Happy Social Media Day!

June 30 is Social Media Day! Events are planned throughout the country; Memphis has a couple of events planned.

We love social media! In honor of the day, why not donate to help families in need? Plus-1 provides one-time utility assistance to those experiencing hardships.

MLGW ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

MLGW began its foray into social media in 2008 with the launch of this blog. Since then, the utility has developed significant customer outreach with its presence on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mlgw) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/mlgw1). Its Twitter account recently reached 5,000 followers and its Facebook page currently has about 1,900 "likes." MLGW also offers a variety of informational videos through its YouTube page at www.youtube.com/mlgwwaystosave.

In addition to social media, MLGW is reaching customers via mobile technology. Through its MLGW Mobile Alerts program, customers can receive text message alerts for bill due dates or impending cut-offs. Customers can register at www.mlgw.com/mobilealerts. In April, MLGW launched an iPhone app that provides individual outage and account information, as well as other utility-related information. The app was downloaded more than 3,000 times in its first month. The iPhone app is available for free download in the Apple iTunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices.

Here's How: Summer Energy-Saving Tips

Utility Peers Rank MLGW as Social Media Leader

Utility professionals across the nation ranked Memphis Light, Gas and Water as one of the top social media leaders in the industry, according to a survey conducted by E Source, an independent research, advisory, and information service for utility related businesses.

According to the utilities that participated in the 2011 E Source Utility Social Media Survey, MLGW ranked second among public utilities, trailing only Salt River Project in Phoenix.

"MLGW consistently serves as a national leader in social media due to their focus on being a proactive and customer-centric organization” said Matthew Burks, Senior Manager of E Source Mass-Market Services. “Whether stepping into social media or moving into mobile, MLGW is going where their customers are and it is no surprise that their peers recognized their efforts."

The survey included questions about social media business drivers, tools, staffing, and governance. Other top-ranked utilities included Avista Utilities (Spokane, WA), Duke Energy (Charlotte, NC), Pepco (Washington, DC), and Nashville Electric Service (Nashville, TN).

A full list of the top ranked utilities can be found at: http://bit.ly/mig55G

MLGW began its foray into social media in 2008 with the launch of its blog, Bird on a Wire (www.mlgw.blogspot.com). Since then, the utility has developed significant customer outreach with its presence on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mlgw) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/mlgw1). Its Twitter account recently reached 5,000 followers and its Facebook page currently has about 1,900 “likes.” MLGW also offers a variety of informational videos through its YouTube page at www.youtube.com/mlgwwaystosave.

In addition to social media, MLGW is reaching customers via mobile technology. Through its MLGW Mobile Alerts program, customers can receive text message alerts for bill due dates or impending cut-offs. Customers can register at www.mlgw.com/mobilealerts. In April, MLGW launched an iPhone app that provides individual outage and account information, as well as other utility-related information. The app was downloaded more than 3,000 times in its first month. The iPhone app is available for free download in the Apple iTunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices.

MLGW, Neighborhood Christian Center Again Teaming to Donate Air-Conditioners

With temperatures hovering in the triple digit range, Memphis Light, Gas and Water and the Neighborhood Christian Center are continuing to offer window unit air conditioners to qualifying seniors and disabled residents through MLGW's "Play It Cool" program.

Applications and screenings for the window units will be accepted at Neighborhood Christian Center at 785 Jackson Avenue, Thursday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To qualify, applicants must be a resident of Shelby County, a low-income senior 60 years of age or older, and without operable air conditioning. Once an individual is screened and pre-qualifies, a pre-qualification voucher will be issued to verify that the applicant has met the guidelines up to the field inspection. Field inspections are conducted by MLGW to verify presence of operable air conditioning.

Since "Play It Cool" began, more than 100 applicants have been screened and approved for units.

To apply applicants will need the following credentials on hand:

*Tennessee State ID or Drivers License to verify age and address.

*The most recent pay stub or Social Security income statement to verify income.

*If you have a physical disability but do not meet the age requirement you must bring the proper certification.

