Wallace Re-Elected

November 1, 2023) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative will conduct power pole inspections in Humphreys County starting November 13. Crews will take about six weeks to evaluate infrastructure and identify any equipment that may need repairs. Power poles located south of Waverly and around New Johnsonville will be targeted:

• From the southern Waverly city limit down Highway 13 to Hunter Paradise Lane
• West Blue Creek Road, Weed Lane, Pumpkin Creek Road, Buchanon Road, Old Highway 13, Hurricane Creek Road, Hurricane Mills Road, Burned House Road, Stewart Branch Road, Dogwood Road and other connecting secondary roads.
• New Johnsonville city limits, Highway 70 from Scepter Road to New Johnsonville, Paint Rock Road, Box Hollow Road, Old State Route 1, Mill Road, Crockett Road, Pump Station Road, Old Johnsonville Road, Flatwood Road, Neil Beard Road and other connecting secondary roads.

“The process will allow MLEC to identify and correct problems such as weakened or broken poles before they create an outage,” says MLEC System Engineer Brent Warf. “The proactive work helps control costs as well as limiting outages for members.”

Contractors from Power Pole Maintenance will be driving trucks properly identified with their company logo and “MLEC Contractor” decals. Employees will also have ID cards verifying their association with MLEC. The evaluation typically takes a few minutes with some occasional photographs for documentation. The home or business owner does not need to be present since the work is conducted outside.

“MLEC only selects trusted contractors to conduct power pole inspections,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Crews will be wearing yellow vests and company logos, so members can identify workers that may enter their property.”

MLEC conducts pole inspections across its five-county service area (Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties) on a rotational basis. A full map outlining the inspection area can be found under the info map at www.mlec.com.

(Click image below to enlarge)

(October 26, 2023) —   In ongoing efforts to serve its members more efficiently and reliably, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is upgrading meters across its service area. Work begins the week of November 6 for Houston County.

“Like any technology, meter upgrades come along as older equipment becomes unreliable and has less manufacturer support if something goes wrong,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are replacing the unsupported meters and combining the upgraded model with MLConnect broadband to deliver on our commitment to provide safe, affordable, reliable power to our members.”

The installation only takes a few minutes, creates a momentary outage, and only involves outside equipment. The home or business owner does not need to be present. MLEC understands members might question someone unfamiliar on their property, so MLEC employees are always in clearly marked vehicles and have photo id badges.

The advanced meters improve reliability by pinpointing and responding to power outages more effectively, creating opportunities for grid improvements, and diagnosing and resolving issues before they occur. Ultimately, it saves outage time and the costs associated with unexpected power interruptions. For additional details, contact your local MLEC office or visit the “Services” tab on www.mlec.com.  

(October 23, 2023) —Approximately 70 Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative and Connect employees and a board director participated in the 2023 Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service by volunteering across MLEC’s five-county service area. A total of 78 hours were spent volunteering on October 19. Employees spent time picking up litter, assisting local civic organizations with donations and assembling and distributing food boxes. Monetary and food donations were also delivered.

“MLEC is thankful for the opportunity to work with local groups to improve the quality of life for members,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Co-op Day of Service allows employees to make an impact beyond power and broadband and make a difference in their hometowns. We enjoy giving back to our communities and look forward to future opportunities.”

The Tennessee Electric Co-op Day of Service is coordinated by the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. Twenty-six separate community service projects were completed as a part of this year’s event. More than 800 electric co-op employees devoted more than 2,100 volunteer hours across the state.

In the seven-year history of the Day of Service event, 3,500 employees have volunteered more than 8,700 hours to complete 179 individual projects in co-op communities across the state.

(October 24, 2023) —About 140 people attended Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s 2023 Lewis County Member Night held October 19.

Dr. Jeff Peery, senior MLEC director for Lewis County, called the informational meeting to order at Lewis County High School. Lewis County student Maylee Hadley led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Central Christian Fellowship Pastor Chris Bean led the invocation. The event served as an opportunity for members to see MLEC’s 2023 Annual Report video, which highlighted service commitments, progress over the past year, reliability upgrade plans, community involvement, and a Meriwether Lewis Connect update.

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate local Lewis County students. MLEC poster contest winners received their prizes, and MLEC recognized Washington Youth Tour delegate Hadley Spitzer.

Door prize winners were Kay Henley – one-year membership to the Nashville Zoo; Robbie Hooks – bluetooth speaker; Reba Hollis – iRobot roomba vacuum/sweeper; Rhonda Haygood – Blackstone electric grill; Dana McConkey– outdoor smokeless firepit; and Violet Tenison – 50-inch smart TV donated by MLConnect. All meeting attendees received an MLEC weather station.

“All of us at Meriwether Lewis thank the members for attending and participating in our Lewis County Member Night,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “It is an honor to serve you with power and broadband. Every day we strive to deliver the essential services that make your life more comfortable.”

October 19, 2023) —More than 300 people attended Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s 2023 Humphreys County Membership Meeting held October 17. Jessie Wallace (180 votes) was re-elected to the MLEC Board of Directors. Richard S. Welchans (22 votes) was also on the ballot.

David Daniel, MLEC director for Humphreys County, called the meeting to order, and John Lee Williams served as temporary chairman and presided over the meeting held at Waverly Central High School. Hickman-Patterson American Legion Post 34 presented colors for the Pledge of Allegiance, and First Batist Church member Adam Mullinax led the invocation. The event served as an opportunity for members to see MLEC’s 2023 Annual Report video, which highlighted service commitments, progress over the past year, reliability upgrade plans, community involvement, and a Meriwether Lewis Connect update.

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate local Humphreys County students. MLEC poster contest winners received their prizes, and MLEC recognized Washington Youth Tour delegates Nolan Callicott and Sam Upchurch. Humphreys County MLEC Director David Daniel was honored as well for five years of service.

Door prize winners were Jamie Vinson – one-year membership to the Nashville Zoo; Kathy Ozden – bluetooth speaker; Buddy Frazier – iRobot roomba vacuum/sweeper; Lori Pate – Blackstone electric grill; Juanita Philpot – outdoor smokeless firepit; and Gary Campbell – 50-inch smart TV donated by MLConnect. All meeting attendees received an MLEC weather station.

“All of us at Meriwether Lewis thank the members for attending and participating in our Humphreys County membership meeting,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “It is an honor to serve you with power and broadband. Every day we strive to deliver the essential services that make your life more comfortable.”