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MLGW News Release
 
April 27 MLGW Update: 8 p.m.
April 27, 2011
  • High winds this afternoon have caused new issues for MLGW workers and raised the number of outages from about 8,000 to a current total of 25,000 customers.

  • Many of these outages resulted from damage to trees weakened by this month's multiple storms.

  • As a result, MLGW now expects restoration to be completed Saturday evening rather than Friday evening.

  • MLGW troubleshooters will focus this evening on repairing circuit outages, which represent about 13,000 of the current total number of customers out.

  • MLGW crews will continue to work in 16 hour shifts, 24 hours a day until all power is restored.

  • There are currently more than 120 MLGW crews working in the field to restore power.

  • A total of 19 outside crews from Ohio and Illinois will arrive by this evening and will join MLGW’s crews tomorrow.

    New MLGW IPhone App Allows Customers to Check Outage Status
    MLGW has created a new IPhone application that allows MLGW customers to access a variety of utility related information, including outage status. The app is available for free download in the Apple ITunes app store at www.apple.com or through iPhone, iPod, or iPad devices. One of the app's most useful features is the ability for customers to be able to check the status of an outage at their address. MLGW plans to develop Android and Blackberry apps in the future.

    Downed Power Lines
    To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only used for these types of emergencies.

    MLGW urges customers to be aware of their surroundings as they sift through debris and examine damage to their property. Customers should avoid contact with downed power lines—even if their home or area has experienced a loss of power the lines could still be energized and deadly.

    Customers are also asked to avoid the immediate area where MLGW crews are working. These work sites can be extremely hazardous.

    Generator 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.

    Do not attempt to restore power to your entire house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. The electricity produced by a generator can ruin your home’s wiring and start a fire, and 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.

    Important MLGW contact information for customers
  • Outage Reporting: 544-6500
  • Emergency: 528-4465
  • Customer Care Center: 544-MLGW (6549)
  • www.twitter.com/mlgw
  • www.facebook.com/mlgw1

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