Air conditioners will not be installed at addresses with operating units, or on units with bars or storm windows. Installation of the window units will be performed by MLGW employees.

Applicants for the "Play It Cool" program may also contact the Neighborhood Christian Center's hotline number at (901) 881-6013 for a pre-recorded message detailing the necessary qualifications and credentials for eligibility.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 423,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.

Summer is Here! Energy-Saving Tips...

Living comfortably during a Memphis summer can be challenging, but it does not have to be costly. What are some of the easiest ways to stay cool and save?

Have a professional, reputable contractor clean and inspect your air conditioner. This should be done every year, whether you have window or central units.

Check your air conditioner's filter every time you receive your utility bill. Look for a dust build-up that can restrict the airflow and place stress on the system. This added stress places wear and tear on the unit, and increases operation costs. Filters can be washable or disposable. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive, fiberglass filters that are disposable. Measure the existing filter or filter opening. You want to buy the proper fitting filter. If fitting is not correct, it will not filter the debris. It is best to keep several filters on hand.

Always replace the filter cover. By creating a tight seal around the filter opening, you can block any unconditioned air that is being pulled into the unit. The stress of having to cool this warm air causes the efficiency to drop and a loss of effectiveness of the cooling process.

Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher for the most energy efficient operation. Each degree below this setting adds 6% to your cooling costs.

Use fans to move the air inside your home. This gives the sensation that it is 5 degrees cooler than the actual temperature.

Shade windows on the sunny side of your home. Keep drapes closed or add room-darkening shades to block out the heat from the sun.

The outside portion of a central air conditioner is the condensing unit. Keep it clear from dried mud, debris and grass clippings, because it needs to breathe. Ask the contractor for instructions on how to do it yourself. Check it periodically, especially after an intense rain. Mud can splatter onto the unit and block the air after it dries.

Use a programmable thermostat to routinely raise the inside temperature while you are at work or routinely away from home for 4 hours or longer. Pre-set the thermostat to adjust back to your normal comfort range 1/2 hour before getting home. This automatic adjustment reduces the cumulative operation of the air conditioner while you are away, and eliminates any discomfort when you arrive home.

Use your programmable thermostat to automatically increase the temperature setting at bedtime. Sleep under lightweight bedding and use fans during sleep. You will sleep comfortably with less cooling.

Do not place lamps near your thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat produced from the lamp and causes the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 % less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

Do not set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.

MLGW Initiates the Holiday Bill Break Program

The MLGW Board has approved a new program called the Holiday Bill Break to take the place of the annual cut-off moratorium. The new program will ensure that no residential customers are cut-off from December 15 until January 14 for unpaid balances of $399 or less. This new program will allow customers to have extra cash during the holidays while protecting them from getting into serious debt.

MLGW’s Winter Moratorium for seniors takes place during December, January and February each year and the hot/cold weather moratorium will remain in effect as is.

This is a first

Bird drops deer on electric lines, causes out power outage

When power company crews arrived at the origin of a power outage in East Missoula they were shocked to find the cause was a deer that had been dropped on power lines twenty feet above ground.

Investigators for Northwestern Power in Montana deduced the deer was probably dropped on the lines by a member of a nearby family of bald eagles, according to the official report released on Friday. It appears one of the eagles had captured the fawn and, as bald eagles do, carried the eagle to a high enough altitude that a drop would kill the prey. The entire eagle family could then enjoy the carcass.

This is the first reported power outage due to a flying deer however wildlife have been known to cause power outages.

Read the full story here...

Tree Trimming

Fox News is running a story on tree trimming. Here are a few clarification points:

Safety
Customers should never attempt to trim limbs that are near or touching power lines.

Trimming
If the customer has tree limbs in close proximity of the pole line, MLGW may trim if distribution lines are in danger.

If a customer is concerned about a tree on their property that does not qualify for removal per MLGW policy, they should contact a licensed contractor to inspect it.

