Power Interruptions Rescheduled

Steve Skelton Celebrated for 25 Years of Service

(May 28, 2024) — Meriwether Lewis celebrated the retirement of Engineer Technician Steve Skelton on May 10. Skelton resides in Lewis County and served several communities during his 25-year tenure. His team members honored him with a farewell party where he received an engraved cutting board and photo book.

Pictured: MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan (left), Steve Skelton (middle) and MLEC System Engineer Brent Warf (right).

More than 180 Stories Submitted, 14 Receive Scholarships.

(May 13, 2024) — Houston County High School Junior Charlsie Strech is the five-county winner in Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s annual writing contest. She will receive a $1000 scholarship from MLEC, the Larry Stringer Memorial Scholarship for $2000 and could win additional funding through the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s statewide contest.

Additionally, a boy and girl winner from seven high schools also received $1000 scholarships from MLEC. They include:

East Hickman High School: Caroline Luna and Eric Pantoja

Hickman County High School: Lilli Istre and Jake Tidwell

Houston County High School: Carlsie Strech ($3000 Overall Winner) and Braden Roberson

Lewis County High School: Jaxon Fite and Jayden Moore

McEwen High School: Jacob Brown and Kylie Elliott

Perry County High School: Kari Byrd and Zach Riley

Waverly Central High School: Bailey Hickman and Jaden Lambdin

Each school’s overall winning student also has the opportunity to serve as an MLEC delegate on the 2024 Washington Youth Tour in June. Students who accepted the expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. are Istre, Strech, Fite, Byrd, Brown and Hickman. An alternate delegate, Sage Clendenion, will represent East Hickman High School. MLEC Communications Coordinator Benjamin Armstrong and Marketing Coordinator Memori Depriest will serve as chaperones.

“The Washington Youth Tour invests in the future leaders of our local communities,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are excited to further their education and bring a new group to our Nation’s Capital to learn more about electric cooperatives and our country’s history.”

The theme for this year’s annual contest was “Electric Cooperatives Connect.” High school juniors were asked to write about how electric cooperatives improve communities across their service areas while providing safe, affordable, reliable electricity and other services.

Gary Cunningham Celebrated for 16 Years of Service

(May 10, 2024) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative celebrated the retirement of Hickman County Material Handler Gary Cunningham on April 30. He worked at the co-op for 16 years and filled many roles during his employment. His team members honored him with a personalized print and photo book.

Image Cutline: MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan (right) and Hickman County District Manager Matthew Chessor (left) say farewell to Gary Cunningham (center) with a parting gift from MLEC.

Outage numbers are getting lower. (May 9, 2024– Centerville, TN) — MLEC crews have made significant progress on outages today and anticipate all members to have power by late tonight. Less than 500 remain without electricity in Hickman County and a few isolated cases need repair in Perry County.

In Hickman County, the majority of work has been focused on the Beaverdam/Brushy/Aetna area. Lineworkers from multiple MLEC counties and two outside contractors have worked throughout the day in rough terrain and wet conditions to restore power.

Less than 200 MLConnect subscribers are currently without service. These are mainly in Perry County. MLC crews have spent the day surveying the damage and have pinpointed areas of need. For safety and efficiency, power restoration is concludes before broadband repairs can begin tomorrow.

MLEC would like to remind members about these safety tips while crews continue work:

• If you do not have electric service, or know of someone who does not have electricity, please call your local office. Have your phone number, address and name on the MLEC account ready. If you are calling after hours, please call 1-888-879-6038. Email and social media are not linked to our outage management system, so these should not be used to report issues.
• If you or someone in your home uses special medical equipment, follow your emergency plan and make arrangements to be moved to a location that has electricity if necessary.
• Contact MLEC if you see power lines on the ground or caught in trees and do not try to move them. If touched, they could cause electrocution or serious injury.
• Use extreme caution when using a generator. If you own a generator, contact MLEC. A generator can send electricity back through electric lines and electrocute linemen or others involved in restoration efforts. See www.mlec.com for proper generator installation and use.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to retain the inside temperature.
• If the weatherhead at your home is torn down, an electrician will need to repair this before MLEC can restore power.
• If you are an MLConnect customer and power has returned but Internet has not, unplug the router from the power source for a few minutes instead of using the reset button. If this does not restore service, submit a ticket online at www.mlec.com/mlconnect/. Or, call your local MLEC office; then press OPTION 3, then OPTION 2. Once power lines are back in service, broadband crews will begin repairing fiber.

