MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - As Rutherford County and much of Middle Tennessee grapples with the aftermath of the catastrophic "Ice Storm of 2026," Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) President and CEO Chris Jones delivered a sobering update Monday evening, describing the event as one of the most significant challenges in the cooperative's 90-year history.

In a direct message to members, Jones confirmed that while hundreds of crews are working around the clock, the extreme scale of damage means many residents will remain without power for more than 24 hours.

"Rearview Mirror" Restoration

The restoration process has been uniquely frustrating for crews on the ground. Jones described a "one step forward, two steps back" scenario caused by persisting freezing temperatures and rising winds.

"We’re seeing situations where a crew completes a restoration and, as they drive away, they look in the rearview mirror and see trees falling to bring the same sets of lines down," Jones said. This cycle of repeating work on the same lines has hampered progress, even as thousands of members are successfully restored each hour.

Mobilizing All Resources

MTE has mobilized its entire internal workforce and supplemented them with hundreds of contract employees and mutual aid crews from other utilities. Despite this massive mobilization, the cooperative is prioritizing safety as conditions remain hazardous.

Jones urged the community to lean on the spirit of the region during this difficult stretch:

• Make Provisions: Residents without power should prepare for at least another night in the cold.

• Be a Good Neighbor: Check on those nearby who may be vulnerable or without heat.

• Stay Informed: MTE will continue to provide updates as the situation persists.

"We are committed to making sure the job gets done as quickly as we can and as safely as we can," Jones concluded. "We’ll continue to work as long as it takes."