Memphis Energized

The latest edition of Memphis Energized is now online.

Outage Update

Thankfully last night's storm was much milder than anticipated. However, some areas did experience high winds and trees did take out a few of our power lines. At peak we had 14,000 customers without power. Crews have restored over 11,000 and will continue to work until everyone is restored.

Some useful information...

MLGW iPhone App Allows Customers to Check Outage Status

The 
MLGW iPhone application allows MLGW customers to access a variety of utility related information, including outage status. The 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. MLGW plans to develop Android and Blackberry apps in the future. 



Downed Power Lines


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. 

MLGW urges customers to be aware of their surroundings as they sift through debris and examine damage to their property. Customers should avoid contact with downed power lines—even if their home or area has experienced a loss of power the lines could still be energized and deadly. 

Customers are also asked to avoid the immediate area where MLGW crews are working. These work sites can be extremely hazardous. 



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

Whitehaven Office Temporarily Closed

The Whitehaven community office is closed today due to a system failure resulting from a downed tree. Customers are encouraged to go to our Lamar or Downtown community office until we can correct the issue.

Bike to Work Day

Today was the second annual Bike to Work Day sponsored by the Center City Commission.



We were among the many organizations present at the expo today in front of City Hall. While MLGW did not place among the companies with the highest number of employees on bikes, we were pleased to hear that there were over twice as many participants this year as there were last year. This year's big winner was St. Jude, which had 38 employees who rode to work today. I was lucky enough to run into three of them in Overton park this morning. I rode all the way to St. Jude with them and it made the commute much more relaxing. Being in a group of four definitely felt safer than being alone.

If you missed the expo, then you missed chatting with some great organizations like MLGW, the Health Department, the Sierra Club, and the Greater Memphis Greenline. You also missed out on the opportunity to make your own smoothie in a bike-operated blender at the Live from Memphis booth!



Don't worry, there's always next year! And, just so you know, every day can be bike to work day if you let it!

Information Stations for Flood Evacuees

With flood waters receding, some MLGW customers affected by the recent flooding may be preparing return to their homes to assess damage. MLGW is sharing information with these customers so that they are aware of the steps they need to take in order to get their utilities safely restored.

The utility also has staff assisting customers at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery center at the county code enforcement building at 6465 Mullins Station Road. In addition, MLGW and the City of Memphis have set up information stations starting Thursday, May 19, at the shelter at Cummings Street Baptist Church (250 E. Raines) and at the Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins Street). The shelters will be staffed Thursday-Saturday this week, and will be open next week as needed, starting on Monday.

For evacuees looking to return to their homes, it is important to wait until local authorities have deemed it safe to return to a flooded area. Once customers are allowed to return to their homes, they should do the following:

• Check your home to see if the water level reached any outlets, plugs, switches, panel box, or meters. If there are signs that water penetrated any of the electrical outlets, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to make repairs.

• After work has been completed by the electrician, the homeowner will have to call Shelby County Code Enforcement at 379-4270 to get an inspection before MLGW can safely reconnect electric service.

• Do NOT attempt to restore electric services or turn power on without the proper inspection.

• Never operate a generator inside your home. Keep it outside for proper ventilation. Plug appliances directly into the generator, and only use extension cords when necessary. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for proper use and load.

Tips for Evacuees

First, it is important to wait until local authorities have deemed it safe to return to a flooded area. Once customers are allowed to return to their homes, they should:

• Check your home to see if the water level reached any outlets, plugs, switches, panel box, or meters. If there are signs that water penetrated any of the electrical outlets, you will need to hire a licensed electrician to make repairs.

• After work has been completed by the electrician, the homeowner will have to call Shelby County Code Enforcement at 379-4270 to get an inspection before MLGW can safely reconnect electric service.

• Do NOT attempt to restore electric services or turn power on without the proper inspection.

• Never operate a generator inside your home. Keep it outside for proper ventilation. Plug appliances directly into the generator and only use extension cords when necessary. Check the manufacturer's recommendation for proper use and load.

• Flush your water system by turning all faucets and letting them run for five minutes.

• If you suspect a natural gas leak:

- Leave the area immediately and call MLGW at 528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only called for life threatening situations.
- Do not use anything electrical (including a cell phone).
- Do not try to locate or stop the leak.
- Always call 811 to locate your natural gas lines before you dig on your property.

