Memphis Light, Gas and Water is observing national Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day. March 18 is a day to recognize and show gratitude to employees who work to provide natural gas services safely and reliably to area homes and businesses. MLGW would like to thank and honor our natural gas workers for their hard work and their dedication to safety. Among the notable achievements of MLGW’s Gas Division employees is the completion of the Weaver-Gill natural gas pipeline project in South Memphis in 2025. The $37.4 million, 5.4-mile high pressure line replaced nearly a century-old infrastructure without interrupting gas service to homes or businesses. This major upgrade was one of MLGW’s largest modernization projects, strengthening the reliability and safety of natural gas services for South Memphis customers.

“We take time today to celebrate the exceptional work of our natural gas utility workers,” said Doug McGowen, MLGW President and CEO. “Safety is a vital aspect of natural gas delivery, and our gas employees put safety first every day. They deserve a day to be recognized for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments. We cannot say thank you enough for their service.”

The annual nationwide event is intended to build public awareness about the hard work done by the employees of natural gas utilities. March 18 is the date of the New London, Texas school explosion in 1937 that led to the widespread odorization of natural gas with the odorant mercaptan and an increased emphasis on gas safety. Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution, and the employees of distribution companies endeavor to make natural gas delivery as safe as possible.

To learn more about the benefits of natural gas and how your public natural gas system works, check out our website at mlgw.com or go to aga.org/natural-gas.

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.