MLGW seeks approvals for transformers, cable and repairs; committee gives positive recommendation

Memphis Light, Gas and Water President Doug McGowan presented a consent agenda Jan. 27 that included equipment purchases, contract extensions and small capital items the utility said are needed to maintain system reliability.

McGowan told the MLGW committee that the consent package includes purchases such as high‑accuracy instrument voltage transformers — "about 97 of these voltage transformers" — at a one‑time request of $1.6 million spread over five years, a $5 million extension to a medium‑voltage cable contract providing roughly 667,000 feet of cable, and other items including concrete standards, six 23,000‑volt regulators for $208,000, and a $305,000 notice to proceed for roof work on the Allen Pumping Station aerator.

On an inspection of a gas transmission line serving TVA, McGowan said a contractor delay produced an increased cost of about $17,000 and MLGW requested a $35,000 contingency "just in case there's another delay." He emphasized that TVA pays MLGW roughly $3.2 million annually for transmission service and described the inspection as part of federally directed pipeline integrity programs.

McGowan said MLGW crews will perform underground cable splicing and that planned outages may be required during replacements; the utility will use geofenced targeted messaging and the utility’s communications tools to notify affected neighborhoods ahead of outages.

Council members asked how inspections and cable installation will be communicated and whether TVA timing issues were resolved. McGowan said the cost impact was small relative to the TVA contract and the inspection is a mandated safety task administered by pipeline regulators.

After questions about communications and project timing, the committee gave the consent agenda a positive recommendation to proceed to the council floor for formal consideration.

What’s next: the consent items will appear on the council agenda; departments said they will post additional details online and notify neighborhoods about any planned outages.