Murfreesboro, TN - A major energy milestone is unfolding in Tennessee, and Rutherford County is quietly connected to it. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced a first-of-its-kind agreement to purchase electricity from Kairos Power’s Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge — a next-generation nuclear facility set to deliver 50 megawatts of clean, round-the-clock energy to the TVA grid by 2030.

That grid powers Google’s data centers in Montgomery County, Tennessee, and Jackson County, Alabama — and yes, it also powers homes and businesses right here in Rutherford County through Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE). While the nuclear plant itself is miles away, the ripple effects of this partnership will be felt locally, from energy reliability to economic opportunity.

TVA is the first U.S. utility to sign a power purchase agreement for electricity from a GEN IV reactor, marking a bold step toward cleaner, more resilient energy. Google will receive the clean energy attributes from Hermes 2 to help decarbonize its operations and support the region’s digital growth.

Locally, MTE continues to play a vital role in delivering TVA’s energy to Rutherford County. At its recent annual meeting, MTE President and CEO Chris Jones emphasized the cooperative’s mission: “Middle Tennessee Electric carries a quiet but profound responsibility – to power modern life. To bring safe, reliable, affordable electricity to every doorstep.”

MTE’s reliability rating stands at an impressive 99.98%, and the co-op is investing in grid resilience, cybersecurity, and community outreach. From expanding fiber internet through United Communications to offering free Home Energy Checkups.

As TVA, Kairos Power, and Google push the boundaries of nuclear innovation, Rutherford County residents benefit from a stronger, smarter energy system — one that’s built to meet the demands of tomorrow while keeping the lights on today.