• If you plan to permanently vacate your home, please call 820-7878 to arrange to close your account.

Portable Generator Safety

Our latest "Here's How" video:

MLGW Lends a Hand

MLGW employees helping fill sandbags to be used for flood mitigation efforts across the city. Teams were using various methods to fill hundreds of sandbags that MLGW crews were then taking out in the field.

MLGW crews, some with backhoes, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment, were assisting the City of Memphis in building floodgates in the concrete floodwall that runs East/West along Chelsea Ave. and North/South along McLean - helping to seal off those areas from the rising waters of the Wolf River.

MLGW crews assisted in setting up a generator to run lighting and air conditioning for the Memphis/Shelby County EMA's Shelter Assistance Center at the Raleigh Springs Mall, the location set up for people who've been told to evacuate their homes to be checked in to be routed to specific shelters around the city.

Window Units available for Seniors

MLGW and Neighborhood Christian Center
Help Seniors “Play It Cool”
230 Window AC Units Donated to Low-Income Seniors

Seniors living in homes without air conditioning can apply for a free window air conditioner through Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s “Play It Cool” Program. As part of MLGW’s community outreach efforts, 230 window air conditioning units will be available to qualified low-income seniors and disabled residents of Shelby County.

The Neighborhood Christian Center will be accepting applications and screening eligible households for the free units at 785 Jackson Avenue on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 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.

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 information.

Air conditioners will not be installed at addresses with operating units, or on units with bars or storm windows. Installation of units will be performed by MLGW employees and are scheduled to begin May 27.

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.

Gift of Comfort

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for mom this year?



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.

MLGW Water Remains Safe

Some Discolored Water Due to Water Main Break, Not Flood

MLGW’s water system remains intact and safe despite the area flooding.

A small number of customers have reported discolored or rusty water today in the Uptown, Downtown and North Memphis areas, but this is not in relation to the flood. Rusty water sometimes occurs when there is an increase or change in water flow, largely caused by water main breaks, fire hydrant activations, and flow direction changes. In this case, a 20-inch water main burst near Second Street last night, and the subsequent repair of this main caused some typical, temporary discoloration of water due to dislodging of iron sediment in the pipes. MLGW is in the process of flushing out the system to clear it of this sediment. No flood water has entered MLGW’s system at any time. While the water is safe, MLGW recommends that customers do not laundry if they are experiencing rusty water, as the rust can stain clothing. Also, minimize using hot water to prevent sediment from entering a hot water heater.

Other facts:

• All of MLGW’s water pumping stations are located above areas that are flooding or expected to flood.

• While a few MLGW wells may be located in flood areas, MLGW will shut down any of those affected and utilize other wells to supply customers without interruption.

• MLGW does not use surface water to supply its customers -- it uses ground water from the Memphis aquifer, which is located hundreds of feet below the surface.

• In addition to a natural filtration process for water recharging the aquifer, MLGW disinfects and treats Memphis water before distributing it to customers.

• MLGW is not shutting water off to any areas of Shelby County.

• Customers planning on evacuating should cut their water off in the home, not at the street.

Substation Visitors

The flooding has brought some new visitors to our substations. Since many had warned of an increase in snakes, it wasn't too surprising to see this water moccasin sunning himself.



A bit more surprising was a flock of Muscovy ducks, which are as big as geese.



These beauties were close to Substation 73, which is near Wolf River Blvd. The Muscovey range has been associated with South America but has moved into South Texas and Florida. There are some domesticated ones that people keep, but these appeared wild. Birds get displaced by storms and unusual weather - and we've certainly had plenty of that recently.

Since a major benefit associated with having these ducks in urban areas is that they help keep insect populations down, such as mosquitoes, roaches, termites, flies, spiders (including poisonous ones) and even ants, we kind of hope that they stick around! Muscovies will basically eat any bug they can find, including maggots and mosquito larva in the water, thus making a huge difference when it comes to insect control.

Have you seen any unusual visitors near your house?

Preparing for a Power Outage

We have a new video up on our YouTube Channel.

