Pushback after MLGW rate hike announcement

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - There is more pushback against a potential rise in your MLGW bills.

It’s a sticker shock to many. MLGW CEO Doug McGowen presented a proposal earlier this week.

He said the utility is looking into a water and gas rate hike over the next three years, the first since 2022.

This could mean seeing on average see $18 more a month for gas and $10 more for water.

He points to the Memphis City Council, who has the final say about rate hikes, which Councilman J-B Smiley said should not happen at this time.

“Everything is more expensive. This is not the time to be asking people to pay more; people cannot do it, and this is not an issue associated with any particular community. This is a Memphis issue. We cannot afford it,” said JB Smiley, Jr., Memphis City Council.

McGowen, who says the plan predates the data center conversation and came before anyone knew what xA-I was.

He said part of the hike is to help pay for a $17 million jump in repaving costs when replacing pipes due to new city rules, along with funds to pay for continued modernization.

Click here to sign up for our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammar error. Please include the headline.