MLEC Shares December Power Rates

Tuesday’s Progress Lays Groundwork for Day 4 of Recovery Effort

(9:00 a.m. January 28, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Power was restored to 2800 Meriwether Lewis members on Tuesday with the help of 175 additional crews supporting local employees with line work and clearing roads and power lines. While some were restored, others saw new power outages due to continued falling limbs and trees. Additional mutual aid crews will be arriving today and tomorrow.

“Many of the main lines that serve homes and also serve as branches to deliver power to smaller areas are significantly damaged and have to be fixed before we can begin to address individual lines,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Repairing the main lines is a lengthy process under normal conditions; however, having to clear debris as we go to reach them extends it even longer. We are also grateful to local emergency responders and volunteers helping us clear roads, and Governor Lee’s Executive Order 111, which gives TDOT crews the ability to clear non-state roads, will provide great support.”

As crews started at daylight, more main lines continue to be the focus, as well as some smaller lines we can reach because of yesterday’s progress. Crews today will be working on lines leading to the following areas:

Hickman County, where 3000 remain without power: Swan, Edgewood, Grays Bend, Aetna, Brushy, Leatherwood, Williamsport, Pinewood, Hidden Valley, Columbia Avenue, Riverview, and Shipps Bend. Roads have also been cleared leading toward Nunnelly, Pretty Creek, Dodd Hollow and Sugar Creek so we will be accessing damage in that area in preparation for repairs.

Lewis County, as 2800 are still impacted by outages: Piney Creek, Waynesboro Highway, Long Branch, Highway 20, Metal Ford Road, Paul Spears Road, Barnsville, Charles McClearen Road, New Kimmins, Cane Creek, Howards Switch, Sickler Road, Buffalo Road, Riverside Community, and Shubert.

Perry County, where 4300 are without power: Pineview, Highway 128 toward Cedar Creek, White Oak, 412 West area, Flatwoods, and 412 East areas. Access to Brush Creek leading to Pleasantville is now available so we will be accessing damage there in preparation for crews.

Humphreys and Houston counties are working on individual services and other issues that might arise in their area.

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.

Meriwether Lewis estimates full restoration could take several weeks. Based on damage found as crews can access more areas after debris is moved, the timeline could shorten or lengthen. The cooperative is committed to keeping everyone informed throughout the process.

“No doubt a storm of this magnitude is devastating and creates difficulties for those we serve with heat, connectivity and conveniences. Caring for them is in the forefront of all we do, and we will continue working until everyone has power and broadband restored,” said Carnahan. “We are making progress and are proud of what our employees and all the volunteers here to help. We are grateful to our members for their patience and understanding as everyone works to help life return to normal. It will be a long process, but we will continue working until everyone has power and broadband restored.”

A brief update will be provided by 4 p.m. on January 28, 2026, and another by 9 p.m.

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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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Crews focus on main line repairs as 13,000 outages still remain

(9 a.m. Update January 27, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis crews are continuing restoration efforts today across the five-county service area as damage from Ice Storm Fern remains widespread. As of this morning, 13,000 are still without power, though that number may fluctuate as restoration continues and additional damage is found.

Crews are prioritizing repairs to main lines that serve communities before moving deeper into affected areas. Today’s work is focused on main lines leading into the following locations:

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

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

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

Current outage estimates by county include approximately 4,000 members in Hickman County, 3,900 in Lewis County, 5,000 in Perry County, and around 100 in Humphreys County. Houston County operations have returned to normal.

Due to the extent of system-wide damage caused by ice accumulation and falling trees, members should prepare for extended outages with full restoration currently estimated to take up to two weeks in Hickman, Lewis and Perry Counties. Humphreys County is expected to take a few more days. Additional outages may occur as weakened trees and limbs continue to fall or snap back in place as the ice melts.

To report an outage, please continue to call your local district office or the after-hours number 1-888-879-6038. This is especially important in Humphreys and Houston counties where only individual outages remain. Phone lines have been restored at Lewis and Perry County offices.

