Middle Tennessee Electric readies for possible winter-weather scenario tonight

Middle Tennessee Electric employees are preparing for possible icy conditions tonight. 



“If you wait until the storm hits,” MTEMC Communications Coordinator Todd Palmer said, “it makes power restoration a lot harder and takes a lot longer. 

Our on-call crews are ready to work through the night if they have to and do whatever it takes to get power restored, should inclement weather hit this evening.” 



Palmer said crews are making sure company trucks have plenty of fuel, chainsaws are ready for tree cutting if necessary, and all other tools and equipment for line repair are loaded onto company trucks.



“The National Weather Service in Nashville is calling for most of the icy conditions to be west of our service area,” Palmer said. “However, they are reporting that we could see some light accumulations here. We have a plan in place and are ready, regardless.” 



The cooperative has a tree-trimming program that cuts back trees on a yearly basis to keep them from encroaching into the utilities power lines, for situations such as this.



“Eight out of ten times we lose power during a storm, it’s because a tree or limb, especially if there’s ice, comes into contact with the power lines," Palmer said. "This is why we have to keep our rights-of-way cleared in and around our lines.”



Palmer said people should stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately to the electric cooperative at 1-877-777-9020.