FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 1/06/2010) Jerome Foster, like so many other MLGW techs, is working overtime restoring power to people in need.
Because of the brutally cold temperatures, MLGW is restoring power to customers who've had their service cut off, no matter how much they owe.
"it's a good feeling," laughed Foster.
The City of Memphis and Shelby County have teamed up to foot the bill.
The county's Chief Administrative Officer says they'll use state weather funds the Shelby County receives yearly.
We've also learned general funds, your tax dollars, may be used.
Mayor has mentioned using a combination of federal funds and other moneys. But we're told Nothing has been finalized.
"We have not told anyone their bills have been forgiven," explained Mayor Wharton. "We're going to set up payment plans, some may be paid by way of federal grants."
Of the more than 1,000 people eligible to get their power cut back on, MLGW only expects about 700-people will get their service restored.
That's because often times people move, die or decided not to have their utilities turned on.
So far officials haven't been able to give us the total cost of the program.
"Some people are having very hard times and I understand how other people are feeling, " said Gale Jones Carson, an MLGW spokeswoman, "But sometimes you have to have compassion and help people when you can."
As of Wednesday, MLGW crews had knocked on more than 700-doors.
Nearly 300 of those residents had their power restored.
- The City of Memphis, Shelby County & MLGW teaming up to restore power to people who've been cutoff
- Officials don't have details on the total cost
- State and federal funds could be used. Maybe even tax dollars
(Memphis 1/06/2010) Jerome Foster, like so many other MLGW techs, is working overtime restoring power to people in need.
Because of the brutally cold temperatures, MLGW is restoring power to customers who've had their service cut off, no matter how much they owe.
"it's a good feeling," laughed Foster.
The City of Memphis and Shelby County have teamed up to foot the bill.
The county's Chief Administrative Officer says they'll use state weather funds the Shelby County receives yearly.
We've also learned general funds, your tax dollars, may be used.
Mayor has mentioned using a combination of federal funds and other moneys. But we're told Nothing has been finalized.
"We have not told anyone their bills have been forgiven," explained Mayor Wharton. "We're going to set up payment plans, some may be paid by way of federal grants."
Of the more than 1,000 people eligible to get their power cut back on, MLGW only expects about 700-people will get their service restored.
That's because often times people move, die or decided not to have their utilities turned on.
So far officials haven't been able to give us the total cost of the program.
"Some people are having very hard times and I understand how other people are feeling, " said Gale Jones Carson, an MLGW spokeswoman, "But sometimes you have to have compassion and help people when you can."
As of Wednesday, MLGW crews had knocked on more than 700-doors.
Nearly 300 of those residents had their power restored.
