Today, Memphis Light, Gas and Water and other natural gas utilities are observing national Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.

It’s a day when communities such as Memphis and Shelby County offer recognition and gratitude to employees who work to provide natural gas service 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 and our customers.

This is the ninth year in which Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day has been officially celebrated across the country. 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

“MLGW and our customers depend on our natural gas workers to deliver reliable, affordable, and most importantly, safe natural gas service,” said Doug McGowen, MLGW President and CEO. “Safety is a vital aspect of our work, and our gas employees put safety first every day. They deserve a day to be recognized for their hard work, dedication and accomplishments. Thank you, MLGW natural gas workers!”

Learn about the benefits of natural gas and how your public natural gas system works on the American Public Gas Association website at apga.org/aboutus/facts. Find out more about natural gas safety in your home on our website at mlgw.com/residential/safety.

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.