Tennessee power outages: Utility companies explain what you must do before power is restored
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) — On Monday afternoon, Tennessee had the most power outages than any other state during a persistent winter storm, according to reporting website PowerOutage.com.
More than 240,000 customers were reportedly without power across the state, with people in Davidson, Sumner and Williamson counties most affected.
As utility companies work to restore power, they caution that customers must take action first.
Middle TN Electric said homeowner and member responsibilities include the following:
- Hire a licensed electrician to make necessary repairs.
- Acquire proper permits for repairs through your city or state electrical inspection authority.
- Ensure electrical repairs are completed before service is connected to the house. After repairs are complete, call
- MTE with your permit number at 877-777-9020. We will schedule service restoration as soon as possible.
MTE Responsibilities:
- MTE will perform a visual safety inspection to determine if there is any damage to the (1)weatherhead or (4)meter base.
- If none is found, MTE will reconnect the electric service to the house.
Nashville Electric Service said its customers have certain responsibilities too.
- Customers are responsible for equipment on their home
“After a major storm like this, it’s important to know where our role ends and yours begins,” NES said in a tweet. “NES maintains and repairs the lines leading to your house but homeowners are responsible for the equipment on the house.”
NES said that if your weatherhead, power mast or meter base are damaged, crews cannot safely reconnect your power.
“You will need to contact a licensed electrician for these repairs first,” NES said. “We’re working around the clock to get Music City back online!”
Follow live updates here on power outages and the major winter storm impacting Tennessee.
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