- 5 Year Price Lock
- Free WiFi Equipment
- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Speeds up to 2 Gbps
- Plans starting at $45/month
Electric Providers in Memphis
Electricity in Memphis is provided by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), the largest three-service municipal utility in the world, and you should apply for service online or in person at a community office at least one week before move-in. Be prepared for a standard security deposit (usually around $200) which can often be waived if you provide a “Letter of Credit” from your previous utility provider showing a clean payment history.
Top 2 Natural Gas Providers in Memphis
Natural gas is also managed by MLGW, meaning you won’t have to manage a separate account or billing portal for your heating and cooking needs. If the gas has been turned off at your new home, an adult must be present during your scheduled start date so a technician can safely relight your pilot lights and inspect your appliances.
Top 9 Internet Providers in Memphis
Internet options are competitive between AT&T Fiber and Xfinity, with C Spire also expanding fiber-to-the-home service in many Memphis neighborhoods. To avoid being stuck with slow speeds during your first week of unpacking, we recommend checking your specific address for fiber availability at least two weeks before your move-in date.
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 85.68%
- $34.00/mo
- Our Recommended Provider
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 99.19%
- $45.00/mo
- 415 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 98.19%
- $20.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.63%
- $65.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.39%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Provider
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 0.02%
- $30.00/mo
Water & Sewage Providers in Memphis
Water service is bundled into your MLGW account and is a point of local pride, as it is drawn from the Memphis Sand Aquifer and is widely considered some of the best-tasting artesian water in the country. Because your electric, gas, and water are all on one statement, you only have to track a single “Net Due” date each month to keep your home running.
Top 10 Trash and Recycling Providers in Memphis
Trash and recycling services are managed by the City of Memphis Solid Waste Division and the fees are conveniently included as a line item on your monthly MLGW bill. You should download the “Memphis Curbside” app immediately to find your specific “Alpha” or “Bravo” week for recycling and to track the city’s schedule for large “outside-the-cart” junk collection.
Utilities Summary for Memphis, TN
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 2 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 1 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 10 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
Welcome to Memphis! Your Guide to Utilities and Internet Providers
Memphis is a lively, historic city on the Mississippi River, known for its blues heritage, legendary BBQ, and the iconic Beale Street. With nearly 900,000 people in the metro area, it’s the economic and cultural hub of the Mid‑South . If you’re relocating here, you’re joining a diverse community with rich arts, music, and culinary scenes, and a strong spirit of Southern hospitality.
Electric, Gas & Water
Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) is the nation’s largest three-service municipal utility, serving around 440,000 homes in the city and Shelby County. It provides electricity (from TVA), natural gas, and water, which comes from the Memphis aquifer, an underground resource over 2,000 years old.
Rebates & Efficiency Perks
MLGW partners with TVA to offer energy-efficiency incentives, like rebates on LED lighting, smart thermostats, and high-efficiency heat pumps. Customers can explore energy audits and save by upgrading insulation and HVAC systems.
Fun Facts
- The Memphis aquifer system is one of the largest artesian well setups globally, with over 175 wells across the city.
- MLGW has served the community since 1939 and is a key part of Memphis’s civic history.
Trash & Recycling
Memphis’s trash, recycling, and yard waste services are handled by MLGW too, though it’s technically under the City’s Sanitation Bureau. Services include weekly trash pickup, bi-weekly recycling, and special bulk pickup days. MLGW’s website offers a handy calendar and reminders to ensure you stay on schedule.
Best Internet Providers in Memphis
Memphis offers strong broadband options, including cable, fiber, and even 5G home internet.
- AT&T Fiber: Speeds up to 5 Gbps, no data caps, and often includes auto-pay discounts, reward cards, and bundle savings. Available to just over 85% of the Memphis area.
- Xfinity: Nationwide cable service providing speeds up to 2 Gbps, usually budget-friendly and available to over 99% of the city.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: Wireless, easy self-installation, unlimited data, no contract, usually around $40/month .
Choosing What’s Best
- Looking for top-tier speeds and reliability? Go with AT&T Fiber or Xfinity Gig.
- Want flexibility and simplicity? T‑Mobile 5G is a strong contender.
- Concerned about contracts and data caps? T‑Mobile also offers worry-free service.
