(5:30 p.m.) - MLGW continues its restoration efforts after strong storms rolled through the Mid-South on Tuesday afternoon. The utility has restored service to more than 24,000 of the 28,000 customers who were without power initially due to the storm. Approximately 3,500 customers are still without power.

Currently, 73 crews are working to restore power. Crews from other utilities are also assisting with restoration efforts.

“Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to bring every single MLGW customer’s power back online. The quick but powerful storm system that came through packed very high winds which damaged numerous trees and power lines across the city,” said MLGW President and CEO Jerry Collins.

The estimated time for full restoration due to this storm is Fri., July 17 at noon.
 

• Restoration Photos on MLGW's blog, Bird on a Wire.
   

Customers still without service should report their outage to MLGW’s outage hotline at 544-6500.

To report an emergency such as downed wires or gas leaks, please call 528-4465. This number should be treated like 911 and only used for these types of emergencies
 

The Electric Service Restoration Process:

Areas with the heaviest damage have the longest restoration times. With yesterday’s storm, restoration efforts involve multiple MLGW crews performing repairs. For example, an MLGW troubleshooter may be sent out to analyze a problem. If the problem is simple, the troubleshooter may be able to make repairs and restore power. For outages with more extensive damage, tree trimmers, overhead crews, or other additional resources may be dispatched to make necessary repairs. These repairs could include pole or equipment replacements and the re-installation of power lines.
 

Generator Safety Tips:

• 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.

• 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, but it can also feed back into the utility system and energize a line thought to be without power possibly injuring 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.


For additional safety and energy-saving tips, visit mlgw.com.

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