The threat of storm related electric outages has passed, but cold temperatures will continue to challenge utilities across the Tennessee Valley with increased demands for electricity and gas and will have impacts on utility water mains and residential and commercial customer plumbing.

During Winter Storm Fern, our community experienced minimal electric outages-and that outcome was no accident. We want to sincerely thank our customers. Your actions, combined with months of planning and significant investments in tree trimming and electric system improvements, truly made a difference and helped us get through this storm safely and reliably. Just as important, our crews were ready to respond quickly to restore the small number of customers that did experience an outage.

We will be facing bitterly cold temperatures for several more days. Our water and gas systems are well positioned to serve through continuing frigid temperatures, and our crews are ready to address any concerns should they arise. The remaining threat is water main breaks that can occur when the temperature changes, and widespread residential and commercial broken pipes. MLGW water crews will monitor, and repair water main breaks should they occur, and our customer service technicians are standing by to assist customers who need help shutting off water if they have a burst pipe. We ask that customers and businesses continue to protect their water pipes and check on automated sprinkler systems.

Winter Storm Fern is a strong reminder that preparation works-and that reliability is a shared effort. Thank you for partnering with us, for staying informed, and for trusting MLGW to deliver safe, reliable service in all conditions.

Notes:

MLGW has released contracted overhead electric and tree trimming crews to help our neighboring utility partners.

All disconnections for non-payment have been paused.

General support operations for residents (such as water distribution if that becomes necessary) will be coordinated through the various offices of emergency management in each municipality, in coordination with the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

A burst water pipe or water heater is considered to be an emergency situation and could pose a danger of flooding. Customers can call 528-4465 to have water turned off. However, depending on demand, it could take some time for crews to respond.

MLGW's general winter tips can be found here: mlgw.com/wintertips.

MLGW has an Outage Center on mlgw.com which includes information on reporting and tracking outages as well as a preparedness guide: mlgw.com/StormPrep.

Follow MLGW on social media for outage updates: X @mlgw, Instagram @mlgwofficial, Facebook, and NextDoor.