(April 23, 2010) - Preparations are underway to ensure reliability of MLGW's electrical system as the Mid-South braces for possible severe weather this weekend. MLGW officials are monitoring the storm's movements and progress, and the utility will be ready to respond to any outages that occur.

MLGW leaders and members of the utility's emergency response teams are making preparations to ensure a quick response to any power outages. Some of these steps include:

MLGW crews are being held on standby in case of severe weather.

Tree trimming crews and out-of-town crews have also been contacted in the event MLGW needs additional assistance.

At this time, the MLGW Customer Care Center will stay open until 11 p.m. Friday night and from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday night. Emergency dispatchers will work overnight. Should the weather cause significant outages, the Customer Care Center will extend its hours of operation.

MLGW has replacement poles and transformers in place in the event of storm damage.

Important MLGW information for customers:

Outage Reporting 544-6500
Emergency 528-4465
Customer Care Center 544-MLGW (6549)

Customers with Internet access can:

Download MLGW's storm preparedness brochure at www.mlgw.com/stormprep.pdf View MLGW’s outage map at www.mlgw.com.

Receive updates and assistance through Twitter at www.twitter.com/mlgw if outages exceed 10,000 customers or more.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. A January 2010 survey showed that MLGW has the fifth lowest electric rates in the nation.