More than 150 additional mutual aid personnel, including lineworkers and right-of-way crews, are assisting MLEC crews as restoration continues. Broadband crews are also working to repair damaged fiber across the service area. However, many broadband repairs must wait until electric service is restored.

Members who have experienced damage to their weatherhead are asked to turn off their main breaker and contact their local MLEC office. For more details about your weatherhead, please visit mlec.com and MLEC social medias. Stay clear of downed power lines, avoid hazardous roadways when possible, and give crews space to work safely.

MLEC recognizes that many members are entering their third day without electricity. Prioritize safety by contacting their local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for information about warming shelters or reaching out to neighbors, friends, or family members with safe heating options.

“Our members are tired, cold, and concerned, and that is why MLEC keeps pushing forward. Please know we are working as quickly and safely as conditions allow with our full focus on restoring service to our communities, “said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are incredibly proud of our crews, mutual aid partners, emergency responders, and local officials for what they’ve accomplished under extremely difficult conditions.”

An additional update will be provided at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday.

14,000 members remain without power

Meriwether Lewis crews continued restoration efforts today across the service area as ice-related damage remains widespread and unpredictable. Throughout the day, power was restored in multiple locations only to be lost again as additional trees and limbs fell. As of this update, an estimated 14,000 members are currently without power.

Most outages remain concentrated in Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties, where damage is extensive and access continues to be limited by fallen trees and hazardous road conditions. MLEC offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, January 27 to focus on restoration efforts. For members reporting outages, please call the MLEC after-hours outage number at 1-888-879-6038.

Members should continue to prepare for extended outages. Ice storms create system-wide damage, and restoration will take time as crews work safely. MLEC currently has approximately 150 additional mutual aid workers assisting with restoration efforts. These include a combination of lineworkers and right-of-way crews from Service Electric, Holston Electric, North Georgia EMC and Trees, Inc.

MLEC understands that many members are approaching 48 hours without power. We know this is difficult, especially with cold temperatures, and we want members to prioritize their safety. Members are encouraged to contact their local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for information about warming shelters or reach out to neighbors, friends, or family members who may have safe warming options available.

As a safety reminder, please stay clear of downed power lines and give crews the space they need to work safely. If travel is necessary, use extreme caution as road conditions remain hazardous in many areas.

MLEC also wants to extend sincere thanks to emergency responders, local officials, and volunteers who are supporting our communities during this event. Their efforts, alongside ours, are making a meaningful difference for those affected.

“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and resilience of our members,” President and CEO Keith Carnahan said. “Our crews alongside mutual aid are pushing as hard as conditions allow, working long hours in dangerous environments with the goal of restoring power safely to our communities as quickly as possible.”

A more detailed system-wide update will be shared Tuesday morning as damage assessments continue.

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Mutual aid crews assisting as hazardous conditions limit access

(9:00 a.m. January 26, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis crews returned to work early this morning to continue restoration efforts across the cooperative’s five-county service area. As of this update, approximately 14,500 members remain without power.

Members should anticipate extended outages and plan accordingly. Due to fallen trees and treacherous road conditions, crews are currently unable to access portions of the service area, slowing restoration efforts.

“Ice storms are different than most outage events,” said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “This is not like a tornado where the damage is concentrated in one area. This storm has impacted our entire service area, and it will take days to work through the damage. We are working hard to bring back service to our members”

Between 50 and 60 lineworkers are working this morning with additional crews on the way. Assistance is being provided by Service Electric, Holston Electric, North Georgia EMC, and right-of-way crews from Trees Inc.

Members who have experienced damage to their weatherheadare asked to turn off their main breaker and report the damage to their local district office. MLEC crews will assess the situation and assist with securing the area so a licensed electrician can complete necessary repairs. Broadband restoration efforts are ongoing but remain dependent on power restoration. Repairs are being made where possible

MLEC appreciates the patience and understanding of its members as crews continue working to restore power safely during this severe weather event. 

