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MLGW News Release
 
MLGW Announces Weather-Related Reconnection Program for Residential Customers
July 14, 2011
(July 14, 2011) – For the second consecutive year, Memphis Light, Gas and Water will offer a hot weather-related reconnection program for residential customers who are currently without electric, gas and/or water services due to non-payment or failure to complete MLGW's required identification procedures. The program was announced by Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. and MLGW President and CEO Jerry Collins Jr. this afternoon.

These residential customers—no matter how much they owe-can pay $275 to re-establish service but are required to enter into a deferred payment plan (not to exceed five months) for their remaining outstanding balances.

MLGW's reconnection program starts Friday, July 15, and will be available throughout the current heat wave. The program only applies to residential customers who have lost one or more services due to non-payment or failure to complete MLGW's required identification process. Customers also have to have been disconnected within the past six months to be eligible for the program.

"This can be a dangerous time for customers living without utilities," said Mayor Wharton. "This initiative is further proof of the commitment of the City of Memphis and MLGW to the welfare of our community."

To participate, eligible residential customers must pay $275 at one of MLGW's five community centers:

  • 245 South Main Street
  • 2935 Lamar Avenue
  • 1111 East Shelby Drive
  • 2424 Summer Avenue
  • 5131 Navy Road (Millington)

    To help accommodate these customers, MLGW's community offices are open Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., and on Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (with the exception of the Millington community office, which is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday). In addition, MLGW will open all of its community offices on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. until the program ends.

    "MLGW recognizes the current high temperatures are a challenge for the residents of Shelby County," said MLGW President and CEO Jerry R. Collins Jr. "Just as we did last year, we are providing temporary help for our residents so they can obtain relief from the heat wave."

    Last summer, 552 customers took advantage of the reconnection program.

    Currently, MLGW enacts its weather-related moratorium policy 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's reconnection program would require customers to complete a Hazardous Weather Agreement; to enter into a deferred payment plan (not to exceed five months) for the remaining past-due balance owed to MLGW; and to pay his or her first bill, following this reconnection, in full by the due date printed on the bill. If that first bill is not fully and timely paid, then the customer is subject to immediate disconnection without further notice.

    MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 423,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.