The Tennessee Valley Authority honored Memphis Light, Gas and Water this week for its Top Performer Award in energy efficiency goals.

Laura Campbell with TVA lauded MLGW for saving “enough energy to power 3,000 homes a year. In addition, the incentive dollars that we were able to pay out in Shelby County totaled $5.5 million. So, those are dollars that flowed right back into Shelby County.”

Campbell made the remarks during this week’s presentation to MLGW’s Board of Commissioners. She noted that it marks the seventh consecutive year that TVA has met its energy efficiency goals in partnership with the 155 utility companies it serves.

“MLGW stands out for not only how much energy efficiency you do, but for your leadership in this area. Many of the new programs are started right here (at MLGW),” she said.

TVA recognized MGLW – its largest wholesale electrical power customer – as being a leader in several categories as a part of its 2014 Highlights Report.

MLGW saved over 51 million kilowatt-hours of energy during fiscal year 2014 with the bulk of that coming from Shelby County businesses and industries. Together business and industry owners saved 48.9 million kwh by making their operations more energy efficient through the EnergyRight Solutions program.

About 1,700 homeowners also completed energy self audits to save on their utility bills.

In addition, MLGW added 143 more Green Power Switch customers bringing the total to 1,576. Green Power customers bought 49,512 blocks of renewable power last year such as biogas, solar or wind-generated energy. The biogas process at TVA’s Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis burns off methane gas emissions from the waste water treatment facility.

Campbell also pointed out that most businesses wouldn’t encourage its customers to use less of a product. By customers using electricity wisely and efficiently, she added, “It’s about making Shelby County and the Valley a better place to live and to work.”
MLGW President and CEO Jerry R. Collins Jr. accepted the award: “MLGW really enjoys the partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority.” He stressed that the company is committed to helping its customers save energy and money.

Headquartered in Knoxville, TVA covers most of Tennessee, portions of Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky and small sections of Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 421,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County.