(January 30, 2009) - This morning, a convoy of 12 MLGW trucks left the North Service Center on Tupelo and began the three-hour drive to Mayfield, KY, a city rendered powerless by this week's snow and ice storms. All four local TV stations covered the departure of MLGW crews.

As part of a mutual aid agreement, 21 MLGW employees, or three six-man crews, two supervisors and a mechanic, will work closely with Mayfield Electric & Water Systems and other utilities to clear downed power lines and restore power to Mayfield's more than 10,000 residents. The crews will be in Mayfield for an unspecified amount of time. In recent years mutual aid agreements have assisted MLGW in restoring power after windstorms and tornados. The utility asking for the assistance is responsible for all costs associated with recovery efforts, including salaries and lodging out of town assistance.

"There are people who need our help," said Ricky Howse, a crew foreman. "When we need help, (other utilities) come and help us. So, when they call us, we're ready to go."

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.