TDEC Names Memphis Light, Gas, and Water a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Energy and Renewable Resources. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state's natural resources.

The award for Energy and Renewable Resources recognizes advancing the use of alternative fuels and expanding energy efficiency.

MLGW, in partnership with the City of Memphis, Ameresco, and Ubicquia, completed a groundbreaking citywide conversion of more than 77,000 streetlights to high-efficiency LEDs equipped with smart, cellular-based controls. The $47 million initiative represents one of the most ambitious smart lighting transformations in the Southeast and delivers major environmental, economic, and public safety benefits for residents across Memphis.

The upgraded LED system is already achieving approximately 55 percent annual energy savings, reducing electricity consumption by over 37,000 MWh each year and cutting more than 26,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. These reductions align directly with the Memphis Area Climate Action Plan goal of lowering emissions 51% below 2016 levels by 2035, while enabling the project to effectively pay for itself over time.

In addition to environmental gains, the new lighting improves visibility and strengthens public safety across neighborhoods, business corridors, and school zones for drivers and pedestrians.

Following Memphis's lead, the cities of Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, and Millington partnered with MLGW to convert an additional 8,000 streetlights, demonstrating the scalability of the model. The project has earned national recognition, including the Smart 20 Award for Transformative City Infrastructure and commendation from the U.S. Department of Energy's Integrated Lighting Campaign for sustainability in lighting.

There are ten categories for the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:

· Agriculture and Forestry - Cumberland River Compact Building Green - iFixit

· Clean Air and Transportation Solutions - Clarksville-Montgomery County School System

· Environmental Education and Outreach - Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System

· Materials Management - Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC

· Natural Resources - Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful

· Pursuit of Excellence - OxyChem

· Sustainable Performance - Carlex Glass America, LLC

· Water Quality - Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency

The Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards event in September.

For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards website.