Removal
If the customer has a tree whose trunk is within 10-15 feet (depending on line voltage) of the pole line, and endangering the distribution line, MLGW will remove the tree. However, the tree must interfere with a line running from pole to pole, not the service wire leading from the pole to the customer's home. While MLGW will sometimes remove limbs that interfere with service lines, whole trees will not be removed due to interference with service lines.

MLGW's Line Clearance area will determine whether our facilities are endangered and whether trimming or removal is necessary.

Our Tree Trimming Policy/Guidelines can be read here.

Best Father's Day Gift, Ever!

Does your dad (or husband) like to stand in front of the refrigerator with the doors open? Take long showers? Keep the TV on 24/7? Well let him indulge his inner energy hog on Father's Day with the gift of utilities.


MLGW's Gift of Comfort program provides a means for individuals to make a payment towards someone else's utility bill as a gift.

Gift of Comfort brochures are available at all MLGW community offices and can be downloaded here. To give this gift, you only need to know the recipient's address. Gifts can be purchased in any amount and will appear as a credit on the recipient's bill. Donations can be made anonymously or a portion of the certificate can be detached and presented to the recipient.

photo by esther17 on Flickr

Final Stages of Restoration Begin

MLGW crews this morning are beginning the final stages of restoration following this week’s storms and high winds. Since Monday afternoon’s storm, MLGW has restored power to about 48,100 of the 50,000 customers affected. MLGW crews have been working 24 hours a day, in 16-hour shifts in order to restore power Provided no additional inclement weather hits the area, full restoration is still expected this evening.

To summarize:

• About 125 crews are currently in the field restoring power, including 19 out of town crews.

• Any customer still without power should call 544-6500 today to ensure their outage is logged in the system.

• To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 528-4465.

• MLGW’s Customer Care Center will be open until 7 p.m. tonight to take customer calls (544-MLGW).

• Some customers may have damage to their weatherheads. If it is damaged, a customer must have it repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected by Shelby County Code Enforcement before MLGW can restore your power. An example of a weatherhead can be found here.

• Areas with the heaviest damage have the longest restoration times. With this storm, restoration involves multiple MLGW crews performing repairs.

• For example, an MLGW troubleshooter may be sent out to analyze a problem. If the problem is simple, the troubleshooter may be able to repair it. However, for a restoration process like this one, with heavy damages, a troubleshooter needs to call in tree trimmers and overhead crews to clear an area. Once the tree trimmers complete their task, an overhead line crew might be necessary to repair or replace poles or lines.

• Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Generators emit toxic carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust.

• A generator should only be operated in a well-ventilated and dry area, away from air intakes to the home.

Restoration Update 4pm

Yesterday's storm knocked out power to more than 50,000 MLGW customers. As of 4 p.m., we have restored about 43,000 of these customers, with final restoration expected by Wednesday evening for all customers provided no additional inclement weather hits the area. MLGW crews will continue work around the clock to restore power, and the CCC will be open overnight to assist customers. Updates will also be available via Twitter and Facebook until 10pm.

Restoration Update 8:30am

As of 8:30 a.m., MLGW crews have restored power to about 36,000 of about 50,000 customers affected by yesterday’s storm that brought damaging winds in excess of 70 MPH. The high winds caused a great deal of tree, line and pole damage across the county.

MLGW crews will continue to work 24 hours a day, in 16-hour shifts in order to restore power. In addition, MLGW's Customer Care Center will be open overnight tonight to assist customers.

Provided that no additional inclement weather hits the area, MLGW is still estimating that it could be Wednesday night before all customers are restored, though most customers should have power before then.

About 140 MLGW crews will be in the field today performing troubleshooting, tree trimming and pole and line repairs. MLGW will be assisted by 19 out of town crews from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Indiana.

With the heat index expected to be 102 degrees today, MLGW urges customers without power to follow heat safety tips provided by the Shelby County Health Department and the American Red Cross.

Customers can report outages to MLGW by calling its outage hotline at 544-6500 to make sure their outage is logged in the system. To report an outage, customers will need to have their account number or the phone number that's associated with their account.

