MLGW Activates Hazardous Weather Program for Extreme Heat

(July 20, 2017) – Due to the current heat wave that has engulfed Memphis and Shelby County, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division will implement its Hazardous Weather Condition Impact Management Program effective Friday, July 21, 2017.

Residential customers can pay $250 plus the appropriate reconnect fee toward their outstanding balance to re-establish utility service. Participation is open to customers who are currently without one or more utility services as well as those who may have high bills and are attempting to avoid being disconnected at some point in the future.

For the Special Reconnect Program, those currently without one or more utility services are required to complete the Hazardous Weather Agreement and enter into a deferred payment plan for their remaining outstanding balances that can range from five to nine months depending on the balance.

For the Deferred Payment Plan Relaxed Rules Program, the bill has to be more than $250 and the upfront money required is 25 percent of the money owed or $250, whichever is less. Additional conditions apply.

Eligible customers need to bring two forms of identification and payment to one of MLGW’s five community centers: 245 South Main Street, 2935 Lamar Avenue, 1111 East Shelby Drive, 2424 Summer Avenue or, in Millington, 5131 Navy Road.

MLGW’s Community Offices will remain open until 7 p.m. while the Hazard Weather Condition program is in active. In addition to these temporary weekday extended hours, the Community Offices will be open this Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Hazardous Weather Condition Impact Management Program is separate from MLGW’s weather-related moratorium policy, which is in effect whenever these conditions exist: (a) the forecast heat index will be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above at any time during a 24-hour period; or (b) the forecast heat index will be 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above at any time in a 24-hour period for customers 60 years of age or older, physically challenged, or customers certified as life-support dependent.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 426,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.

Tom Lee Storm | Day 6 | 7 p.m.

Fewer than 18,000 customers are currently without power this evening

Full restoration could extend into early next week

(June 2, 2017- 6:30 p.m.) – If rain pushes through our area, it will not stop MLGW’s restoration efforts this evening, as 24/7 operations continue on day six following straight line winds which knocked out as many as 188,000 customers on Saturday. However, in the interest of employee safety, work will stop if there’s thunder and lightning. More than 170,000 customers have regained power and fewer than 18,000 customers are still without power currently.

Ninety-five percent of the customers that are presently involved in an outage of 100 customers or more will have their power restored by Saturday night. This will allow MLGW to concentrate on restoration efforts for customers involved in smaller outages (less than 100 customers) 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, there are a total of 78 tree trimming crews to remove tree damage from lines. 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.

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. An example of a weatherhead can be found in the image below:

Tree Trimming

MLGW has three contractors 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 your home or for hauling debris.

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.

How The Apps Can Help

Our apps can help you find information about your power outage.

Download them here: ow.ly/SL0TB and ow.ly/LpE9Y.

Customers of record can log into the account using the phone number associated with the account and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

Click on the Main Menu, select "My Outage" and then select your address to see the outage status.

This is the same information that the outage map would provide but personalized to your account. If it shows that we are unaware of your outage, please call 544-6500 or 1-800-268-8648 to report the outage.

There is a link for the outage reporting number in the app.

Be mindful that crews, in the field, provide the updates that are supplied in outage reporting.

Outage Updates (5/29)

Monroe

Brooks Road

MLGW working to restore power after third worst storm in area’s history

Full restoration will take more than a week

(May 29, 2017- 11:30 a.m.) – Following the straight line winds moving through MLGW’s service territory on Saturday night, knocking out power to more than 188,000 customers, MLGW is working around the clock to restore services. About 115,000 customers are still without power currently. Full restoration will take more than a week.

MLGW crews continue to assess the impact of damage from this storm, but most outages are a result of large tree limbs and uprooted trees falling on electric wires. In addition to MLGW crews who are working 24/7, the utility is bringing in an additional 70 crews from East Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina and Ohio.

Further complicating restoration efforts, the area received more than an inch of rain last night. Some customers have reported issues with the web-based outage map. Alternatively, customers are encouraged to download the MLGW app for access to the outage map (Android users can go to ow.ly/SL0TB and iPhone users can go to ow.ly/LpE9Y). To report outages, customers need to call 1-800-268-8648.

MLGW is suspending disconnects. The utility continues to thank customers for their patience as work continues to restore power and reminds customers to consider any downed wire to be dangerous and to not touch.

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

Memphis residential utility bills rank the lowest in cost for the fifth straight year

(May 18, 2017) – Since 2013, Memphis has earned the top spot for having the lowest combined typical winter residential bill among selected cities across the country.

Last year, a typical winter residential bill was $243.79. This year, the bill increased slightly to $253.09, a difference of $9.30. MLGW’s financial management remains a driving force in keeping utility bills as low as possible.

The largest three-service municipal utility in the nation, MLGW delivers electricity, natural gas and water throughout Memphis and Shelby County. Each year we strive to not only deliver the best possible price, but also the highest quality service. One way we measure our performance is to examine how Memphis’ typical winter bills compare to other cities in the U.S.

We survey more than 50 cities, including many that are geographically close to Memphis, as well as utilities that are similar in size. All costs covered in this survey are based on published rates effective Jan.1, 2017.

MLGW started collecting data on rates in the early 1990s. Memphis continues to outperform many cities in terms of what customers pay for electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater services.

For more information and to view the full report, visit MLGW.com.

