How MLGW Helps Customers Save on Utility Bills

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How MLGW helps customers save on utility bills

The Daily Memphian//J.T. Young//May 11, 2019

We understand that low-income residents carry a heavy burden when it comes to utility costs. That is why Memphis Light, Gas and Water is working hard to improve housing (along with other agencies) and educate our customers on how to save on their utility bills.

As of April, contractors finished weatherization work on 184 homes from the recently expanded Share the Pennies program. In addition to the funds generated from customers rounding up their utility bills, the program saw a $1 million investment from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

Since 2015, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis has repaired or modified over 600 homes through its Aging in Place program for homeowners 60 or older.

Starting in June, MLGW will begin tracking to see if the work we installed within the past 13 months is making a difference in the lives of our customers. Are they using less energy? Or more?

If their bills are higher, what is driving those costs up? How can they lower their utility costs?

That is where the education comes in. In partnership with TVA, the City of Memphis and Shelby County, we spoke to 50 groups last year during our EnergySmart Memphis workshops. Each participant left with an energy savings kit valued at $100 that contained compact fluorescent bulbs, a caulk gun, caulking, plastic window covering, gasket insulators and other items.

Throughout Shelby County, MLGW participates in about 100 community events, festivals, expos, shows and school events throughout the year. We host monthly Conservation Days at each of MLGW’s five community offices handing out smaller energy kits and giving tips on how to save energy.

If a customer wants a free in-home energy audit, MLGW’s energy doctors make house calls to homeowners as well as renters. If a rental property is in Memphis, MLGW has the backing of a local housing ordinance that could take a landlord to court for failing to meet energy-efficiency standards.

For contractors who remodel and renovate homes, the City of Memphis wrapped up a three-day training program on weatherization this week.

In addition to our existing deferred billing program, On Track, which helps customers keep their lights on, we are also partnering with the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center. The center provides financial counseling, regardless of income, to help residents reduce their debt, increase their credit scores and solidify their financial footing.

This is a start.

Our customers are the ones who hold the real power in controlling their utility costs. MLGW will always be there to light the way for a brighter future. We are ALL in this together.

 

*Story as seen on dailymemphian.com