Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), caught squarely in the public eye, has activities across the spectrum this week, engaging with policymakers and the community alike. On the bureaucratic front, the City Council is set to turn the spotlight onto MLGW's late fee structure. According to FOX13 News, Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton initiated the discussions that could potentially affect how customers face late payment charges. As it stands, late fees comprise approximately 0.9 percent of MLGW's total sales revenue, and officials warn that axing these fees would significantly impact its cash flow.
At the same time, MLGW has been proactively reaching out to the community to gather feedback on its service and future plans. In a development reported by WREG, the utility held its third of 11 scheduled meetings where MLGW customers like Robert Philips have had the chance to air their thoughts. "It's a monopoly. I don’t have a choice of where I get my electricity and my gas and my water," Philips detailed to WREG. He acknowledges past improvements but advocates for "a more modern system, more self-healing system" as a priority for MLGW's future.
In line with the community-oriented approach, MLGW President Doug McGowen highlighted the importance of public input to shape services for generations to come. "Our customer’s thoughts matter as we’re putting this plan together so they will have perspective on how they want to be served, how their children and grandchildren want to be served, and what is important to them," McGowen told WREG. The company is reputed for offering some of the lowest utility rates in the nation, a priority that has not gone unnoticed among its clientele.
With regards to the late fee issue under the council's microscope, MLGW currently allows certain customers to have their late fees waived up to three times a year. They also run assistance programs like Plus-1, administered by MIFA, and Share the Pennies, which round up customers' bills to the nearest dollar for the aid of low-income households in need of weatherization and energy efficiency repairs. This information comes from an overview presented during the City Council's regular committee meeting, as mentioned in the FOX13 News coverage. Efforts to balance financial operations with consumer welfare remain a contentious topic, and additional outcomes from the council's discussions are to be expected.
For those who can't attend one of the community meetings, MLGW invites customers to visit MLGW2045 to take part in an online survey meant to gauge broader public opinion.
