Memphis, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Memphis is currently experiencing major power outages that have left thousands without electricity, primarily due to severe weather conditions and raccoon interference. Over the weekend, the Memphis Light, Gas and Water utility reported fluctuating outages, including a peak of over 7,500 customers affected on Sunday night after a raccoon contacted electrical equipment. MLGW crews are working to restore power, yet subsequent outages have continued throughout the week, indicating the ongoing challenges faced by utility providers in maintaining service stability.
Memphis is grappling with significant power outages affecting thousands of customers due to a combination of severe weather and animal interference. Over the weekend, the Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) utility reported that on Sunday, more than 900 customers were without power, a number that fluctuated throughout the day, peaking at 1,568 customers without electricity by 8:00 a.m.
As of 11:55 a.m. on Sunday, the number of customers without power had decreased to 986. The situation took a turn for the worse when a raccoon made contact with electrical equipment, leading to a significant outage affecting over 7,500 customers late Sunday night. This incident, confirmed just before 8 p.m., primarily impacted areas in Hickory Hill and southeastern Shelby County. MLGW crews worked diligently, restoring power to the majority of affected customers by 11:20 p.m.
The disruption continued into the following week; on Monday, a circuit outage left hundreds of customers in East Memphis without power. The outages began around 7 p.m., and by peak hours, MLGW’s outage map reported around 2,300 customers without power. Areas most severely affected included homes and businesses along Poplar Avenue, near East High School and the Central Library. Crews were still on-site working to resolve the issue by 8 p.m. on Monday.
On Tuesday at approximately 1:30 p.m., another outage occurred due to a breaker issue at a substation, impacting at least 12,492 customers. This outage primarily affected residents in the Orange Mound, Parkway Village, and Whitehaven neighborhoods. This incident marked the second major substation-related outage in just over two weeks; a prior fire at a substation on September 17 similarly disrupted service to many customers.
MLGW has outlined that while they have animal mitigation measures to prevent these types of interruptions, they are not entirely effective against all animal-related outages. The string of events highlights the challenges faced by utility companies in safeguarding their infrastructure against both natural and unforeseen animal incidents.
Summary of Recent Power Outages in Memphis
- Over 900 customers without power on Sunday with peak outages at 1,568.
- Raccoon interference caused an outage affecting over 7,500 customers on Sunday night.
- Power restoration occurred for most by 11:20 p.m. on Sunday.
- Monday’s circuit outage left about 2,300 customers without power by 7 p.m.
- Tuesday’s breaker issue impacted at least 12,492 customers.
- Previous outages occurred due to a fire at a substation on September 17.
Background on MLGW Power Outages
The incidents over the past week shed light on various challenges faced by Memphis Light, Gas and Water regarding power stability in the city. The combination of heavy rain, animal interference, and substation issues underscores the complexity of maintaining uninterrupted service for residents and businesses in Memphis. The measures in place might mitigate some risks, but the unpredictability of both weather and wildlife presents ongoing difficulties for the utility provider.
FAQ
How many MLGW customers were without power on Sunday?
Over 900 Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) customers were without power on Sunday due to rain, with a peak of 1,568 customers reported without power at 8:00 a.m.
What caused the significant power outage on Sunday night?
A raccoon caused a significant power outage affecting over 7,500 customers on Sunday night after making contact with electrical equipment.
How many customers were affected by the breaker issue on Tuesday?
The breaker issue on Tuesday caused outages for at least 12,492 customers, primarily affecting the Orange Mound, Parkway Village, and Whitehaven neighborhoods.
Key Features of Recent Power Outages in Memphis
| Date | Cause | No. of Customers Affected | Restoration Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Rain | 1,568 (peak) | 11:20 p.m. |
| Sunday Night | Raccoon | 7,500+ | 11:20 p.m. |
| Monday | Circuit Outage | 2,300 (peak) | Not specified |
| Tuesday | Breaker Issue | 12,492 | Not specified |
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Fox13 Memphis
- WREG News
- Hoodline
- Local Memphis
- Wikipedia: Power Outage
- Google Search: MLGW power outages
- Google Scholar: Power Outages in Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Power Outage
- Google News: MLGW Power Failure
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
