Memphians Urge City Council to Move MLGW RFP Process Forward
Over 80 MLGW customers and community leaders speak out in support of sourcing more affordable, cleaner energy
Memphis, Tenn. – On Tuesday, October 6, the Memphis City Council is scheduled to vote on whether or not to approve Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s (MLGW) recommendation to begin the RFP (Request for Proposals) process of seeking alternative power supply options to replace their current supplier, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). A growing number of Memphians are urging their City Councilmembers to vote “yes” and move the RFP process forward.
What’s At Stake?
Preceding next Tuesday’s vote, Pearl Eva Walker, Organizer for Memphis Has The Power, has submitted a community letter to Memphis City Councilmembers. The letter – signed by over 80 MLGW customers, including community leaders, clergy, and business owners – appeals to the City Council to approve the RFP process as an investment in improving the economy, environment, and energy equity of Memphis and Shelby County.
“The Councilmembers’ vote on moving the RFP process forward will be a historic decision that will impact us, our children, and our children’s children,” Walker said.
In the community letter to City Council, supporters highlight expert studies that have shown that Memphis and Shelby County could save hundreds of millions of dollars per year if MLGW acquired power from a new supply and that a formal RFP process would confirm these likely savings that would be passed onto MLGW customers. Additionally, there is an opportunity for these anticipated savings to generate a nearly $3 billion investment in jobs and economic development in Shelby County, as well as expand cleaner and more affordable power options than TVA is offering.
More Signs of Support
Memphians may see billboards around town this week, drawing attention to the possibility of MLGW saving money by leaving TVA. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has posted electronic billboard messages about the issue on I-240 at the Airways and Little Rock exits.
All eyes are now fixed on the City Council to see if they will vote on Tuesday to approve the RFP process and open the door to more affordable, equitable, and cleaner energy for the people of Memphis and Shelby County.
For more information, read:
- Letter from the Memphis community
- Real numbers within reach, MLGW Board approves RFP process, awaits Memphis City Council vote
- City council and MLGW can create ‘triple play’ opportunity for Memphis by breaking ties with TVA | Opinion
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About the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Since 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has worked to promote responsible energy choices to ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org.
About Memphis Has The Power
Memphis Has the Power is a campaign to ensure Memphians have affordable, equitable, and clean energy. We are working to achieve energy justice and create a cleaner, more prosperous Memphis. Learn more at www.memphishasthepower.org.