Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton announced Tuesday $2.5 million in utility assistance for City of Memphis residents struggling to pay their utility bill. Those funds are distributed by the City of Memphis Energy/Utility Assistance Program.

Residents should call 575-7200 to schedule an appointment to see if they qualify for financial assistance. MLGW employees cannot assist in making these appointments, nor will MLGW employees contact customers to offer utility assistance.

Customers approved by the City of Memphis Energy/Utility Assistance Program will be instructed to contact MLGW’s Customer Care Center after a certain date and time to make payment arrangements on any unpaid balance.

MLGW is the largest three-service public power utility in the nation, serving more than 420,000 customers in Memphis and Shelby County. A 2007 survey of large metropolitan areas showed that MLGW has the sixth lowest combined rates in the nation.