Utility Updates

For those of you who are concerned about your utilities in relation to the threat of flooding, please read:

Water

● The MLGW water supply is safe and no issues are expected due to the flooding.
● All of MLGW’s water pumping stations are located above areas that are flooding or expected to flood.
● While a few MLGW wells may be located in flood areas, MLGW will shut down any of those affected and utilize other wells to supply customers without interruption.
● MLGW does not use surface water to supply its customers -- it uses ground water from the Memphis aquifer, which is located hundreds of feet below the surface.
● In addition to a natural filtration process for water recharging the aquifer, MLGW disinfects and treats Memphis water before distributing it to customers.
● MLGW is not shutting water off to any areas of Shelby County.
● Customers planning on evacuating should cut their water off in the home, not at the street.

Electric & Gas

● MLGW substations are not expected to be affected by the flooding.
● Customers experiencing flooding can call MLGW's Customer Care Center at 544-MLGW (6549) or 820-7878 so we can disconnect their gas and electric services if necessary.
● Before evacuating, customers are asked to turn the gas off at the meter and also to close the gas valves on natural gas appliances to prevent water from getting into their gas lines.
● MLGW has instructions and a how-to video posted at www.mlgw.com to assist customers in turning off their gas services.

Water System Safe Despite Flooding

MLGW Water System Safe Despite Area Flooding--Water Pumping Stations Sit Above Flood Areas

MLGW’s water system is not expected to be affected by the current flooding that is taking place across Shelby County. All of MLGW’s water pumping stations are located above areas that are flooding or expected to flood.

While a few MLGW wells may be located in flood areas, MLGW will shut down any of those affected and utilize other wells to supply customers without interruption.

In addition, employees at MLGW’s water lab continuously run tests for contaminants from water samples across the county.

“MLGW’s water system is intact and safe,” said MLGW President Jerry Collins Jr. “We will continue to provide pure, high quality water to our customers throughout this difficult time.”

How to Shut off Utilities

In case of flooding or other emergencies, you may need to turn off your utilities. Here's how:

Evacuation Tips

MLGW Prepares Customers in the Event of Evacuation

A flood warning has been issued by the Shelby County Office of Preparedness due to heavy rain causing the Mississippi, rivers and creeks to rise.

When or if MLGW customers are forced to evacuate their homes, they need to close the gas valves on their natural gas appliances to prevent water infiltration into their fuel lines.

"Before evacuating, customers need to turn off the gas service at the meter and then close the appliance valves once the pilot goes out," according to Brent E. Haywood, manager of Engineering and Operations for the Gas division.

Gas service can be turned off at the main gas service shutoff valve normally located near your gas meter. Using a 12 to 15 inch adjustable pipe or crescent-type wrench or other suitable tool, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction; the valve is closed when the tang (the part you put the wrench on) is crosswise to the pipe.

Most gas appliances have a gas shutoff valve located near the appliance that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only.

Additional critical utility flood safety tips:

1. If your home or business is experiencing flooding, call MLGW's Customer Care Center at 544-MLGW (6549) or 820-7878 so we can disconnect your utility services if necessary. You can then enter quick access codes 1-1-1 (English) or 3-1-1 (Spanish) for faster service.

2. Stay away from anything electrical that may be in contact with water and always assume that it’s energized.

3. You should never attempt to operate breakers or switches that are wet or under water, even if it’s just to turn them off.

4. Never attempt to disconnect or remove your electric meter; call MLGW to have this done.

5. Shut the water off if you have a shut-off valve inside your home. Do not shut the water off at the street.

6. If you are using a portable generator, make sure it does not come into contact with water.

7. If you do experience water damage to your home’s electrical system or appliances, you will need to have them inspected by a qualified, licensed professional.

MLGW Prepares for Effects of Flooding

1. MLGW has been working closely with the EMA, City of Memphis, Corps of Engineers and other entities to plan for the possible flooding.

2. None of the MLGW electric substations are expected to be affected.

3. MLGW water pumping stations are not threatened by the possible flood--they all sit above the potential flood area.

4. We do have some wells that could be affected, but in the event that happens, MLGW will simply shut them down and utilize other wells to supply our customers without interruption.

5. MLGW's natural gas services are not expected to be affected by the flooding.

6. MLGW is staying in contact with a number of its industrial customers in the event they need assistance with de-energizing if they are affected by the flood.