Conservation & Sustainability
Renewable Integration
- The TVA Allen Solar Plant near Memphis produces clean solar energy. As an MLGW customer, you benefit indirectly from TVA’s investment in renewables.
- MLGW and TVA encourage solar panel installations, with rebates available for residential solar and battery storage systems, helping you go green while saving on bills.
Water Conservation
Memphis’s water comes from a sustainable aquifer. To help conserve it, MLGW promotes efficient appliances (like low-flow fixtures and ENERGY STAR washers) and offers usage dashboards so you can monitor and manage consumption.
Financial Assistance for Utilities in Memphis
LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Shelby County residents earning up to 60–130% of federal poverty level can apply for aid with heating or cooling expenses. Applications are handled by the Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA).
MLGW/TVA Utility Assistance Fund
Memphis offers ongoing help for customers at risk of utility shutoff. Households earning ≤130% of poverty level or connected to DHS benefits may receive up to $700 credit on MLGW bills.
Neighborhood Christian Centers (NCC)
Through an MLGW/TVA partnership, NCC offers similar bill relief to those not already receiving DHS assistance.
Other Support
OUTLast and Friends for All provide utility help for households, including up to 21 weeks of assistance or $500 grants.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Memphis Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Memphis
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 415 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies Not all speeds available in all areas |
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| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps Not all speeds available in all areas |
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Memphis Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Memphis's Primary Drinking Water Source: Ground Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
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Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true I don't need a water filter here?
Memphians are famously proud of their water, and for good reason. Our water is drawn from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, a natural underground reservoir that acts as a giant filter. It’s some of the purest artesian water in the world. Most locals drink straight from the tap, so save your money on those expensive filtration systems!
Why is my MLGW bill so high the first month?
MLGW is the largest three-service (Light, Gas, and Water) municipal utility in the country. New accounts often require a $200 security deposit.
Pro tip: If you have 12 months of “on-time” history with your previous utility, call them and ask for a Letter of Credit. If you email that to MLGW before you move, they can often waive that deposit entirely.
What is "Estimated Billing" and should I be worried?
Occasionally, if MLGW can’t access your meter (due to a locked gate or a dog), they will “estimate” your usage based on previous years. This can lead to a surprise bill later. Make sure your meters are accessible, or better yet, download the MLGW app and submit your own meter readings to ensure your bill is 100% accurate.
Why do the lights flicker when it's windy?
Memphis is a “City of Trees,” and many of our most beautiful neighborhoods (like Midtown and East Memphis) have massive, old-growth oaks. During summer thunderstorms or winter ice storms, branches often take down lines. Keep the MLGW Outage Map bookmarked on your phone; it’s the most accurate way to see when your power will be back.
Does MLGW offer "Time of Use" rates?
No, Memphis is a regulated market through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). You pay a flat rate regardless of the time of day. However, you can sign up for “SmartPay,” which averages your bills over the year so you don’t get hit with a massive cooling bill in August.
What are "Alpha" and "Bravo" weeks?
In Memphis, recycling is picked up every other week. The city is split into “Alpha” and “Bravo” schedules. Check the Memphis Curbside app or the city website to see which week your neighborhood falls into. If you put your blue bin out on the wrong week, it’ll just sit there until the next cycle.
How do I get rid of "Bulk Waste" (old couches, etc.)?
Memphis offers curbside bulk pickup once every two weeks (on your off-recycling week). The rule of thumb is the “3-Foot Rule”: your pile shouldn’t be larger than 3 feet high, 3 feet wide, and 10 feet long. Anything larger requires a “special pickup” fee that will be added to your MLGW bill.
What if my trash bin is missing?
If you move into a new house and there are no bins, don’t just buy your own! Call 311 or use the Memphis 311 app. The city provides the bins, and they are assigned to the address, not the person.
Who has the best fiber in Memphis?
While Xfinity and AT&T are the big players, keep an eye out for C Spire. They’ve been aggressively laying fiber in neighborhoods like Sea Isle and East Memphis. If they are on your street, they are often the “local” favorite for customer service.
How do I pay my bill in person?
If you prefer to pay in cash or just want to talk to someone, MLGW has several Community Offices (like the one on Main St. or on Summer Ave.).
Warning: Mondays and the days after holidays are notoriously busy. Use the “MLGW Drive-Thru” at the community offices to save yourself an hour of standing in line.