MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) crews continue to battle widespread power outages this Monday as falling tree limbs—heavily weighed down by ice—wreak havoc on the regional electrical grid.
As of 2:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, MTE reports approximately 8,179 members remain without power. While the vast majority of the utility’s service area is still recovering, Rutherford County has seen significant progress, with only about 20 reported outages remaining in the county.
Tree Damage Slows Recovery
The primary culprit for the ongoing outages is the continuous falling of tree limbs onto power lines. In many cases, the weight of the ice-laden branches has been enough to physically pull service lines away from homes, often damaging the member base and riser poles.
Because these components are part of the home’s specific electrical system, MTE is urging residents to understand the division of repair responsibilities to ensure a safe and speedy restoration of power.
Who Is Responsible for What?
When a storm causes physical damage to the connection point on a house, repairs must often be made by a professional before MTE can safely reconnect power.
Homeowner Responsibilities
If your house has sustained damage to the riser pole or meter base, you must:
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Hire a licensed electrician to perform the necessary structural and electrical repairs.
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Acquire proper permits through your local city or state electrical inspection authority.
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Complete repairs first. Service cannot be reconnected until the home’s electrical system is deemed safe.
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Notify MTE: Once repairs are finished and you have your permit number, call MTE at 877-777-9020 to schedule your restoration.
MTE Responsibilities
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Visual Safety Inspection: MTE will inspect the weatherhead and meter base for external damage.
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Reconnection: If no damage is found to the home’s equipment, MTE will reconnect the electric service from the main line to the house.
