The 3.0% increase in electric rates was approved during the City Council meeting last night. 

The approval came with three amendments including a final presentation of internal cost savings to the Council in mid-May. After this final approval, MLGW may begin upgrading its infrastructure as outlined in the five year improvement plan.

The increase will fund tree trimming, modernizing substation circuit breakers and transformers, pole replacements, distribution automation, strategic underground work, underground cable retrofit work, and LED streetlights. Once complete, customers can expect a 50% reduction in the frequency and duration of outages.

Customers will pay an average of $3.70 per month more for electric starting in July. 
 

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 429,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.