MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - MLGW customers will be paying more on their utility bills, if the utility has its way.
Memphis, Light, Gas and Water is proposing 69-cent monthly increase in the water rate. If approved, this will be the second year in a row the utility has increased rates.
Miesha Brooks can't understand why MLGW feels the need to keeping raising rates.
"People out here are hurting and they're struggling," Brooks tells abc24.com. "They trying to keep they lights on. It don't make no sense. I promise, it don't."
MLGW President Jerry Collins tells abc24.com the increase does make sense.
"The cost of doing business is going up," he says. "The cost of running wells and pumps in the water system is going up."
The frustration level of MLGW customers is going up, too.
"It's upsetting," says Brooks.
Harold Adams says he wasn't upset when he first heard about the 69-cent increase until he found out the rate hike will help pay for raises for MLGW employees.
"Under those conditions," he says, "I would say that's not fair at all."
MLGW says the increase will generate nearly $4 million. If approved by the Memphis City Council, the new rate would go into effect on January 1st, 2012.
