Utility Assistance Phone Lines Open

Just a reminder that utility assistance is available now. This was reported in today's Commercial Appeal...

Utility help line taking requests

Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton's utility assistance call center is open and taking requests for utility assistance to residents who have recently received Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division cutoff notices.

As of Wednesday afternoon the center had received 2,182 calls, prequalified 1,676 families and given out 375 vouchers totaling about $190,000. County officials believe they will be able to help 2,200 families and households with $1.2 million in federal funds.

The call center, which opened Tuesday, will be open today from 9 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To qualify for assistance, residents must have received a recent MLGW cutoff notice, meet federal income requirements, have an adult living in the home who is 60 years or older, or have an adult or child living in the home who is disabled, or within the past 90 days have experienced a major, uncontrollable circumstance preventing payment of utility bill.

Federal funding is limited and residents who have received utility assistance anytime since July 2008 will not be eligible.

To apply for assistance, residents must call 535-2200 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted.