MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It should be clear by now that there is tremendous interest throughout Greater Memphis in where Memphis Light Gas and Water will get its electricity in the future. The issue has been debated ad nauseam for more than four years, and it’s no surprise so many voices are clamoring to be heard. We’re talking about tens and perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars, and whenever that much money is involved, lots of people will be looking for a seat at the decision-making table.
That’s not a criticism. It’s reality. Whether MLGW elects to stop buying electricity from the Tennessee Valley Authority is the most crucial policy decision affecting Memphis and Shelby County in the last 100 years.
Lots of people are advocating for a split from the TVA, arguing the savings would be upwards of $300 million a year. Others, including MLGW officials, counter that the savings would not be nearly that much and that switching power suppliers would come with other risks.
But the biggest argument lately has been over transparency – or a lack thereof by the Memphis-owned utility company. Plus, suburban Shelby County leaders are unhappy because no one outside of Memphis has a voice in decision-making on the MLGW board.
Frankly, I believe there should be suburban representation on the board. And as we get closer to a final decision, transparency should be the rule – not the exception.