MLGW awarded solar generation project through TVA Distributed Solar Solutions pilot

(May 9, 2017) – MLGW has been awarded a solar generation project through the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Distributed Solar Solutions pilot program. In a competitive process that included 13 applications from local power companies throughout the Tennessee Valley, MLGW's project was one of seven selected.

The project at Nike’s facility will produce solar power with panels similar to these at Agricenter International. At two MW, the new installation will be twice the size of that at the Agricenter.

The project includes the installation and operation of a two megawatt direct current solar array, which will be built at Nike Inc.’s North America Logistics Campus in Frayser. No MLGW funds will be utilized for the project, which will interconnect to MLGW’s electric distribution grid.

Nashville-based Silicon Ranch Corporation will fund, build, own and operate the system. Silicon Ranch is the largest developer, owner and operator of solar facilities based in the TVA service area.

“MLGW is pleased to collaborate with NIKE and Silicon Ranch in the construction of a large solar array in Memphis,” stated Jerry Collins Jr., MLGW president and CEO. “This project demonstrates the benefits of public-private partnerships to meet growing interest in renewable power options. We are excited to take a leadership role in increasing the amount of green energy in the region.”

The solar array is expected to generate approximately 3.7 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, or enough to meet the annual needs of 242 average households. Solar power from the array will be sold to TVA under a 20-year power purchase agreement, while Nike will receive the Renewable Energy Credits, the intangible environmental benefits associated with green power generation.

Although the timeline has not been finalized, the project is expected to start generating solar power in summer of 2018.

“As long-term owners of our projects, Silicon Ranch takes great pride in being excellent neighbors and active members in each community we serve,” said Matt Kisber, Silicon Ranch president and CEO. “We especially love working in our home state and are grateful for the partnership we’ve developed with MLGW, TVA and Nike. Each of these organizations deserves tremendous credit for their commitment to bring the economic, environmental and community benefits of solar energy to west Tennessee.”

In developing the Distributed Solar Solutions program, TVA partnered with the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, an association of 155 local power companies in the TVA system. TVA and TVPPA leadership, as well as representatives from two local power companies in the region, reviewed proposals and selected the winning projects.

"We are pleased to see the strong DSS interest because it allows TVA to partner directly with local power companies and developers to bring renewable energy to the Valley at the community level," said Tammy Bramlett, TVA's director of business development and renewables. "TVA remains committed to providing clean, efficient renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the environment."

Peak-Hour Water Conservation Requested for Southwest Memphis

(May 8, 2017) – Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division is voluntarily requesting commercial, industrial and residential customers, primarily in southwest Memphis, to conserve water during the peaks hours of 5 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m. as maintenance work continues at its Davis Water Treatment Plant this week.

MLGW is asking customers within the affected area— Stateline Rd to the south, Airways/East Parkway to the east, North Parkway to the north, and the Mississippi River to the west—to voluntarily limit waterconsumption to help keep system pressures stable during peak water usage times.

For instance, residential customers can conserve by not washing vehicles or watering lawns and delayingthe filling of pools during the peak hours of 5 to 9 a.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.

The Davis Water Treatment Plant has been temporarily shutdown since May 2.

MLGW Heroes Honored

L to R: Derrick Smith, Reginald Rouser, Antonon Morgan and Felix Freeman.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division honored four true heroes during its Board of Commissioners Meeting Wednesday. Derrick Smith, Reginald Rouser, Antonon Morgan and Felix Freeman helped to save a woman's life in December 2015.

All are members of a Gas Distribution crew that responded to a hit gas meter call at a residence in December. When they arrived, the crew was alerted by the homeowner that his wife may be suffering a heart attack and asked for help. They sprung into action, performing CPR for 16 minutes until an ambulance arrived.

Every day, MLGW employees go above and beyond to help customers in need. We salute and thank them for the difference they are making in our community.

MLGW Espanol -- Redesigned Website

As part of our continuous efforts to better serve the growing Latino segment of its customers, MLGW has launched a redesigned version of its website in Spanish, www.mlgw.com/espanol, which features easier navigation, improved graphics, an increased emphasis on interactivity and social media, and a mobile-friendly design.

MLGW’s home page has been streamlined with quick links to popular features such as the online outage map, bill payment, and My Account bill analysis, currently in English only.

The site also features an increased emphasis on information such as how to conduct business with MLGW, your MLGW bill, assistance programs, requesting service, energy-saving tips, utility safety and how to contact us, all in Spanish.

The site also features downloadable brochures, booklets and other publications in Spanish. Customers can also take advantage of an enhanced search engine and quick access to a number of multi-media options such as “How To” videos and related content in Spanish.

We've also launched a Spanish-version of our Facebook page! Like the page for updates!

Superstorm Sandy Restoration: Update!

Our Superstorm Sandy Restoration Team of 33 MLGW employees has made it safely to Long Island, NY.

They arrived Sunday and started restoration on Monday, working 16-hour shifts as they do when we are in emergency restoration mode here in Shelby County.

The crews have been performing tasks such as re-setting poles and power lines, and installing transformers.

The big difference, of course, is that they are hundreds of miles away from home, and due to the lack of lodging space, are sleeping in trailers that have been set up with bunk beds.

Steve Ledford, General Supervisor, Distribution Support, reports that the crews are in good spirits and know that they are part of a nationwide effort to restore power to the residents of the Northeast.

The staging area includes more than 3,000 workers from across the nation! As of this afternoon, the Long Island Power Authority's outage map shows more than 198,000 customers still without power.

Living Quarters

Living Quarters

Crew in good spirits!