MLGW Offers Relaxed Deferred Payment Plan Through September 30 With cooler temperatures arriving, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is relaxing requirements on Deferred Payment Plans to offer customers additional help with their utility bills. The relaxed requirements will be in effect until Sept. 30.

The Deferred Payment Plan (DEFB) is designed to allow customers who are experiencing a temporary financial hardship and/or have a past due or large utility bill ($500 or more) to pay the bill in installments. The relaxed requirements include:

• The dollar limit of money owed to qualify for a DEFB was reduced from $500 to $275.
• The minimum initial payment required to get a DEFB was changed to 25% of the outstanding balance owed or $275, whichever is less.

Customers are eligible for Deferred Payment plans based on their past due or large balance; their ability to pay and payment history among other qualifications. <

The relaxed requirements are the latest initiative by MLGW to help customers manage bills from one of the hottest summers on record.

From July 15 through Sept. 2, 1,562 customers signed up for MLGW’s Special Reconnection Program, which has ended. During that same period, 3,162 Deferred Payment Plans, totaling $2.68 million, were created. MLGW created approximately 40 Deferred Payment Plans a day compared to 20 a day on a normal basis. Since Sept. 2, approximately 100 Deferred Payment Plans a day are being created.

To inquire about a Deferred Payment Plan, customers can visit one of MLGW's five Community Office locations and speak with a counselor. Customers may also call MLGW's Customer Care Center, Monday-Friday (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) at 544-MLGW (6549), select language of choice, and press 2-3-4 to speak with a Service Advisor.