To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only used for these types of emergencies.

Restoration Process

MLGW first addresses safety issues such as downed power lines, then moves to repair transmission lines and towers that provide power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to MLGW substations. The early portion of the restoration process focuses on substations, circuits that represent larger groups of customers, and critical facilities such as water pumping stations, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Essentially, MLGW crews start with the transmission lines and substations, and work their way down the system to the individual customers.

Areas with the heaviest damage have the longest restoration times. With this storm, restoration involves multiple MLGW crews performing repairs. For example, an MLGW troubleshooter may be sent out to analyze a problem. If the problem is simple, the troubleshooter may be able to repair it. However, for a restoration process like this one, with heavy damages, a troubleshooter needs to call in tree trimmers and overhead crews to clear an area. Once the tree trimmers complete their task, an overhead line crew might be necessary to repair or replace poles or lines.

Weatherheads

Some customers may have damage to their weatherheads. The weatherhead is usually located above the roofline or attached to the gable or side of the house where the customer's wiring connects to MLGW's electric lines. The weatherhead is the homeowner's property and therefore is not maintained by MLGW. An example of a weatherhead can be found here.

New MLGW iPhone App Allows Customers to Check Outage Status

MLGW's new iPhone app is available for free download in the Apple iTunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices. One of the app's most useful features is the ability for customers to be able to check the status of an outage at their address. Customers will need the phone number associated with their MLGW account and the last four numbers of their social security number or 16-digit account number.

Generator Safety Tips

• Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Generators emit toxic carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust.

• A generator should only be operated in a well-ventilated and dry area, away from air intakes to the home.

• Do not attempt to restore power to your entire house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. The electricity produced by a generator can ruin your home’s wiring and start a fire, and can also feed back into the utility system and energize a line thought to be without power possibly killing utility workers trying to restore power. It can also cause damage to the generator when electric service is restored.

• Handle fuel carefully. Turn the generator off prior to refueling. Gasoline, kerosene and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled safety containers.

• Turn off or disconnect all appliances prior to operating a portable generator. Once the generator is running, appliances powered by the generator can be turned on one at a time.

Important MLGW contact information for customers:
• Outage Reporting: 544-6500
• Emergency: 528-4465
• Customer Care Center: 544-MLGW (6549)
• www.twitter.com/mlgw
• www.facebook.com/mlgw1

Storm Update

As of 7:30 p.m., MLGW crews have restored power to more than 24,000 of about 50,000 customers affected by today’s afternoon storm. MLGW crews will continue to work 24 hours a day, in 16-hour shifts in order to restore power. In addition, MLGW's Customer Care Center will be open overnight tonight to assist customers.

MLGW is estimating that it could be Wednesday night before all customers are restored, though most customers should have power before then.

Troubleshooters, overhead crews and tree trimmers are currently in the field restoring power to customers. At least 13 out of town crews will join MLGW’s workforce starting tomorrow, and more have been requested. The out of town crews are coming from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Indiana.

Customers can report outages to MLGW by calling its outage hotline at 544-6500 to make sure their outage is logged in the system. To report an outage, customers will need to have their account number or the phone number that's associated with their account.

To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only used for these types of emergencies.

Restoration Process

MLGW first addresses safety issues such as downed power lines, then moves to repair transmission lines and towers that provide power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to MLGW substations. The early portion of the restoration process focuses on substations, circuits that represent larger groups of customers, and critical facilities such as water pumping stations, hospitals, and other essential facilities. Essentially, MLGW crews start with the transmission lines and substations, and work their way down the system to the individual customers.

The areas with the heaviest damage have the longest restoration times. In many cases with this storm, restoration involves multiple MLGW crews performing repairs. For example, an MLGW troubleshooter may be sent out to analyze a problem. If the problem is simple, the troubleshooter may be able to repair it on the spot. However, for a restoration process like this one, with heavy damages, a troubleshooter needs to call in tree trimmers and overhead crews to clear an area. Once the tree trimmers complete their task, an overhead line crew might be necessary to repair or replace poles or lines.

