(Feb. 6, 2008- 3:45 p.m.) MLGW crews have continued to make steady progress in restoring power to customers in Shelby County following Tuesday's severe weather. Approximately 10,900 customers remain without power, and MLGW has restored more than 53,000 customers since restoration efforts began.

The most affected area is the Hickory Hill area bordered by Winchester, Stateline, Kirby and Lamar. MLGW's Substation 71 at 3940 Clark, which serves much of this area, was severely damaged along with poles and distribution line in the area. MLGW President and CEO Jerry Collins said, "The damage in the Hickory Hill area is requiring complete rebuilding of MLGW’s electric system. This is a process that could take weeks."

MLGW is receiving assistance from 23 crews that are being routed from Nashville, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Springfield, MO; and Tulsa, OK. The crews are arriving Wednesday afternoon.

Despite long hours and difficult, dangerous work, MLGW crews have remained injury free during the restoration effort.

Customers are asked to call 544-6500 to report power outages. To report downed power lines, customers should call MLGW's Emergency Number at 528-4465. For customers with internet access, MLGW has provided an outage map at www.mlgw.com that shows the utility’s progress.

Safety tips:

MLGW is reinforcing the need for safety around downed power lines and other potential hazards as Memphis and Shelby County residents begin debris removal from businesses and homes.

MLGW urges customers to be aware of their surroundings as they sift through debris. Customers should avoid contact with downed power lines—even if their home or area has experienced a loss of power the lines could still be energized. Also, if they are not careful, it is possible for the body to become a conduit for an electrical current, which could result in serious injury as well as death.

Customers are also asked to avoid the immediate area where MLGW crews are working. These work sites can be extremely hazardous.

Portable generators:

As MLGW crews work to restore power, here are some tips for using portable generators:

Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area such as a garage. Generators emit toxic carbon monoxide from the engine exhaust.

A generator should only be operated in a well-ventilated and dry area, away from air intakes to the home. It should be protected from direct exposure to rain and snow, preferably under a canopy, open shed or carport.

Do not attempt to restore power to your entire house by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. The electricity produced by a generator cannot only ruin your home’s wiring and start a fire, it can also feed back into the utility system and energize a line thought to be without power possibly killing utility workers trying to restore power. It can also cause damage to the generator when electric service is restored.

Handle fuel carefully. Turn the generator off prior to refueling. Gasoline, kerosene and other flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled safety containers.

Turn off or disconnect all appliances prior to operating a portable generator. Once the generator is running, appliances powered by the generator can be turned on one at a time.

Important MLGW numbers:
Outage Reporting: 544-6500
Emergency: 528-4465
Customer Care Center: 544-MLGW (6549)
Customers with Internet access can download MLGW’s storm preparedness brochure at www.mlgw.com/stormprep.pdf