FAST FACTS:
tom.powell@wreg.com
tompowell3 on Twitter
(Memphis 1/12/2010) Last week's dangerously cold weather seems to be behind us, but there are lingering concerns about power.
During the deep freeze, MLGW restored power to about 900 customers. We're told those customers, who had their utilities disconnected for non-payment, owed an average of about $900 each.
The power is still flowing to those customers. It won't be turned off until at least next week. Meantime city, county and utility leaders are trying and come up with a way to give families a chance to catch up on their bills.
"The urgent task last week was to get power back on so we wouldn't have loss of life," says MLGW President Jerry Collins. "The urgent matter this week is funding that effort."
By law, MLGW is unable to extend free utilities to any customer. They can't simply wipe the slate clean, so the money will have to come from somewhere.
Some of it will come from Grizzlies Power Forward Zach Randolph who is donating funds to at least 15 MLGW customers. Other donations are coming in from folks across the country who saw stories about Memphians without power when the cold spell gained national attention.
There is obviously still a big gap. City leaders tell News Channel 3 they're trying to come up with grant money to help families get back on track. The plans and programs are not yet in place. Leaders expect to have something more definitive to announce in the coming days.
- MLGW Restored Power to 900 Customers During Cold Snap
- Those Customers Owed about $900 Each
- Leaders Now Looking for Funds
tom.powell@wreg.com
tompowell3 on Twitter
(Memphis 1/12/2010) Last week's dangerously cold weather seems to be behind us, but there are lingering concerns about power.
During the deep freeze, MLGW restored power to about 900 customers. We're told those customers, who had their utilities disconnected for non-payment, owed an average of about $900 each.
The power is still flowing to those customers. It won't be turned off until at least next week. Meantime city, county and utility leaders are trying and come up with a way to give families a chance to catch up on their bills.
"The urgent task last week was to get power back on so we wouldn't have loss of life," says MLGW President Jerry Collins. "The urgent matter this week is funding that effort."
By law, MLGW is unable to extend free utilities to any customer. They can't simply wipe the slate clean, so the money will have to come from somewhere.
Some of it will come from Grizzlies Power Forward Zach Randolph who is donating funds to at least 15 MLGW customers. Other donations are coming in from folks across the country who saw stories about Memphians without power when the cold spell gained national attention.
There is obviously still a big gap. City leaders tell News Channel 3 they're trying to come up with grant money to help families get back on track. The plans and programs are not yet in place. Leaders expect to have something more definitive to announce in the coming days.