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MLEC shares outage restoration update.

(May 9, 2024) — Hickman and Perry counties were the hardest hit Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative served areas during storms overnight. Approximately 1700 remain without power in those two counties. Crews have been in action since the early morning and continue to assess damage. With many roads blocked with trees, it will take time to fully evaluate the situation. Repairs are complete in Lewis, Houston and Humphreys County except for a few remote areas.

In Hickman County, MLEC has requested additional personnel and contract crews to assist with restoration efforts. The Beaverdam/Brushy/Aetna area seems to have the most severe damage. Some poles are down, and equipment has been stripped from standing poles during the storm. MLEC crews will utilize a dozier to access the area and begin repairs. Other locations with outages include Totty’s Bend, Coble, Shady Grove, Johnson’s Bend, Shipps Bend, Willow Springs, Cavendar’s Branch, portions of Swan Creek, Falls Branch, and Perry Bend.

In Perry County, the majority of outages are in areas such as Flatwoods, Highway 13 South, Jones Hollow in Lobelville, Red Bank and a few isolated areas.

MLConnect is aware of some broadband outages that require further investigation to troubleshoot areas not related to the power outages. MLEC and MLC will share an update on ongoing restoration efforts later today.

Please put safety first during outages and remember these pieces of information:

• If you do not have electric service, or know of someone who does not have electricity, please call your local office.  Have your phone number, address and name on the MLEC account ready. The call volume is high, so you may receive an automated message or busy signal. Email and social media are not linked to our outage management system, so these should not be used to report issues.
• If you or someone in your home uses special medical equipment, follow your emergency plan and make arrangements to be moved to a location that has electricity if necessary.
• Contact MLEC if you see power lines on the ground or caught in trees and do not try to move them. If touched, they could cause electrocution or serious injury.
• Use extreme caution when using a generator. If you own a generator, contact MLEC. A generator can send electricity back through electric lines and electrocute linemen or others involved in restoration efforts. See Generators – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative (mlec.com) for proper generator installation and use.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible to retain the inside temperature.
• If the weatherhead at your home is torn down, an electrician will need to repair this before MLEC can restore power.
• If you are an MLConnect customer and power has returned but Internet has not, unplug the router from the power source for a few minutes instead of using the reset button. If this does not restore service, submit a ticket online at MLConnect – Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative (mlec.com) using the Tech Support tab. Or, call your local MLEC office; then press OPTION 3, then OPTION 2. Once power lines are back in service, broadband crews will begin repairing fiber.

Next update by 5 p.m.

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Young Leaders Learn about State Government during Co-op Event.

(April 12, 2024– Nashville, TN) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s commitment to local students continued by sponsoring two high school juniors to attend the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit.

Perry County High School junior Ellie Ulmer and Lewis County High School junior Jaxon Fite joined 44 other high school juniors from across the state in Nashville for the three-day conference March 18-20. They received a hands-on look at state government, learned networking and leadership skills, and developed a better understanding of their local electric cooperatives. MLEC Marketing Coordinator Memori DePriest served as chaperone.

“These students will soon be our community leaders and electric cooperative member-owners,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We want them to share our passion for their districts, so it is an honor for MLEC to help prepare them for the opportunities that are ahead. The future of our rural communities depends on a new generation of strong leaders like these.”