Weatherheads

Some customers may have damage to their weatherheads. The weatherhead is usually located above the roofline or attached to the gable or side of the house where the customer's wiring connects to MLGW's electric lines. The weatherhead is the homeowner's property and therefore is not maintained by MLGW. An example of a weatherhead can be found here.

New MLGW iPhone App Allows Customers to Check Outage Status

MLGW's new iPhone app is available for free download in the Apple ITunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices. One of the app's most useful features is the ability for customers to be able to check the status of an outage at their address. Customers will need the phone number associated with their MLGW account and the last four numbers of their social security number or their 16-digit account number.

Generator Safety Tips

Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Generators emit toxic carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust.

A generator should only be operated in a well-ventilated and dry area, away from air intakes to the home.

Do not attempt to restore power to your entire house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. The electricity produced by a generator can ruin your home’s wiring and start a fire, and can also feed back into the utility system and energize a line thought to be without power possibly killing utility workers trying to restore power. It can also cause damage to the generator when electric service is restored.

Handle fuel carefully. Turn the generator off prior to refueling. Gasoline, kerosene and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled safety containers.

Turn off or disconnect all appliances prior to operating a portable generator. Once the generator is running, appliances powered by the generator can be turned on one at a time.

Important MLGW contact information for customers:
Outage Reporting: 544-6500
Emergency: 528-4465
Customer Care Center: 544-MLGW (6549)
www.twitter.com/mlgw
www.facebook.com/mlgw1

Beach Plastic

It's been awhile since I've posted something fun and "green." I just came across this video and am awestruck.

One Plastic Beach from Tess Thackara on Vimeo.

It also strangely has me thinking of ways to turn the litter that collects on the road behind our house into something beautiful.

But also, the key message here is to reduce the use of plastic. Not just Plastic bags and Plastic bottles, but plastic everything!

I enjoyed reading about one local woman, Amy Stewart-Banbury, who has been avoiding plastic for several years in the Green Section of the Commercial Appeal. Check it out: Creative Solutions.

Library helps you keep tabs on electricity consumption

You don't have to have a smart meter to track your electricity usage and save money. From Channel 5...

Library helps you keep tabs on electricity consumption

Memphis Light Gas and Water, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Memphis Public Library have teamed-up to offer two new programs to help Shelby County residents reduce energy consumption: Get EnergySmart @ Your Library and Kill-A-Watt Checkout.

Get EnergySmart @ Your Library is a two-hour workshop that imparts practical tips and offers hands-on instruction. Attendees leave Get EnergySmart sessions with a tote valued at $50 that includes gadgets and tools to complete simple do-it-yourself projects that will save money and energy.

For those wondering just how much it costs to run their home appliances, Kill-A-Watt Checkout will help identify electricity-gorging culprits. The Kill-A-Watt devices can be checked-out from area libraries with a valid library card. Determining consumption using Kill-A-Watt is easy. The electricity usage monitors plug into wall sockets. Plug an appliance into the monitor to assess energy usage. Each Kill-A-Watt is pre-programmed with MLGW rates. Knowing how much electricity it takes to operate an appliance can help residents manage electricity usage - potentially saving hundreds of dollars.

Both programs are free. However, registration is required for the Get EnergySmart workshops; call the presenting branch to reserve a space.

For general information about Get EnergySmart or the Kill-A-Watt Checkout program, call 415-2700.

