MLGW hosts community meeting for feedback on future plans

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis, Light, Gas, and Water is looking ahead and not just five years, but twenty. Community members gathered in Bartlett Monday night to tell the utility company what is important to them when it comes to their service.

This was the third out of 11 meetings just like this one that MLGW has had. Customers say even though many of the problems aren’t an overnight fix, they appreciate their opinions being heard.

“It’s a monopoly. I don’t have a choice of where I get my electricity and my gas and my water,” said Robert Philips, MLGW customer.

Phillips has endured years with MLGW through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

He lives out in the county and while he says the issues he’s experienced haven’t been anything too horrible, he still has some thoughts on what needs to happen moving forward.

“I am concerned about the facilities that the utility uses, I think we should be a little more modern,” Phillips said. “And a lot of things MLGW has helped til now is heading in that direction. More modern system, more self-healing system, and so that has a lot of appeal to me.”

Phillips is one of several people who came out to the meeting to voice his opinions on what he thinks needs to be addressed over the next 20 years.

“Our customer’s thoughts matter as we’re putting this plan together so they will have perspective on how they want to be served, how their children and grandchildren want to be served, and what is important to them,” said Doug McGowen, MLGW President.

McGowen has spoken several times about the company’s five-year plan but says it’s important to look beyond that and involve the community in the conversation.

“We see often attention in the community between fossil fuels and renewables,” McGowen said. “What is going to be in my backyard, what’s the path forward from here? So all of those opinions matter, and they’re going to be helpful to informing our long-range plan.”

After an hour of group discussion, it became clear this group prioritizes infrastructure improvements, widespread representation, and affordability.

Phillips says he appreciates that his concerns have been heard and directly addressed adding it helps to build trust between MLGW and customers.

“I think it made a big difference and it showed sincerity on the part of MLGW,” Phillips said.

Eight more meetings like this one are scheduled between now and the end of April, throughout the area.

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