MLGW States Electric System Ready for Significant Residential Growth in Memphis

Memphis, TN, October 6, 2026 — Memphis, TN – Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has announced that its electric distribution system is prepared to handle a substantial increase in residential customers. Doug McGowen, President and CEO of MLGW, informed the Memphis City Council that the utility’s infrastructure has the capacity to serve nearly double the existing number of homes within the city.

This declaration signals MLGW’s readiness to support future population and development growth in Memphis. The announcement was made during a presentation to the Memphis City Council, where McGowen detailed the current capabilities of the electric distribution network.

Specific details regarding the timeline for this potential growth or the exact current customer numbers were not provided. The capacity stated refers specifically to the electric distribution system, indicating that upgrades or expansions in other areas, such as water or gas, were not part of this particular announcement.

The utility’s capacity to onboard new residential customers without immediate strain on the existing electric distribution infrastructure is a key indicator of the city’s potential for expansion. MLGW has been a critical provider of essential services in Memphis for many years.

Further information regarding the specifics of the capacity assessment or any planned infrastructure developments to support this growth was not detailed in the announcement to the City Council. The current focus of the statement is on the adequacy of the existing electric distribution system.

Story summarized from the original created by hardiman@dailymemphian.com (Samuel Hardiman) on dailymemphian.com, see more information here.