MLGW Downtown Community Office closed for normal operations until August

The Downtown Community Office, 245 S. Main Street, has transitioned into a temporary processing location for federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications only.

In partnership with the Shelby County Community Services Agency, this move increases the resources available to help more than 18,000 eligible residents navigate the increasingly difficult application process to receive LIHEAP assistance. The county has been granted $9.4 million in utility assistance this program year; the Downtown Community Office is expected to process applications at least until August.

Other MLGW customers can receive in-person service at the South (2935 Lamar Ave.) and Whitehaven (1111 E. Shelby Dr.) Community Offices. The Millington Office is closed for renovations. Customers can also pay bills online, by phone or at an authorized pay agent (mlgwagents.com). Only the Downtown Office will offer LIHEAP assistance.

The Downtown Community Office new business hours moving forward are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LIHEAP appointments are available through the QLess appointment system: mlgw.com/QLess. Walk-ins are only for seniors, the disabled and those in crisis.

What To Expect

Eligible customers may receive a text or call from MLGW regarding LIHEAP assistance and the application process. Applicants must arrive at the Downtown Office with all documentation needed to process an application. That includes:

· Applicant must be the MLGW account holder.

· Applicant must have an email address.

· Government-issued photo ID for the applicant.

· Social Security cards for everyone in the household.

· Birth certificates for children one year or younger in age.

· Proof of income or current award letter (such as pay stubs, benefit letters, or other income for the last 30 days).

· Most recent utility bill or cut-off notice.

· Housing voucher tenant verification letter is applicable.

· Proof of disability, if applicable, or form.

· Proof of veteran status, if applicable.

· Pertinent Forms (such as No Income, Self-Employment, and other forms). [Additional forms can be located at shelbycountycsa.org/documents-you-may-need-to-apply-for-liheap/.]

Note: Applicants with cut-off notices must also meet one of the following criteria: seniors age 60+; proof of disability; household with children age five and younger; and/or have a veteran status other than those who were dishonorably discharged.

MLGW staff will assist applicants with this process. Those who have a cut-off notice will be given priority. Applicants will need to show up to their appointment on time; those who are more than 15 minutes late must schedule a new appointment. Free validated parking for the Downtown Community Office is available in the Beale Street Landing parking garage, 246 S. Front Street.

For more information about LIHEAP assistance, customers are encouraged to visit shelbycountycsa.org/utility-assistance/

Memphis Light, Gas and Water is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving the residents of Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee since 1939. MLGW consistently provides customers with rates that are amongst the lowest in the nation and stewards a water supply from artesian wells that is minimally treated. Actively engaged in promoting the prosperity of Memphis and Shelby County, MLGW supports the seven local chambers in its service area and makes doing business with local, minority- and women-owned business a priority. Deeply rooted in the community, its employees generously donate time and money in support of bettering the Greater Memphis area.