Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) is actively dispelling rumors of impending rolling blackouts in Memphis, which have taken hold on social media platforms. In response to the false information that has been circulating, MLGW made it clear that these claims are unfounded. "MLGW is NOT planning any rolling blackouts. TVA is NOT anticipating a need for them," stated the utility company on their social media, according to an article on Action News 5. They emphasized that residents should seek out reliable news sources for such critical information.
Demonstrating the rare nature of such an event, MLGW highlighted that in its entire 87-year history, the occurrence of a rolling blackout has only been once, Action News 5 reported. To further quash the spread of misinformation, MLGW urged customers to be wary of messages, including texts and emails that are falsely labeled as being from Tennessee Valley Authority or any local power company. According to a post on WREG, these communications regarding scheduled or rolling power outages should not be considered legitimate.
The utility provider has recommended that recipients of such unsolicited messages avoid clicking any embedded links to prevent potential cyber threats. In addition to social media announcements, MLGW has reached out through various channels to educate its customers about the validity of the blackout information they receive. Echoing its peers, FOX13 also reported that MLGW and TVA have not made any indications of a blackout plan, further asserting the consistency of the utility's messaging across different media outlets.
While the source of the rumors remains unclear, MLGW's proactive measures serve to reassure the public and maintain trust in the face of such potentially alarming falsehoods. By asserting the falseness of the reports, MLGW maintains that residents in Memphis neighborhoods can carry on with their daily lives without the looming threat of uncertainty cast by unsanctioned 'news'. The company's commitment to vigilance against misinformation predicates that the stability of our civic infrastructure is, indeed, not only a matter of resource management, but also of information integrity, as affirmed by WREG.
