The Memphis City Council approved an increase in funding for a contract between MLGW and Kelly Services today. The contract provides for nearly 100 temporary employees that provide short and long-term project support within the utility, including 32 temporary meter readers. As a result of the ratification of the contract, MLGW will return to its full complement of Meter Readers this week, and all meters will be read as scheduled. In addition, the utility is moving forward with plans to hire 11 permanent, full-time meter readers.

“It would certainly appear that MLGW customers have asked for their meters to be read every month. That is what we will be able to do now that our full complement of meter readers will be at work. Our standard meter reading practices will go back into effect as soon as the Kelly Services employees return to work,” said Chris Bieber, Vice President of Customer Operations for MLGW.

MLGW was forced to suspend the use of temporary meter readers last week after funding for the contract with Kelly failed to receive additional funding to carry it to its full term. During that time, the Division posted 11 meter reading positions.

Customers who may have had their bills estimated during the past week can be assured that they will only be charged for their usage. “It is important for our customers to know that as soon as a meter reader is able to read their meters, they will receive a bill that will be for actual usage, including any adjustments from the estimated time period,” Bieber said.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County with some of the lowest combined rates in the U.S.