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Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) - the largest three-service municipal utility in the nation - partnered with the Greater Memphis Chamber to help foster economic development in the Memphis community in 1979. MLGW economic development staff members are housed within the Chamber's offices to assist with existing business retention and expansion, prospect development and business research. For more information, please visit www.mlgw.com.

Services

Electric

MLGW purchases electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal agency. MLGW is largest distributor  in the TVA region, purchasing approximately 11% of TVA's power.  There are four different connection points with TVA in Shelby County capable of supplying MLGW’s peak system demand of approximately 3.18 million kilowatts.

Natural Gas

MLGW currently purchases natural gas and transports into Memphis across two open access pipelines operated by Texas Gas Transmission Corporation and Trunkline Gas Company. Large industrial customers have the option of firm service, interruptible service or transportation service for privately purchased gas.

Liquefied Natural Gas Plant (LNG)

MLGW has two LNG storage facilities which allow for the storage of gas during the summer periods of low usage and then as a reserve during winter peak periods. Each facility stores 300,000 bbls. (equivalent to one billion cubic feet) in above-ground storage tanks. MLGW also maintains 7.8 billion cubic feet of underground natural gas storage via the Texas Gas system in Kentucky.

Water

MLGW owns and operates one of the largest artesian water systems in the world.  On a peak day, MLGW can deliver nearly 257 million gallons of water to more than 252,000 customers.  In the layer of water-bearing sands beneath the city, there is an abundant supply of naturally pure, high-quality water that will accommodate the daily needs of a city several times the size of Memphis.

Wastewater

Wastewater is provided by the City of Memphis’ Public Works Department. Total system treatment capacity is 215 million gallons (MGD) per day. Currently, the daily usage throughout the system stands at about 176 million gallons per day, well below capacity. The city maintains about 3,500 miles of sanitary sewers within its service area. A separate storm and drainage system is also maintained.

Incentives

Several rate and tax incentives are available from Memphis Light, Gas and Water and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Click here to see a list.

Contacts

MLGW Economic Development / 901.543.3562 / email
Greater Memphis Chamber Economic Development Department / 901.543.3541 / email