Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative (MLEC) is the member-owned source of power and broadband for the Middle Tennessee counties of Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry. We strive to deliver safe, affordable, reliable electricity, while also creating brighter futures for our hometowns.
Formed in 1939, MLEC has a rich history of commitment and progress that goes beyond the wires of electricity. It's what electric co-ops do.
Electric co-ops serve more than 2.5 million Tennesseans, 71 percent of the state and 84 of the state’s 95 counties. Co-ops keep the lights on 99.96 percent of the time and provide career opportunities to more than 2,400 Tennesseans. Co-ops pay some $63 million in taxes and have awarded more than $39 million in USDA loans and grants to recruit and retain rural jobs.
Despite the impressive statistics and the positive impact of co-ops, many hurdles remain for our rural and suburban communities.
MLEC employees and directors love the communities we serve, and we take our responsibility to improve everyday life for our members seriously.
We believe that there is a role for MLEC that goes far beyond simply keeping the lights on. That is why we are working with local economic development groups to help recruit jobs and investments to our service areas. We work to prepare the next generation of leaders through our youth leadership and Washington Youth Tour programs. And, we are making fast, affordable, reliable broadband an option for each MLEC member through MLConnect.
I appreciate the impact that co-ops continue to have in the lives of those we serve. Our employees, directors and retirees can be proud of the role that MLEC played in developing this region over the years. Our communities have tremendous potential, and I think our best days lie ahead.
Keith Carnahan, MLEC President and CEO