MLGW charges a reconnection fee in addition to your past-due balance, but the exact amount varies. Call 901-544-6549 to find out the current fee and the total amount needed to restore service. Reconnection usually happens within one business day of payment.

Can I set up a payment plan if I owe a large past-due balance?

Yes, MLGW offers payment plans for past-due balances. Contact them at 901-544-6549 to discuss your situation and negotiate a plan. The terms depend on how much you owe and your payment history, but most plans spread the balance over several months.

Is there a discount if I pay my bill early?

MLGW does not offer early payment discounts. However, paying early prevents late fees and gives you peace of mind. Automatic payments set a few days before the due date accomplish the same thing without requiring you to remember each month.