500 homes in three years. That’s how many families in Memphis have lowered their energy bills at no cost through the TVA EnergyRight Home Uplift program. And that’s something to celebrate!

Through the partnership of TVA, MLGW and the City of Memphis, the income-based Home Uplift program helps reduce qualifying residents’ energy burden by making such energy upgrades as HVAC repairs, ductwork, air sealing, insulation, window and door sealing, and more.

At a Dec. 6 news conference at the home of Yvonne Becton, the 500^th Memphis resident to receive a Home Uplift renovation, MLGW President J.T. Young said, “We are excited to help TVA celebrate this program, which improves the quality of life for people and makes a huge impact in our community. We have some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation, but we also have challenges around energy burden. This program helps address that.”

Also in the news conference, the benefits of the Home Uplift program were highlighted by Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland, Memphis City Council members Edmond Ford Sr. and Patrice Robinson, TVA West Region Vice President Mark Yates, TVA EnergyRight Vice President Cynthia Herron, and Home Uplift program participant Yvonne Becton.

“This program has helped my family tremendously,” Becton said. “In the first month after the Home Uplift upgrades, I saw a $200 decrease in my bill. Because of my experience, I try to tell as many people as I can about the opportunity.”

The celebration today also included free home energy workshops sponsored by TVA, MLGW, and City of Memphis Weatherization Assistance Program to provide residents with low- and no-cost energy savings tips to reduce their electric bill this winter. 

“Home Uplift and EnergyRight Home Energy Workshops help Memphis residents take control of their energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes,” said Yates. “TVA greatly appreciates the opportunity to partner with MLGW and the City of Memphis in this important work.”

Through TVA, MLGW and TDEC funding, $4.7 million has been invested in the Memphis community through Home Uplift. The partnership makes a difference for Memphis families struggling with high energy burden, including non-energy impacts like improved health benefits that come from weatherization measures.

About 60 people joined in the workshops at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood’s Family Life Center. Participants received home energy kits, weatherization tips, demonstrations, an assortment of winter weatherization-themed giveaways, and ways to sign up for the Home Uplift program. COVID-19 precautions and social distancing were enforced, along with staggered entry to the workshop to protect the public. 

For more information on how to enroll in Home Uplift, contact MLGW or your local power company.