Improving Service Reliability

MLEC Continues Trimming

Houston and Humphreys County Vegetation Management Update

(November 15, 2023) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative’s commitment to reliable, affordable and safe electricity continues as vegetation management moves forward in Houston and Humphreys County.

Right of way trimming will begin in Humphreys County in December with an estimated completion time of 12 to 18 months. Crews will focus on the southern parts of New Johnsonville and will then target Highway 70, Scepter Road, Dry Creek Road, Highway 13 North and Highway 231.

In Houston County, trimming is expected to be completed by early next year. Vegetation crews are currently working on areas of Highway 13 South, Bateman Branch, Salmon Branch and Highway 231. RW Tree Service, Gunnison Tree and Trees’ LLC are conducting the work.

MLEC’s balanced program uses a variety of approved, environmentally sound methods. This includes trimming, spraying and removal, if needed, to maintain a clearance of 20 feet on each side of the power line from an individual home or business all the way to the substation. Trimming practices are in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture and the National Arbor Day Foundation recommended guidelines and standards for good tree health.

“We understand tree trimming is a sensitive issue, but it is also vital to keeping our members’ lights on, preventing accidents and controlling costly outages and equipment repair,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “MLEC works with our members to keep the lines of communication open and strike a balance between vegetation and service.”

MLEC is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility that serves more than 34,500 meters in Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties. We are your source for power and broadband and help build brighter futures for the communities we serve. Learn more at www.mlec.com/about-mlec.

MLEC Hosts Annual Meeting

Perry County members join MLEC at Member Night

(November 2, 2023) —Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative hosted its 84^th annual meeting at the 2023 Perry County Member Night on October 30 at Perry County High School.

Perry County Director Tommy Graham welcomed members to start the festivities. John Lee Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance and Josh Hardin of Linden Church of Christ led the innovation. John Carroll served as the temporary chairman and conducted the district’s Member Night portion of the informational meeting. 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.

MLEC then called to order its 84^th Annual Meeting directly after the Member Night. Vice-President of Administrative Services and CFO Blake Harper presented an annual report to members that outlined the current state of the cooperative.

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

Door prize winners were Jason Richardson – one-year membership to the Nashville Zoo; Josh Hardin– bluetooth speaker; Don Westveer– iRobot roomba vacuum/sweeper; Mary Kilpatrick– Blackstone electric grill; Dean Heady– outdoor smokeless firepit; and Jerry Beasley– 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 Perry County Member Night and MLEC’s Annual 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.”

MLEC Honors Houston County Educators

Teacher of the Year Winners Recognized for Their Service

(July 21, 2023) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative presented the Houston County teachers of the year an award for their accomplishments during in-service on July 17^that Houston County High School. Pictured from left to right are honorees Jennifer Glatz (Erin Elementary School), Stefanie Medders (Houston County High School), Kelly Carter (Houston County Middle School), Shelly Taylor (Tennessee Ridge Elementary School), and MLEC Member Service Representative Gina Bush.

MLConnect Adds More Wi-Fi Hotspots

New Public Access Points Installed in Houston and Lewis Counties

(July 13, 2023) – MLConnect has added two new free Wi-Fi hotspots in Houston and Lewis counties. This increases the provider’s public broadband accessibility to 12 locations across the five-county service area.

The Houston County hotspot is in Stewart at the Magnolia Community Center at 6335 Whiteoak Road. In Lewis County, Wi-Fi is now available at the Buffalo River Public Access Point in Hohenwald. The additions ensure fast, reliable, internet for members utilizing public facilities. The Buffalo River Public Access Point also has poor cellular reception, so the hotspot will enable Wi-Fi calling or texting in the event of emergencies.

MLEC and MLConnect are committed to helping our area grow by providing innovative ways to serve our members. As a result, we provide free Wi-Fi hotspots to keep our members connected. Those traveling to these areas can find new hotspot locations as well as the 10 existing access points at www.mlec.com/my-mlec-wifi.

Click here to view a direct map of hotspot locations.

MLEC is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility serving more than 35,000 meters in Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry counties. We connect our communities to a better quality of life through power, broadband and committed service. Learn more at www.mlec.com/about-mlec.

Concern for Community

MLEC Contributes Funding to City and County Emergency Services

(July 11, 2023) — Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative continues its community support by contributing $2,500 to local organizations in Hickman County.

Each year, MLEC Board Directors support non-profits, civic groups or volunteer efforts that directly impact our members. This year, Hickman County Directors Johnnie Ruth Elrod, Zack Hutchens and Wayne Qualls donated $1,250 to the Centerville Volunteer Fire Department as well as the Hickman County Rescue Squad.

On June 16^th, Board directors met with fire and rescue leaders to present the donations. District Manager Matthew Chessor also joined board directors in presenting the funds.

“As an electric cooperative, supporting local organizations is one of many responsibilities we have to support our members,” MLEC CEO and President Keith Carnahan said. “Through these funds, it is MLEC’s hope that we move our communities forward by contributing to the operations of fire and rescue services.”

The donations are a part of MLEC’s seven cooperative principles. One of those is “Concern for Community” which calls for MLEC to work towards the sustainable development of their communities through policies supported by the membership. The contributions are one of many examples of how board directors and co-op employees practice this belief.

Click images below for a better view!

Pictured from left to right: MLEC District Manager Matthew Chessor, MLEC Directors Dr. Zack Hutchens and Wayne Qualls; Rescue Squad Chief Toby Warren, and Operation Officer Clyde Sunder; and MLEC Director Johnnie Ruth Elrod.

Pictured from left to right: MLEC Directors Wayne Qualls and Johnnie Ruth Elrod; Centerville Firefighters Charles Horner, Marvin Dorton, Kyle Labore, Jason Dotson, Centerville Fire Captain Greg Johnston and granddaughter Tinslee, and Firefighter McKale Baltz; MLEC Director Dr. Zack Hutchens, and District Manager Matthew Chessor.

Board directors representing Houston, Humphreys, Lewis and Perry Counties also support their members through similar contributions.

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Improving Service Reliability

MLEC begins meter project to replace meters in Lewis County

(June 30, 2023) — In ongoing efforts to serve its members more efficiently and reliably, Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is changing out meters across its service area. The project began in Hickman County in early 2022 and moves to Lewis County the week of July 17.

“MLEC is committed to providing safe, affordable, reliable electricity to its members,” says MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “Taking advantage of technology upgrades, like these meters and MLConnect broadband, will help our members receive a higher level of service long term.”

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 members and the cooperative outage time, and the costs associated with unexpected power interruptions.

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. For additional details, contact your local MLEC office.

“Transitioning from the older, unsupported meters across all five counties in our service area is expected to finish in 2024,” says Carnahan. “MLEC understands members might question someone unfamiliar on their property, so MLEC employees are always in clearly marked vehicles and have photo id badges.”

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