MLGW employees persevere through the Artic Bomb Cyclone

 An Arctic blast of cold sent the city of Memphis and Shelby County into a deep freeze the Friday before Christmas. Thousands of customers lost power in the accompanying storm. But it was the extreme cold temperatures and the spike in demand, that lead to even bigger outage issues. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) began curtailment efforts on December 23 to combat a critical drain on the power supply in its service territory.

For the first time in MLGW history, on Dec. 24, customers experienced rolling blackouts. TVA issued a Step 50 Curtailment requiring all local power companies to drop between 5 and 10% of their total electric load. Mandatory, rolling blackouts interrupted service to MLGW customers for 30 minutes or more at a time. The curtailment ended on December 24.

As electric crews restored power extreme temperatures took their toll on water lines.
Pipes froze when the temperatures fell, and water pressure dropped. By 11 p.m. on December 23, a precautionary boil water advisory was in effect for neighborhoods in the north and southeast parts of MLGW’s service area. By Christmas Eve, all MLGW water customers were under the boil advisory.
Pipes burst and leaked, flooding homes and businesses. Fire suppression systems, or sprinkler systems, at multiple commercial facilities also erupted. Powering through the cold and the mud, MLGW crews re- paired 45 sprinkler system leaks on private property, over 2,400 leaks in private facilities, as well as 50 water main breaks.

MLGW leadership reached out to commercial partners and residential customers alike asking them to report water leaks at buildings and in the street. By Thursday, December 29, the precautionary boil water advisory was lifted. Thank you to all the employees who worked in the cold, despite having holiday plans of their own.

Remembering Gregory “Greg” Woody

 We at MLGW are deeply saddened by the death of Gas and Water Systems Opera- tor Gregory “Greg” Woody who passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 21. 

Greg worked at MLGW for just over 22 years. He began his career at MLGW on December 11, 2000. At the time of his passing, Greg worked in the Systems Control Gas and Water Department under the supervision of Brenda Townsend. 

Townsend expressed that Greg “exemplified a kind and joyful spirit daily that we will always remember. His Systems Operation’s family is mourning the loss of a great co-worker and friend.” 

Survivors include his mother, brother and two daughters. Greg Woody’s memorial date is today, January 6 from 5-7 p.m. at the Memphis Funeral Home at 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Labrador Retriever Rescue of East Ten nessee.

Dana Jeanes named CFO of the year by Memphis Business Journal

A very well deserved honor was bestowed upon our own Dana Jeanes. The MemphisBusiness Journal named him CFO of the Year in October.

Dana is a triple threat. He is a licensed CPA, an electrical engineer with a B.S. from Christian Brothers University and has an MBA from the University of Memphis. Dana started his career at MLGW in 1987 as an energy engineer. He then moved on to become budget manager, controller and now Sr. VP, CFO and CAO where his responsibilities include financial operations, the pension, IT, and shared services (security, purchasing, inventory, and equipment).

Dana says overall success is measured by balancing customer reliability of service against the price charged. His goal is for MLGW to provide affordable rates in conjunction with high reliability and service.

Corporate Communications & PR wins three MarCom Awards

MarCom Awards, administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals.

The video “MLGW Moment: Honoring Fallen Lineman Michael Nowlin” has been recognized with three gold MarCom Awards in the Digital Media/Social Media/YouTube, Digital Media Web Video Event and Video/Audio Video/Film Special Event categories. Brendan Ward, Corporate Communications & PR, produced the short in honor of our beloved employee. It can be viewed on MLGW’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/MLGWwaystosave.

 

A special day for athletes and some MLGW employees

The St. Ann Special Athletes Fun Day began over three decades ago as a ministry of St. Ann Church in Bartlett. Athletes from every school, church and care organization throughout the Memphis area are invited to participate in this much-loved annual event. It provides fun and fellowship for special children and adults ages 6 and up. These special people can compete in a number of track and field events, including the 25-meter dash, softball throw, soccer kick, Frisbee throw, and bean toss, as well as events designed just for wheelchair participants. Tim Daniel, Contractor Services, assisted with the event this year.

Crisis Crusher to join the Power League

The 2022 MLGW Student Poster Contest theme is Disaster Preparedness. Students’ submitted artwork will help to increase awareness about the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected and of being safe by following the advice of disaster preparedness Power League Hero, “Crisis Crusher.”

 The art entries will be judged on their ability to communicate the theme clearly and creatively, “Crisis Crusher – The art of being prepared!” All children in grades K-12, attending any Shelby County school and even home schooling, are eligible. All entries must be submitted no later than 4 p.m., Friday, December 16. For general rules, specific art form rules, submission process, judging and awards, please visit mlgw.com/artcontest.