Progress Slow For MLEC on Day Three of Power Restoration

Crews focus on main line repairs as just under 13,000 remain without power

(4:00 p.m. January 27, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Today brought slow progress and setbacks due to continued falling trees for Meriwether Lewis crews. Damage from the ice storm remains significant, and recovery is expected to take at least a couple of weeks. Crews will continue working late tonight with the hopes of more progress before suspending for safety and starting fresh in the morning.

At this hour, those without power are primarily in Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. MLEC expects totals to fluctuate as restoration continues and additional damage is identified. Numerous locations are still inaccessible due to downed trees and icy roads, and crews will work daily until everyone has power restored.

This evening, Meriwether Lewis power and broadband crews are focused on repairing main distribution lines that serve entire communities with the help of 150 additional individuals who have responded to support restoration efforts. The following large-scale lines are currently being addressed:

Hickman County: Coble, Morgan’s Creek, Gray’s Bend, Highway 50 East, Williamsport and Leatherwood, Pinewood, Hidden Valley, Aetna, and Beaverdam.

Lewis County: New Kimmins, Twin Oaks, Waynesboro Highway, Summertown Highway, Drake Lane, Buffalo Road, Oak Grove, Linden Highway, Darbytown, and Piney Creek.

Perry County: Pineview, Flatwoods, Cedar Creek, Highway 412 West, and Only.

With additional outages occurring today, there are still approximately 4000 without power in Hickman County, 3900 in Lewis County, and 4750 in Perry County. Humphreys County will be finishing up individual service locations over the next few days, and Houston County operations have returned to normal.

Broadband crews are also working to repair damaged main line fiber and service lines where possible. Like power, full broadband restoration is expected to take weeks, as many repairs remain dependent on electric service restoration.

“Thinking of our members and what they are going through keeps us pushing in these conditions,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We may be dealing with one some of the most wide-scale damage to our system in my 11 years at MLEC. Repairs are going to take time, and we can’t thank our members, partners, and employees enough for their patience as we work through this together.”

Members who have experienced damage to their weatherhead should turn off their main breaker and contact their local MLEC office. Members are encouraged to call if they remain without power, especially in Humphreys and Houston County.

MLEC understands that many residents are entering a third day without electricity. Members are encouraged to contact their local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for warming shelter information or reach out to neighbors, friends, or family members with safe heating options.

An additional update will be provided at 9:00 a.m., January 28, 2026.

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