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.