Report Gas or Electrical Hazards - Memphis Ordinances

Utilities and Infrastructure Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee residents must report suspected gas leaks, downed power lines, exposed live wiring, or other utility hazards immediately to the city-owned utility or emergency services. This guide explains who enforces safety rules, how to report hazards, what penalties or orders may apply under local ordinances, and practical steps for documenting and appealing enforcement actions. For immediate life-safety threats call 911; for utility emergencies contact the utility operator or use Memphis 311 for non-emergency concerns.

Reporting channels and first actions

For utility-operated electrical or gas emergencies contact Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) or the utility serving your area for 24/7 emergency response and triage.[1] For non-immediate hazards, requests for inspection, or to file a municipal concern use Memphis 311 online or by phone.[2]

Call 911 if there is an immediate danger, fire, or explosions.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of electrical and gas safety at the municipal level typically involves the utility operator for service-related hazards and city code enforcement for violations of local ordinances or unsafe conditions on property. Where the city code or municipal ordinances set penalties, consult the official code of ordinances for exact fines and schedules.[3]

  • Enforcer: utility operators (MLGW) for service and emergency response.
  • City code enforcement or building inspection for unsafe wiring, illegal hook-ups, or hazards on private property.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code for amounts and daily continuation fines.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offences are governed by ordinance language or by separate enforcement policies and may include increased fines or court action; amounts and timeframes are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: emergency abatement orders, utility disconnection or service suspension, seizure or removal of unsafe equipment, and civil court actions.
Document the exact location, photos if safe, and the time when you reported the hazard.

Applications & Forms

There is typically no separate municipal "emergency report" form for gas or electrical hazards; emergency reports are handled by calling the utility or 911 and non-emergency concerns via Memphis 311. Specific permit applications for electrical work, reconnections, or variance requests are handled through building and permitting offices and are listed in the municipal permitting pages or the utility's customer service resources.

If a formal appeal or permit is needed, request the exact form and fee schedule from the permitting office or utility customer service.

Action steps to report a hazard

  • Immediate danger: call 911 first.
  • Utility emergency: call the utility emergency hotline for gas leaks or downed lines.[1]
  • Non-emergency: submit a Memphis 311 request with photos and address details.[2]
  • Recordkeeping: save incident reference numbers, photos, and the names of any responders or inspectors.

FAQ

Who should I call for a natural gas smell?
Call 911 if you believe there is immediate danger; otherwise contact the utility emergency hotline for gas leaks.[1]
Can the city fine me for wiring that creates a hazard?
Yes; city code enforcement or building inspectors may issue orders or fines under the municipal code. Specific fine amounts should be checked in the official code of ordinances.[3]
How do I appeal an enforcement order?
Enforcement orders usually describe appeal routes and timelines; if not, request appeal instructions from the enforcing department or the municipal code office.

How-To

  1. Ensure personal safety and evacuate if there is an immediate hazard.
  2. Call 911 for fire or life-safety threats.
  3. Contact the utility emergency hotline to report gas leaks or downed power lines.[1]
  4. File a Memphis 311 report for non-emergency inspections or follow-up requests.[2]
  5. Keep records of your report number, photos, and any inspection or repair receipts.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 for immediate danger and the utility for service emergencies.
  • Use Memphis 311 for non-emergency reports and inspection requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)
  2. [2] City of Memphis 311
  3. [3] City of Memphis Code of Ordinances

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