Approximately 860 Members Remain Without Power

First of two planned outages to install new equipment

(May 27, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative members served by the Hilltop Substation in Hickman County will experience a power outage from 12:01 a.m. to approximately 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 14 (6 hours).

Some of the areas affected include the junction of Highway 48 North and Highway 100 in Centerville, Pinewood, Nunnelly, Hidden Valley, Sugar Creek, Bucksnort, Little Lot, the Hilltop Area, Highway 7, Highway 50, Shady Grove, Leatherwood, and Williamsport Pike to name a few. (For a complete look, an outage map is available online and attached below).

An outage is necessary to replace equipment damaged during the Hilltop Substation fire last year. A complete repair was delayed due to the availability of the special equipment and materials needed.

This is the first of two planned outages required to complete repairs. A second outage – approximately one hour – will be used to switch power to the new equipment safely. This could occur as early as June 15. Watch for an announcement by Noon on June 14 confirming the date and time.

Members should prepare by following any established plans for special medical needs, charging devices, and keeping freezers and refrigerators closed as much as possible overnight.

“This plan allows our crews to safely complete critical repairs that will improve long-term reliability for our members,” District Manager Matt Chessor said. “We appreciate our members’ patience and understanding as we complete this important work.”

In the event of a weather event, the project will be rescheduled. For updates, visit www.mlec.com or follow the Meriwether Lewis Facebook page.

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Cooperative leaders meet with lawmakers to discuss energy issues

(May 8, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis President and CEO Keith Carnahan joined electric cooperative leaders from across Tennessee at NRECA’s Legislative Conference and Day on the Hill in Washington, D.C. held April 26-29.

Congressman Matt Van Epps (left) discussing energy issues with (from left to right) MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan and TECA CEO Mike Knotts.

A spring safety message from Meriwether Lewis

(April 27, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – As warmer weather arrives, many homeowners are heading outside to tackle spring and summer projects. Whether you’re planting trees, installing a fence or starting a new landscaping project, Meriwether Lewis reminds members to take one important step before breaking ground: call 811 and your local MLEC office.

Calling 811 connects you to your state’s “Call Before You Dig” service, which helps identify utility lines in your area. In addition, MLEC’s team will ensure underground utility lines like electric and broadband are clearly located before any work begins. By contacting MLEC and 811 a few days in advance, you’re taking a simple step that protects your project, your property and your community.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Tips
MLEC also encourages members to stay safe while working outdoors:

• Inspect cords and equipment before each use. If damaged, do not use or attempt repairs—have it checked by a professional.
• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords with outdoor equipment.
• Keep hands, feet and loose clothing away from moving parts. Avoid wearing jewelry when operating tools.
• Never remove safety features like grounding pins or blade guards.
• Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) on outdoor outlets and test them monthly.

Taking a few minutes to plan can prevent accidents and keep your project on track. This spring and summer, make safety a part of every project.

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Contracted crews improving reliability with trimming and spraying

(April 20, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis’ annual vegetation management plan is underway for 2026 to support reliable service, public safety, and care for the environment across its five-county service area.

Crews are already working in Hickman County and will continue for most of 2026. They are also expected to finish in Humphreys County in mid-May before moving to Perry County, where they will work for the remainder of 2026. Additional targeted “hot spot” areas across the system may also be addressed as needed.

Spraying is scheduled for this summer throughout Houston, Humphreys and Perry counties. In Hickman County, a limited number of members in the Pleasantville, Only and Bucksnort communities served by the Linden and Lobelville substations will also be included.

For property owners who prefer to personally maintain the right-of-way, alternative options are available in place of spraying. These arrangements allow members to manage their property according to established vegetation management standards. Those interested should contact their local MLEC office as soon as possible. Required paperwork must be submitted by May 15, 2026.

“Winter Storm Fern showed the true importance of keeping vegetation managed. We work hard to balance the natural beauty of our communities with our responsibility to provide safe, reliable broadband and electricity,” said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “This proactive program plays a critical role in reducing outages and keeping lines clear of trees and other vegetation.”

MLEC uses a variety of environmentally responsible methods to maintain proper clearance around power lines. Contract crews maintain a 20-foot clearance on all sides of the line through trimming, treating, selective spraying and removal when necessary.

As a member of the Tennessee Environmental Council, MLEC follows industry best practices that support long-term tree health and environmental sustainability, including standards from the International Society of Arboriculture and the Arbor Day Foundation.

Licensed contractors registered with the EPA carefully evaluate each treatment area, applying solutions that encourage a gradual transition of the right-of-way into native grasses and flowering plants. These efforts not only support reliable electrical service but also enhance the land for environmental and community benefit.

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MLEC works on final outages to finish storm repairs

(9 p.m. April 17, 2026 – Centerville, TN) – Great progress today! Power outages in the five-county MLEC service area have dropped from 5,000 last night to fewer than 20 this evening. Remaining outages are primarily residences where homeowner repairs are needed before reconnection can take place.

Anyone still without power is encouraged to call 1-888-879-6038 to make sure your outage is on record.

MLConnect fiber crews continue to address outages (less than 20) related to individual service drops and a few single lines in Houston County.  If your power has returned from the storm but internet has not, try unplugging your router’s power cord from the wall for a few minutes and plugging it back in. If service does not return, report the outage by calling your MLEC office or submitting a ticket online.

Important reminder from MLConnect. Please leave all other cables and wires on MLConnect equipment firmly connected. Disconnecting anything other than power from the wall can delay service restoration for everyone.

“Your patience and support as we finish up storm repairs is appreciated,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Meriwether Lewis and its members weather storms together and show the power of community.”

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