(February 11, 2010) - Last year, Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division became the first utility in the nation to seek and successfully have passed an ordinance that targeted energy efficiency in rental properties.

The ordinance sought to create and enforce minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties in Memphis, where renters comprise nearly a third of the residential sector. MLGW President Jerry Collins Jr. worked with landlords, representing more than 60,000 rental units, to fine tune the ordinance.

The program has been extremely successful and well received by the community. MLGW energy inspectors work with the landlord and tenant. The inspectors perform an initial audit to determine whether the minimum standards are met. If conditions are below standard, MLGW works with the landlord to fix the issues cited in the audit in the near future. If the issues remain unresolved, MLGW becomes an advocate for the tenant during the process and ultimately can and will take the landlord to environmental court. Renters can report low energy efficiency standards at 322-5757.

To date, MLGW has inspected more than 300 rental properties. All landlords have complied and brought their properties up to our standards.

Local media is invited to join us Friday at 9:30 a.m. as MLGW inspectors conduct an initial audit at a rental property where the tenant has reported excessive energy consumption.

What: Initial Home Energy Efficiency Inspection
Where: 103 E. McKellar, Memphis, TN 38109
When: 9:30 a.m.

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