MLEC Wraps Up Cooperative Month with 86th Annual Meeting

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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MLEC supports community through donations and volunteer efforts

(December 2, 2025 – Centerville, TN) – Employees of Meriwether Lewis joined cooperatives across the state in giving back to their communities during the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service on October 16. This year, MLEC employees volunteered their time and donated goods across all five counties served by the cooperative:

• Hickman County:
  • Hosted a blood drive collecting donations from 25 donors.
  • Donated 150 pounds of pet food to the Hickman County Humane Society.
  • Collected donations to purchase sports drinks for those working in response to the AES tragedy.
  • Prepared 300 “cups of appreciation” for local emergency responders.
• Houston County:
  • Provided donations and volunteer support at Rosie’s Thrift Store/Mission, which assists community members in need.
• Humphreys County:
  • Donated 240 pounds of food to the local food pantry.
  • Participated in a litter cleanup project in downtown Waverly.
• Lewis County:
  • Assembled and packed 20 bags filled with necessities and fun items for youth in the care of the Child Help Task Force.
• Perry County:
  • Collected and distributed food bank donations to support local families facing food insecurity.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Day of Service is an annual event that encourages cooperative employees to live out the cooperative principle of “concern for community” by volunteering and supporting local initiatives.

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More than 1200 members attend local meetings

(November 20, 2025 – Centerville, TN) – Meriwether Lewis wrapped up a full month of district meetings and membership events on October 30 with the 86th Annual Meeting, celebrating strong community engagement, board elections, service milestones, student achievements, and cooperative business.

Across all five meetings—Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties—more than 1,200 members attended, marking MLEC’s highest participation since 2014.

In Houston County, members voted for a new board member to a four-year term. Raymond H. Fussell, Jr. was elected with 117 votes. Candidates Wesley Mitchum (106) and Robert Sugg (46) also received member support. Humphreys County incumbent Larry Mayberry was re-elected with 162 votes. Candidate John Herbert Curtis received 142 votes. In Lewis County and Hickman County, board members Bill Webb and Wayne Qualls ran unopposed.

Throughout the month, several directors and cooperative leaders were also honored for their years of service:

• 45 years: Board Member Larry Mayberry; General Counsel John Lee Williams
• 32 years: Board Member Sam Fussell (retiring from the board)
• 30 years: Board Member Dr. Jeff Peery
• 15 years: Board Member Dr. Zack Hutchens
• 10 years: Board Member Jesse Wallace

During the Hickman County meeting, MLEC presented a special board resolution recognizing the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department for their response to the Hilltop Substation fire earlier this year. A bylaw revision clarifying that MLEC board members may not be employed by MLConnect was shared.

At each meeting, MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan shared updates on reliability, electric system improvements, broadband expansion, community involvement, and played the 2025 Annual Report video for members.

Local students across all five counties were recognized for outstanding achievements, including Washington Youth Tour short story winners and MLEC Poster Contest award recipients.

Each gathering concluded with a series of door prizes, including DeWalt tool sets, Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, nugget ice makers, robot vacuums, fire pits, Ring camera sets, and Apple iPads donated by MLConnect. Each member in attendance went home with a MLEC power cord.

“We are grateful to every member who took time to participate this year,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Whether you voted, asked questions, recognized students, or simply showed up, your involvement strengthens the cooperative. We’re proud to serve you and look forward to building a brighter, more connected future together.”

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