The Higher We Go

Elevating Communities

Quinton Clark grew up in the Memphis neighborhood of Bethel Grove near Orange Mound. He knows both its wins and its challenges.

Now, as vice president of engineering, operations and construction at Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), Clark works to improve the electric utility reliability in the very communities that shaped him.

It’s a mission he shares with other local leaders, including Doug McGowen, MLGW President and CEO – and one supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority through its Comprehensive Services Program.

The goal? Close distribution gaps, improve reliability and elevate quality of life across TVA’s service area.

Since 1995, the cost-sharing program has offered access to services like energy audits, power quality analyses, compressed air leak detection, infrared scans, and investigations into billing and meter issues.

“It’s a cost-share arrangement where TVA puts money in a pot and the local power companies put money in the pot,” Jimmy Allen, TVA customer relations manager, said.  “It works out nicely because we can invest in and maintain state-of-the-art equipment and a shared, qualified staff. It's just a great partnership, and historically the TVA offering rated highest by local power companies.”

Last year, TVA added drones into the program mix to help bolster communities across the service area.

An aerial view of a utility pole before and after repairs.

Powering Neighborhoods

One Friday morning in Orange Mound, Clark joined TVA’s Customer Relations team for a drone demo with local high schoolers at RedZone Ministries, a youth outreach program serving greater Memphis.

About 20 students gathered under a pop-up tent and watched TVA licensed drone pilots Phil Taylor and Robert Patrick fly a drone over a nearby football field.

Earlier this year, those same drones surveyed thousands of distribution poles across Orange Mound and neighboring areas as part of the Comprehensive Services Program’s expanded efforts.

The benefits were clear.

“By leveraging the TVA Comprehensive Services Program, MLGW has been able to save a significant amount of time for infrastructure inspections in Orange Mound,” Clark said.

“TVA successfully completed inspections of 9,000 poles, a feat that greatly benefited our operations and efficiency to improve reliability for Orange Mound and the surrounding areas.”

A drone's-eye view of a utility pole in the Memphis Orange Mound neighborhood. The pole had a broken crossarm.

‘We Are Not Done’

These aerial inspections supported upgrades under the Orange Mound Neighborhood Initiative (OMNI), launched in 2022 after Winter Storm Landon. Orange Mound and surrounding neighborhoods had experienced significant power interruptions following the storm.

In response, MLGW developed a modernization plan and partnered with TVA to gain a better understanding of the neighborhood’s reliability challenges. Their work ultimately led to equipment upgrades.

Infrastructure revitalization of the OMNI area began in January 2024, the same year that drones were added to the Comprehensive Services Program offerings.

One year later, TVA drone teams began conducting aerial inspections of poles and conductors within the OMNI area to help enhance its distribution system.

By February, yearly interruptions per area customers dropped from 3.7 to 1.9 – a nearly 50% improvement.

McGowen said the work is far from over.

"The work we are doing in Orange Mound will significantly improve customer reliability today and ensure the grid is ready for the challenges of tomorrow," he said. "I am proud of the work and this partnership, but we are not done.

"We will continue to replace outdated infrastructure and modernize our electric grid with the goal of minimizing interruptions and outage time for all of our customers in Memphis and Shelby County.”

TVA drone pilot Phil Taylor uses a handheld controller to fly a drone as students look on.

Better Together

The benefits of TVA’s Comprehensive Services Program extend to nearly all 153 local power companies within its service area.

Through the initiative, TVA’s drone program has supported projects for utilities across the Valley region, including Gibson Electric Membership, Brownsville Energy Authority, Benton County Electric and Carroll County Electric.

With shared access to these advanced tools, local power companies can deliver efficiency for their customers and enhanced safety for their workers, all at a fraction of the cost.

A stronger distribution system also fuels workforce development and economic development opportunities – like partnering with local youth ministries to give the next generation a firsthand look into rewarding STEM careers.

"Imagine the impact we could have by inspiring young minds and showing them the endless possibilities within the STEM field," Clark said. "It's a win-win situation where we not only strengthen our system but also contribute positively to our community's future."

For Allen, the power of public power is its ability to connect reliable, affordable energy with programs that uplift communities and drive economic growth.

“It’s a spillover of what we do well – that is, partnering with our local power companies,” Allen said. “We’re not only solving reliability issues in a challenging area but recognizing other opportunities and working with our local power company to leave a greater impact on the needs of that community.”

Photo Gallery

Demonstrating the drone technology, from left, is Quinton Clark, of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, and TVA drone pilot Robert Patrick.

Students view a video screen displaying a live feed of the drone's camera as it flies over a football field.

Students point skyward as the drone readies for landing.

PHOTO AT TOP OF PAGE: TVA's drone demonstration for RedZone Ministries gave students a firsthand look at technology used in the power industry.