While in Nashville, delegates visited the State Capitol Building where Tre Hargett, Tennessee Secretary of State, welcomed the students. They visited with legislators, sat in on committee meetings and debated and voted on a mock bill.

In addition to meeting lawmakers and experiencing the state Capital, students also developed their leadership and team-building skills at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center at Camp Widjiwagen, participated in an electric safety demonstration and completed a leadership training course with leadership expert Amy Gallimore. Delegates also attended a Nashville Predators hockey game as special guests of the Preds.

IMAGE CUTLINE: Perry County High School junior Ellie Ulmer, MLEC Marketing Coordinator Memori DePriest and Lewis County High School junior Jaxon Fite represented the cooperative and met state lawmakers at the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Leadership Summit. Pictured from left: Ulmer, DePriest and Fite.

MLEC shares 2024 vegetation management schedule.

(APRIL 16, 2024) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is working to keep your lights on and the public safe through its vegetation management program currently underway.

This year, three counties will be prioritized in MLEC’s vegetation plan to improve power and broadband reliability. Trimming is underway in Humphreys County and will continue into 2025. Spraying is scheduled this summer for all of Perry County and neighboring sections of Hickman and Humphreys counties. (A map of impacted areas will be made available on mlec.com.)

Vegetation management also continues in Houston County from last year’s work plan but should be completed this summer. Other than hot-spot areas that need attention when discovered, no trimming is set for Lewis County.

Members in special situations may opt out of spraying only if the landowner commits to maintaining the right of way through personal investments and completes the necessary paperwork. Those interested must complete all requirements by May 15, 2024, to be eligible. Contact your local MLEC office if interested.

“MLEC responsibly balances the beauty and environmental benefits of vegetation while also emphasizing the importance of affordable electricity, public safety and reliability,” said President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Through the 2024 vegetation management plan, MLEC maintains its dependable services to members and ensures proper trimming and spraying guidelines are followed.”

MLEC’s program uses a variety of approved, environmentally sound methods to keep vegetation a safe distance away from power lines. Contracted crews maintain a 20-foot clearance on all sides of the power line through trimming, treating, spraying and removal, if needed. As a Tennessee Environmental Council member, MLEC follows recommended standards for good tree health set by the International Society of Arboriculture and the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Similarly, licensed contractors registered with the EPA survey areas to be treated and prescribe an appropriate mix. The tree retardant application promotes a subtle transition of the right of way into native grass and flowering plants. These services are vital in providing affordable accessibility, environmental stewardship and multi-use of the land.

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Temperatures cause Hickman Co. substation work time change.

(April 22, 2024) — Due to forecasted weather, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s scheduled maintenance outage set for April 23, at 4 a.m. in Hickman County has been moved to 8 a.m..

MLEC needs enough power supply to serve all members through one substation during the project. However, temperatures in the forecast could decrease the amount of available electricity. As a result, MLEC is changing the outage time.

The work is now scheduled for 8 a.m. and ends around 10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. Members served from the Hilltop Substation will experience an approximate one-hour outage at the beginning and end of the project. Here are some of the affected areas:

• Highway 100 East from Johnson Mine Road to Fantasy Drive, Brown Hollow Road, Highway 7, Primm Springs, Fairfield, Johnson Mine Road, Mill Creek Road, Bell Branch Road, Keys Branch and Hidden Valley
• Little Lot Road, Hassell Creek Road, Little Lot, Leatherwood Road, Highway 50 East from Gordon Road to Hickman/Maury County line, Duck River, Mobley Ridge Road, Sheboss Road. Nunnelly, Highway 48 North from Fairfield to I-40, Garners Creek Road, Pinewood, White House, Pretty Creek, Piney Road, Taylor Creek Road, Vernon, Dodd Hollow, etc

Areas not served by the substation will also experience a brief interruption, or blink at the beginning and end of the work. Some of these include Universal Drive, Murphree Avenue North, Defeated Creek, Puckett Hollow, Maryfield Avenue, Huddleston Road, Skyview, Grays Bend Road South, Camp Meribah area, Green Hill Drive, Highway 100 North out of Centerville, Rivers Road.

