Tree Trimming 101

Fallen trees, limbs and branches can pull down power lines and lead to outages. In fact, outside of storms, trees are the number one cause of outages in our area. In March 2019 one tree fell over in a storm and took a dozen power lines down with it. Hundreds of MLGW customers lost power because one tree fell.

March 9, 2019, near Looney Ave. and N. Danny Thomas Blvd. 

Why trim trees?

MLGW is diligent with its tree trimming; it is a year-long program with a goal to keep power lines clear of limbs and branches and help ensure reliable and safe service for our customers.



The Utility Arborist Association (UAA) says "utility vegetation maintenance" helps protect the public. Pruning and removing certain trees and shrubs helps keep wires and trees far enough apart to lower the risk of electrical shock and reduce the potential for fire.

In order to keep lines away from hazards crews trim trees once every three-to-five years. Each time they trim they must make enough room, or "clearance," so the tree does not start to threaten the power line before the next time it is trimmed.

Crews consider several factors before they begin the "line clearance" process:

• What kind of power line is it? 
• How close are the tree and line to each other?
• Is the tree at a house that's been there for years, or is this a new construction project? 

Click here for a detailed version of the line clearance policy and what you can expect if there are trees on your property that may be growing too near power lines.

Where do I fit in?

You are part of the process too. If you notice a tree branch or limb that is interfering with or touching a power line, please let us know. Call 544-6549 and report the issue to one of our Customer Care Agents.

No law prohibits you from trimming your own trees, but please note: tree trimming near power lines is extremely dangerous work. A quick Google search will show you the latest incidences of people hurt or killed clearing brush/trees near power lines.

Some lines are not insulated and direct contact leads to electrocution. You can also be shocked or electrocuted if you come into contact with a tree that's been energized. For these reasons, tree trimming near power lines is best left to professionals with professional-grade equipment.

MLGW customers interested in doing their own tree trimming must follow the line clearance policy for the sake of safety. The policy is in line with Shelby County's tree trimming ordinance and the National Electric Safety Code. If a customer does his/her own trimming MLGW is responsible for initial and final inspections.

Trade-A-Tree

Trimming isn't always enough. If a tree is in a position to threaten a distribution line MLGW removes it. If that happens, MLGW will replace the tree through our Trade-A-Tree program. Customers can choose from a list of trees and shrubs. Call 320-1438 to Trade-A-Tree.

Visit mlgw.com/about/treetrimming to learn more about MLGW's tree trimming policy and ways to ensure reliable and safe electrical service.



#MLGW #ServingYouIsWhatWeDo

J.T. Young Speaks on MLGW's Supply Options

MLGW President and CEO J.T. Young speaks on our supply options at last Thursday's Community Advisory Council Meeting.

MLGW Celebrates Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day March 18

Memphis Light, Gas and Water and other natural gas utilities will observe national Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on Monday, March 18. It’s a day when communities such as Memphis and Shelby County offer recognition and gratitude to employees who work to provide natural gas service safely and reliably to area homes and businesses. MLGW would like to thank and honor our natural gas workers for their hard work and dedication to safety.

The annual nationwide event is intended to build public awareness about the hard work done by the employees of natural gas utilities. March 18 is the date of the New London, Texas school explosion in 1937 that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas with the odorant mercaptan and an increased emphasis on gas safety. Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution and the employees of distribution companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible.

A continuing major project MLGW’s natural gas employees have been working on since 1992 is the Division’s 30-year natural gas cast iron pipe retrofit program. MLGW has spent nearly $90 million on this project over the past 27 years to replace more than 330 miles of cast iron pipes with polyethylene or steel pipes. It is scheduled to be completed in 2021. The retrofit program improves natural gas safety for the public and reinforces our infrastructure for MLGW’s future natural gas service reliability and integrity, and for earthquake mitigation.

“We dedicate this Monday to celebrate the exceptional work our natural gas utility workers do every day in Memphis, Shelby County and across the country,” said Alonzo Weaver, MLGW Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “MLGW and our customers depend on our natural gas workers to deliver reliable, affordable, and most importantly, safe natural gas service. Safety is a vital aspect of natural gas delivery, and our MLGW gas employees put safety first every day. They deserve a day to be recognized for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments. We all offer a huge ‘Thank you!’ to our natural gas workers!”

