Memphis Light, Gas and Water
| Company type | Municipal utility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public utility |
| Founded | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Memphis , United States |
Area served | Memphis area and Shelby County, Tennessee |
| Products | Electricity, natural gas, water |
| Owner | City of Memphis |
The Memphis Light Gas and Water Division (MLGW) operates as a municipal public utility serving the Memphis area and Shelby County in Tennessee.
Description
MLGW stands as the largest municipal utility in the United States that provides three services, catering to more than 420,000 customers. Since 1939, it has been under the ownership of the City of Memphis, delivering electricity, natural gas, and water across the region.
Electric power is supplied by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal nonprofit organization. MLGW represents TVA's biggest client, responsible for 11 percent of TVA's overall demand, with an electric customer base exceeding 428,000.
The utility supplies natural gas—widely used for residential heating—to upwards of 313,000 customers within Shelby County.
Drinking water provided by MLGW is drawn from the Memphis aquifer, which holds more than 100 trillion gallons of ancient water. The division manages one of the planet’s largest artesian well networks, featuring 10 pumping stations and over 175 wells servicing more than 253,000 consumers.
History
In 1902, the city took control of a private water system, operating it under the name Memphis Artesian Water Department. The establishment of MLGW occurred in 1939 when Memphis acquired the local electrical infrastructure from Memphis Power and Light Company for $15 million.
Between 1937 and 1970, the department was based in the historic Scimitar Building located at Madison Avenue and Third Street.
See also
- United Gas Pipe Line Co. v. Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division, a Supreme Court ruling from 1958