Get EnergySmart Workshop Dates:

Tuesday, June 7, 10:30 a.m.
Raleigh Branch, 3157 Powers
386-5333

Tuesday, June 7, 3 p.m.
Randolph Branch, 3752 Given
452-1068

Tuesday, June 14, 10:30 a.m.
Gaston Park Branch, 1040 S. Third
942-0836

Tuesday, June 14, 3 p.m.
Cossitt Branch, 33 S. Front
526-1712

Tuesday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.
South Branch, 1929 S. Third
946-8518

Tuesday, July 12, 3 p.m.
Frayser Branch, 3712 Argonne
357-4115

Tuesday, July 19, 10:30 a.m.
Hollywood Branch, 1530 N. Hollywood
323-6201

Tuesday, August 9, 10:30 a.m.
Cordova Branch, 8457 Trinity Rd.
754-8443

Tuesday, August 9, 3p.m.
Poplar White-Station Branch, 5094 Poplar Ave.
682-1616

Tuesday, August 16, 3 p.m.
Cornelia Crenshaw, 531 Vance
525-1643

Information provided by Memphis Public Library and Information Center.

In Home Energy Display

I was selected to be a part of our Smart Grid Demonstration Project and my smart meter was installed several months ago. Recently, I became one of 500 participants also selected to test an In Home Display. The display communicates wirelessly with the smart meter, providing almost instantaneous feedback on each participant’s electricity status.



The IHD has several screens to show consumption, demand, cost, trends and other information, plus capabilities to receive customized messages from MLGW. The device has a battery and a plug-in charger, so it can be carried throughout the house, placed on a table or counter top, or hung on a wall for easy viewing. I have mine by the front door.

As you can see, it shows how many days of service I've had during the current billing cycle, the cost to date, and the projected monthly cost. At the time of this photo, I was pretty excited about the outlook for my June bill. However, the extremely high temps over the past few days have caused us to up our air-conditioning use. It's been interesting to watch how the temperature outside directly affects our utility bill.

Even though we've kept the air on 78, the recommended setting, the rising temps outside make it harder and harder to achieve 78 inside. When it's 85 outside, we only had to make up 7 degrees. With temps hovering around 100, we have to make up 22 degrees. That definitely adds up.

Then there's other major electricity users like the hot water tank, the washer/dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, the TV, and computer. MLGW expanded the My Account website to include new tools that help Smart Grid Demonstration participants track electricity usage, power demand and electricity costs online. The meter information is uploaded once a day and will grow to contain two years of smart meter history for detailed analysis. With smart meter highlights and multiple graphs, participants see how their electricity usage changes throughout the day and month, providing greater information for better control over when and how electricity is used.

You can see example graphs and meter highlights here.

Changes to Annual Moratorium Approved

In today's Commercial Appeal...

MLGW ends ban on service cutoffs
Vote changes winter moratorium rules

The board of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division voted Thursday to end a ban on winter service cutoffs to residential customers who don't pay their bills.

The old "annual moratorium" stopped the utility from cutting off residential customers between Dec. 15 and Jan. 14, except in cases of theft of services, safety problems or customer default on special payment plans.

Thursday's vote changes the rules: now MLGW can cut off services to nonpaying customers during that period if they have an unpaid balance of $399.99 or more. Shortly before the last moratorium period ended, at least 19,000 customers owed at least that much.

The utility already offers the same $399.99 cutoff protection year-round to customers with good credit. If the customers have troubled credit, the utility puts them on the cutoff list if their unpaid balance reaches $199.99 or more.

Even with the new policy in place, many customers will escape a visit from the dreaded "cutoff guys." A separate policy blocks MLGW from turning off utilities on days in which the windchill factor drops below 33 degrees for four or more hours within a 24-hour period.

There's also cutoff protection on hot days, plus additional cutoff protections for those age 60 or older as well as for those with serious health problems or disabilities. Even when MLGW cuts off gas and electricity to residences, it leaves water on for at least 60 days.

Early last month, utility administrators asked the board to end the Dec. 15-Jan. 14 moratorium, arguing that it prompted many people not to pay their bills, which caused their debts to grow and made them desperate for help when the period ended.

The federal government's reduction in the amount of emergency utility aid available made change urgent, said the administrators, President and CEO Jerry Collins and Chris Bieber, the utility's vice president of customer care.

But at the board's May 19 meeting, Memphis City Council member Janis Fullilove spoke against ending the moratorium, saying that many people need it and that she'd taken advantage of it herself. She proposed requiring that customers sign up for the moratorium program and pay all the money due before starting it.

