Memphis, Tennessee, December 3, 2025
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has requested over $59 million from the City of Memphis to build a new control center and improve local road conditions. The initiative aims to modernize infrastructure and enhance service reliability for the community. The plan includes significant investments in both infrastructure modernization and road improvements, ensuring that Memphis’s residents and businesses receive stable utility services.
MLGW Seeks $59 Million for New Control Center and Road Upgrades
Memphis, Tennessee โ Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) has put forth a request for over $59 million from the City of Memphis to facilitate the construction of a cutting-edge control center and to enhance road conditions throughout the area. This strategic initiative is designed to modernize MLGW’s infrastructure, ultimately leading to improved service reliability for both residents and businesses in the Memphis community.
Details of the Funding Request
The proposed funding will be divided into two main segments:
- New Control Center: The establishment of a state-of-the-art operations center intended to oversee MLGW’s Electric, Gas, and Water Systems, replacing the existing facility at Covington Pike. This new facility aims to bolster operational efficiency and reliability of services provided by MLGW.
- Road Improvements: Significant investments directed toward road repairs and maintenance are planned to address the deteriorating state of infrastructure, focusing on enhancing safety and improving driving conditions across Memphis.
Background and Context
MLGW is committed to modernizing its infrastructure to effectively respond to the rising demands of the community. In a noteworthy development, MLGW selected Nokia in July 2025 to implement a comprehensive private 5G wireless network throughout Memphis and Shelby County, marking a major advancement in grid modernization. This network is expected to foster real-time communication and automation capabilities across MLGW’s three integral divisions, positioning the utility as the first municipal organization in the U.S. to deploy a full-scale standalone 5G private wireless network.
Furthermore, MLGW has made significant progress in replacing outdated infrastructure, such as substation transformers and circuit breakers, aimed at preventing prolonged outages. The utility has surpassed its five-year target by successfully replacing 91 new substation breakers and 20 substation transformers.
This proposed $59 million funding request aligns seamlessly with MLGW’s ongoing efforts to enhance service reliability and infrastructure resilience, ensuring the utility can adequately meet the evolving needs of both Memphis residents and local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is MLGW requesting from the City of Memphis?
MLGW is requesting over $59 million to fund the construction of a new control center and to enhance road conditions throughout Memphis.
How will the funding be allocated?
The funding will be allocated to establish a new state-of-the-art operations center for MLGW’s Electric, Gas, and Water Systems, and to invest in road repairs and maintenance to improve infrastructure across the city.
What is the purpose of the new control center?
The new control center aims to replace the current facility at Covington Pike, enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability for MLGW’s Electric, Gas, and Water Systems.
How does this request fit into MLGW’s modernization efforts?
The funding request aligns with MLGW’s ongoing initiatives to modernize infrastructure, including the deployment of a private 5G wireless network and the replacement of outdated equipment to improve service reliability.
What are the expected benefits of these improvements?
The improvements are expected to enhance operational efficiency, service reliability, and infrastructure resilience, ensuring that MLGW can effectively meet the needs of Memphis residents and businesses.
Key Features of the Proposed Improvements
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Control Center | Establishment of a state-of-the-art operations center to oversee MLGW’s Electric, Gas, and Water Systems, replacing the current facility at Covington Pike. |
| Road Improvements | Investment in road repairs and maintenance to address deteriorating infrastructure, aiming to improve safety and driving conditions across Memphis. |
| Private 5G Wireless Network | Deployment of a comprehensive private 5G wireless network across Memphis and Shelby County to enable real-time communication and automation across MLGW’s three divisions. |
| Infrastructure Modernization | Replacement of outdated substation transformers and circuit breakers to prevent long-duration outages and enhance system reliability. |
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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.