MLGW works hard to continue to provide customers with safe, affordable and reliable natural gas for their homes and businesses. We also hope customers will join MLGW in supporting natural gas as a premier energy source for our country. As the cleanest burning fossil fuel, natural gas can help us achieve energy security and build a more competitive economy.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of natural gas and how your public natural gas system works, contact MLGW Corporate Communications at (901) 528-4557.

#SheCanSTEM: Meet Arnisa Davis

MLGW has 2770 employees; 752 (27%) are women. Of the 752 women, 143 (19%) hold STEM positions. On the second Tuesday of every month, we will introduce you to a different woman working in STEM at MLGW.

First up is Arnisa Davis. She attended LeMoyne-Owen college where she received a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics.  At the time, MLGW hired students to work part-time on a GIS project entering data for maps.  She was then hired on permanently as a Drafter and then moved up to become a GIS Programmer (or Software Developer).  She's currently supervising the team of GIS developers and Oracle developers for MLGW's Enterprise Systems.

We asked Arnisa a few questions to get to know her better.

What do you do in your current position?

In my current position, I am the Supervisor of GIS, EAM and Materials Systems. I supervise a team of 15-20 application developers.  We create, support and update software using computer languages such as CSharp for .Net, Python, Java, Oracle PL/SQL, Oracle Application Framework and Apex.

We support Geographical Information Systems(GIS) that has all of our addresses, streets, electric, gas and water assets mapped so crews can restore power to our customers and know where they are located if there is a problem. Our Oracle Enterprise Asset Management and Inventory systems allows the company to create new subdivisions to develop, order/purchase materials for the job and track all of the assets we own and utilize.

What's interesting or cool about what you do?

The coolest thing I do is having the ability to create new technology for the company for our customers to utilize like a web map.  The data we provide our customers and crews could save someone's life. The location of a gas pipe or electric line helps our crews resolve the issues quicker and keeps our customers safe.

Why would you encourage girls to pursue STEM careers?

Technology and Mathematics is utilized in our everyday life. It is a career that has great rewards because your creativity could save someone’s life. STEM careers allow you to put the knowledge you learned in school to use in real life. When I was in the 8th grade, I did not think I would ever use Algebra. We use it every day in STEM careers especially in the GIS field.  This is how we create map directions and show curves on a street.  If we did not have this technology, we would only see straight lines.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Advice to my younger self would be to learn to be patient and study harder.  Don't get discouraged if you don't grasp the concept right away.  The more you study; the more you learn.  Keep working hard but take time out to enjoy life.

MLGW Celebrates 80th Anniversary 1939-2019

The Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division was founded March 9, 1939. On that day, the governor of Tennessee signed an amendment to the Memphis charter creating the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division. Since 1939, the Division has strived to safely deliver services to customers. We believe the slogan found on the first MLGW logo still resonates with the Division today, “Public Service—Publicly Owned.” Join us in celebrating this significant milestone throughout the year!

The Making of a Utility

May 22, 1819: City of Memphis founded

1852: Memphis Gas Light Company, MLGW’s parent company, began operation

1870: Memphis Water Company founded

1882: Brush Electric Light and Power Company brought electricity to Memphis

1887: Memphis Light and Power Company founded

1902: Memphis Light and Power Company merged with the Equitable Gas Light Company

1903: Memphis bought the Artesian Water Company and formed the Memphis Artesian Water Department

1917: Merchants Power Company of Maine merged with Memphis Consolidated Gas and Electric Company to form Memphis Gas and Electric Company

1935: Memphis Light and Water Division founded

Feb. 6, 1939: City of Memphis purchased Memphis Power and Light for $17.36 million, TVA contributed $2.11 million

March 9, 1939: Governor of Tennessee signed an amendment to the City of Memphis charter to create the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division and the Board of Memphis Light, Gas and Water Commissioners