MLGW steadily reduces outages; Fewer than 7,000 customers currently without power

(June 4, 2017- 10 a.m.) – MLGW crews continued working Saturday night to restore power to customers affected by the May 27 straight line winds that left 188,000 customers without power. More than 181,000 customers have regained power and fewer than 7,000 customers are still without power currently. Rain showers are expected to push through our area today, and this could slow down restoration efforts.

Ninety percent of those customers that are presently involved in an outage that includes 75 or more customers will have their power restored by Sunday at midnight, unless today’s weather interferes with our progress. This will allow MLGW to concentrate on restoration efforts for customers involved in smaller outages for the remainder of this restoration event.

A total of 101 contract overhead line crews have joined MLGW overhead line crews to restore services. This outage event currently has more restoration resources than those from Hurricane Elvis.

In addition, as the utility tackles smaller outages, the rate of restoration will slow down. These smaller outages require more intensive work. Crews will have more obstacles such as making repairs in back yards where poles and wires are situated.

 Crews making repairs in Whitehaven.

Tree Trimming

MLGW has three tree trimming contractor companies with a total of 78 crews working to cut trees away from power lines: Asplundh, ABC Tree Trimming and Bean & Prince. These contractors’ trucks are clearly marked and workers have uniforms. When disaster strikes, crooks will look to exploit the vulnerable. Customers are asked to be vigilant for scammers. MLGW contractors will never ask you to pay to have trees removed from power lines. Additionally, the utility is not responsible for removing trees off that have fallen on homes or for hauling debris.

DHS Assistance

Although many customers may have experienced a loss of perishable food items, MLGW does not replace food. Shelby County residents who are currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps) who lost power for 12 hours or more may be eligible for replacement benefits. Shelby County residents who are not enrolled in the SNAP program are not eligible to receive SNAP replacement benefits due to loss of power.

Customers who receive SNAP benefits must visit one of the following DHS locations:

North Branch Office

3230 Jackson Avenue

Memphis, TN 38122

Welles Branch Office

3360 South Third Street

Memphis, TN 38109

Damaged Weatherheads

Customers who have damage to their weatherheads are responsible for having the weatherhead replaced or repaired by a licensed electrician and inspected by Code Enforcement before MLGW can restore power. 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. 

Outage Reporting

Customers are urged to make MLGW aware of their outage by calling 1-800-268-8648. As crews work to make the biggest impact by restoring major circuits, smaller, more localized outages may go undetected. Reporting outages ensures the utility can make repairs as soon as possible.

MLGW continues to suspend disconnects and reminds customers to consider any downed wire to be dangerous and to not touch. The utility thanks customers for their patience as workers continue to restore power.

Important MLGW contact information for customers:

•  Outage Reporting: 1-800-268-8648 or 544-6500

•  Emergency: 528-4465 (This number should be treated like 911. Gas leaks, electrical lines down.)

•  Customer Care Center: 820-7878

Generator Safety Tips

Some customers may be using generators which are a great way to back up your power, but using one can be dangerous unless you follow these important 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. It should be protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport. 
• Do not attempt to restore power to your entire house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. The electricity produced by a generator cannot only ruin your home's wiring and start a fire, it 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.
• MLGW will not come out to check the generator connections. Customer must use an electrical contractor to ensure that generator is isolated from grid to eliminate backfeed.