Memphis Light, Gas and Water has failed to meet its annual tree-trimming goal since the late 1990s, and power outages have increased fivefold because of it. 

If the utility had stayed on track, MLGW President and CEO Doug McGowen said trees would have caused an estimated 25 circuit outages in 2020. Instead, they caused 120. 

McGowen shared data on tree-related power outages with the Memphis City Council Tuesday, July 11, a few hours before the body was set to vote on a series of tree-trimming contracts that he hopes will get MLGW back on track. 

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The utility’s goal is to trim about 1,400 miles of rights of way every year, but halfway through this year, MLGW is only about 5% of the way to its annual goal.

The utility hasn’t met its goal once since the late 1990s. 

Trees have historically been responsible for about 40% of outages in Memphis. In recent weeks, trees were responsible for about 60% of outages, which affected nearly a third of customers. 

The average customer spent an hour without power in 1990, compared to three hours last year. Outages currently last longest in Southwest Memphis. 

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“Obviously, things have not been getting better,” McGowen said. 

That’s why McGowen asked the Memphis City Council to approve a five-year, $227 million contract for tree trimming. McGowen has repeatedly said it’s the most impactful thing MLGW can do to minimize power outages. 

“We will, with (the council’s) approval, begin vigorous management as soon as we can,” McGowen said. “I think it’s imperative.” 

The council approved Tuesday the three contracts for different sectors of MLGW’s service area with three different tree trimming companies. The contracts do not increase planned and approved city funding to MLGW.