For MLConnect broadband subscribers, if internet does not return when power is restored, unplug the router for a few minutes instead of pressing the “Reset” button. Reach out to technical support by calling 931-729-3558, and selecting Option 3, then Option 2, if needed.

Should anyone have concerns, please contact MLEC at 931-729-3558.

MLEC Members in Parts of Perry County Affected

(April 8, 2024) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is planning a six-hour power interruption beginning at Noon on Thursday, April 18, for portions of Perry County. Power should be restored by 6 p.m. Crews will use this time to safely make upgrades that will increase capacity and reliability for impacted areas.

Some of the impacted areas include White Oak Road, Peters Landing, Eagles Bend, White Oak Landing, and Paradise Landing,

In the event of inclement weather, the outage will be postponed to April 25 for the same time. Any changes to the schedule will be shared with local media and on MLEC’s social media platforms.

Should broadband not return when power is restored, unplug the router for a few minutes instead of pressing the “Reset” button. Reach out to technical support by calling 931-589-2151, and selecting Option 3, then Option 2, if needed.

“We are working to increase capacity for growth, as well as improve efficiency and reliability,” says MLEC District Manager Mike Hickerson.

Should anyone have concerns, please call MLEC at 931-589-2151.

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MLEC postpones upgrade work in Hickman County due to weather.

(April 8, 2024) — Due to impending weather, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative has moved a maintenance outage formerly scheduled for April 10 involving the Hilltop Substation to April 16. The job will not take place on the original date, but the scope of work remains the same as follow-up to a March 6 project. The overall effort will take approximately 14 hours, but MLEC will attempt to keep the power on as crews shift the electric supply for impacted homes and businesses.

As work begins at 4 a.m. on April 16, certain areas will see a brief interruption, or blink, as MLEC shifts the load. Some of these include Universal Drive, Murphree Avenue North, Defeated Creek, Puckett Hollow, Maryfield Avenue, Huddleston Road, Skyview, Grays Bend Road South, Camp Meribah area, Green Hill Drive, Highway 100 North out of Centerville, Rivers Road.

At the same time, everyone receiving power from the Hilltop Substation will see their power interrupted at 4 a.m. for approximately one hour as their power load is redirected. Some affected areas are:  

• Highway 100 East from Johnson Mine Road to Fantasy Drive, Brown Hollow Road, Highway 7, Primm Springs, Fairfield, Johnson Mine Road, Mill Creek Road, Bell Branch Road, Keys Branch and Hidden Valley
• Little Lot Road, Hassell Creek Road, Little Lot, Leatherwood Road, Highway 50 East from Gordon Road to Hickman/Maury County line, Duck River, Mobley Ridge Road, Sheboss Road.
• Nunnelly, Highway 48 North from Fairfield to I-40, Garners Creek Road, Pinewood, White House, Pretty Creek, Piney Road, Taylor Creek Road, Vernon, Dodd Hollow, etc.

MLEC estimates work will finish around 6 p.m. on April 16. As the electric supply shifts back, the impacted areas will experience the same interruption (blink or hour-long outage) as they did at the beginning. If conditions are not favorable, the load shift will take place closer to midnight or early the next morning.

“Based on predicted forecasts, MLEC officials have determined conditions may not be suitable to conduct maintenance while still powering all these areas from one substation,” says MLEC District Manager Matthew Chessor.

MLEC will watch the forecast closely leading up to April 16. Any changes to the schedule will be shared with local media and on MLEC’s social media platforms.

For MLConnect broadband subscribers, if internet does not return when power is restored, unplug the router for a few minutes instead of pressing the “Reset” button. Reach out to technical support by calling 931-729-3558, and selecting Option 3, then Option 2, if needed.

Should anyone have concerns, please contact MLEC at 931-729-3558.