Collins said that idea was impractical and instead endorsed the $399.99 policy.

MLGW to Issue Gas Billing Credit in August

A recent adjustment to MLGW’s Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) will result in credits that will be reflected on the August bills of MLGW’s natural gas customers. The adjustment is the result of a billing error that was recently discovered and reported by MLGW staff. The error dates back to a rate adjustment that was made in January 2008 and reflects gas usage between then and May 2011. The overcharges amounted to a little less than $1 per month per customer. The average credit will be about $38 per residential customer and will be reflected in customers’ gas charges.

The amount of the credit adjustment for commercial customers will vary. The actual amount of these credits is based on each customer’s actual gas usage between January 2008 and May 2011.

“We regret that this error occurred,” said Jerry Collins Jr., MLGW President and CEO. “However, we are making it right in the form of this credit to our customers and hope that it will provide some relief for their August utility costs.”

The PGA is a cost recovery mechanism. Monthly gas bills reflect the cost of the natural gas MLGW purchases, as well as the cost of gas storage, transportation, and delivery. These costs fluctuate due to the deregulated, competitive natural gas marketplace. Like virtually all natural gas utilities, MLGW uses a PGA to pass along these increases and decreases in gas costs to its customers.

Water Quality Report

We recently began mailing our annual Water Quality Report to all of our water customers. The report is the culmination of a year of laboratory tests revealing that Memphis water is well within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Tennessee Department of the Environment and Conservation (TDEC) water purity standards and is safe for area residents to drink.

All community water systems are required to prepare and distribute an annual water quality report, also referred to as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), according to a 1996 Congressional amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water including microbial, inorganic and organic contaminants, pesticides and herbicides, and radioactive impurities. Specialists in MLGW’s Water Quality Assurance Laboratory perform numerous tests throughout the year to monitor such components of Memphis water. The 2010 test results reveal that our water is well within the designated limits, and meets or exceeds all water quality standards set by the EPA and TDEC.

MLGW suggests that local residents preserve and conserve water in the following ways:

• Don’t leave tap running while brushing teeth; take shorter showers; install low-flow faucets.

• Fully load dishwasher or clothes washer before use. If you wash dishes in the sink, don’t leave tap running to rinse. Clean vegetables in pan of water rather than under running faucet.

• Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. In an average home, dripping faucets waste up to 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets waste as much as 200 gallons per day.

• Water your lawn only when it’s needed, and water during early morning or evening hours and not on windy days. Make sure sprinkler isn’t watering driveway, sidewalk or street.

• Check your water meter: If all water taps and outlets are turned off, and the meter’s red test hand keeps moving, you may have an underground leak that requires a plumber’s attention.

• Preserve the quality of our water supply. Don’t overuse pesticides and fertilizers, avoid flushing medications down toilet or sink, and dispose of hazardous materials properly.

For an online copy of MLGW’s Water Quality Report, which is also available in Spanish, you can find a link on MLGW’s homepage.

Weather-Related Moratorium for Summer

When there are extreme weather conditions, we are mindful of our customers' safety. We do not disconnect residential customers when the following heat-related conditions exist:

1. The forecast heat index will be 100 degrees Farenheit or above at any time during a 24 hour period.

2. The forecast heat index will be 95 degrees Farenheit or above at any time during a 24 hour period for customers 60 years of age or older, physically challenged, or certified as life-support dependent.

MLGW Work to Temporarily Close Lanes on Poplar Avenue between Goodlett and Redbird Lane

Water main repairs along Poplar Avenue will prompt Memphis Light, Gas and Water crews to temporarily reduce traffic to one eastbound lane and one westbound lane between Goodlett Street and Redbird Lane, beginning June 2. The work is expected to last approximately one week.

Although the work is not expected to impact or completely close adjacent streets, some streets may be partially blocked as needed. Traffic control devices will be used and will allow for the efficient and safe flow of traffic while crews continue their repair efforts.

Customers in this area are not expected to experience any interruptions to their utility service.