The next update will be provided at 4:00 p.m. Monday.

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MLEC offices will close on Monday to focus on restoration

(4:00 p.m. January 25, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis crews continue to respond to widespread outages caused by Winter Storm Fern with approximately 18,500 members without power. 

To fully commit resources to restoration efforts, all MLEC offices will be closed on Monday, January 26. While walk-in services will not be available, district offices will continue taking outage reports, and members are encouraged to report outages by calling their local district office or the after-hours outage line at 1-888-879-6038.

For the safety of our crews, they will suspend restoration efforts later tonight and start again early Monday. They have been working throughout the day in extremely challenging and dangerous conditions. Ice accumulation continues to cause trees and limbs to fall, and in many cases, power is being restored only to go back out as new damage occurs. MLEC has requested mutual aid, and a total of 60 lineworkers are either en route or already working across the service area assisting with repairs.

In addition, MLEC is seeing multiple instances of damaged weatherheads. These situations will require a licensed electrician to make repairs before MLEC crews can safely restore power.

“This is one of the most significant ice storms our service area has faced in recent history,” said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Our communities are at the heart of everything we do, and our crews are working in dangerous conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible for our members.”

Members are urged to remain indoors and avoid traveling if possible. Never approach downed power lines or attempt to clear debris near electrical equipment. If you are using a generator, use extreme and contact MLEC. A generator can send electricity back through electric lines and electrocute linemen or others involved in restoration efforts. See www.mlec.com/generators/ for proper generator installation and use.

MLEC appreciates the patience and understanding of its members as restoration efforts continue during this severe weather event. 

The next update will be provided at 9:00 a.m. Monday.

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Restoration underway as crews work through dangerous conditions

(January 25, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Winter storm Fern is impacting the Meriwether Lewis service area, causing widespread power outages and damage to electrical infrastructure. As ice continues to build on trees and power lines, approximately 13,500 members are currently without power, but that number is expected to fluctuate throughout this ongoing weather event.

With freezing temperatures forecast to continue, restoration is expected to take time, and outages will persist over the coming days. In anticipation of outages, contract crews were brought in Saturday and have been able to assist MLEC. More are expected.

MLEC line crews began responding shortly after midnight early Sunday morning when the first outages were reported. Crews are working in extremely hazardous conditions, including icy roads, falling trees, and downed power lines, and will continue restoration efforts as safely and quickly as conditions allow.

Members are asked to report power outages by calling their local district office or the after-hours number at 1-888-879-6038. Please be aware that phone lines are experiencing heavy call volume, and it may take multiple attempts to reach a representative.

For safety reasons, members should stay indoors and avoid traveling if possible. Never approach downed power lines or attempt to remove debris near electrical equipment. The safety of our members and employees remains our top priority.

MLEC appreciates the patience and understanding of our members during this severe weather event.

The next update will be provided at 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

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TVA transitions to seasonal rates

(December 9, 2025 – Centerville, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative members will see changes on their December statements that equal a slight increase in electricity costs.

The changes include the Tennessee Valley Authority moving to higher seasonal (winter) pricing and their Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA) slightly increasing. As a result, electric rates will increase to reflect the transition. For example, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative residential members using 1200 kilowatt-hours will pay $2.85 more (1.72 percent increase) compared to November for the same amount of energy. The total residential per kilowatt-hour price is now $0.10266, which is slightly less than it was this same time last year. A complete rate schedule is available at www.mlec.com/rates.

To help members better control energy costs, MLEC offers free guidance and resources to reduce energy consumption.

1. Turn off unnecessary lights, equipment and appliances when not in use.
2. Set your thermostat to the appropriate temperature. TVA recommends 68 degrees during the winter.
3. MLEC offers heat pump financing and rebates for home insulation, duct work and air sealing. These measures keep heated air in and cold air out to make your home more energy efficient.

MLEC also offers free online and professional in-home energy audits to help members’ energy use. Learn more by contacting your local office or visiting www.mlec.com/ways-to-save.

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