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Providing reliable electricity for you
While MTE's outage rate is well below the national average, power outages do happen. When they occur, members can be confident that MTE will restore power as quickly as possible. You count on us to provide you energy for light, comfort, and connection which is why our operation and engineering teams begin work immediately when an outage is detected. When you're out of power, our team is rolling out to restore it using the latest smart grid technology to reduce restoration times and improve service communication with you.
3 Easy Ways to Report Outages Or Service Disruptions
- MTE's automated outage line at 877-777-9111
- MTE's 24/7 live support line at 877-777-9020
Report an Outdoor Light Malfunction
Middle Tennessee Electric is a local electric cooperative and exists to provide services to make your life better. One service we provide to members is the installation and maintenance on outdoor lights. We offer a few options for both street and yard lights depending on the situation and placement.
Members looking for information or wanting to install an outdoor light at their residence or business can contact us for information specific to their situation. Every installation is dependent on several factors including but not limited to:
- Distance from existing electrical line
- Equipment or pole requirements
- HOA or government restrictions
Don’t worry. We’re here to help you find the answers you need. We've compiled some answers to frequently asked questions to get you started, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to speak to someone directly about your specific request.
Outdoor Light Information
You can also report an outdoor light issue using our online form.
Service Concerns Frequently Asked Questions
What are MTE’s priorities for restoring service?
Our crews work around the clock until all members have power. MTE follows a three-step process recognized as an industry best practice. Hospitals, police departments, fire stations, and other public health and safety facilities are priority one.
- Step 1 - Repairs are made at substations and on the main distribution lines that come out of the substations.
- Step 2 - Crews fix damage to tap lines that branch off from these main lines.
- Step 3 - Power is restored to pockets of members and then to individual homes.
Check out the infographic to learn more about the steps to restoring power!
MTE's process to restore power
An MTE truck just drove by my house without stopping. Why?
The most efficient way for our crews to restore power is to begin from the substation and work toward individual homes. After the main circuits are functioning, we turn our efforts to repairing feeders or taps that will restore power to the greatest number of members. Then we concentrate our repair efforts on those whose power was not restored when the main circuits and taps were repaired.
Why does my neighbor have power and I don't?
There could be several reasons. First, there may be damage to the service wires leading only to your home. These wires don't affect your neighbor's electric supply. Second, MTE circuits can sometimes have complex feeds, so your neighbor's home may be served by a different circuit than your home. Finally, there may also be as many as three different phases on the pole in front of your home. Your neighbor may get service from a different phase than you.
How does MTE manage increased calls during an outage?
MTE has an automated outage management system that is connected 24/7 to a toll-free outage reporting line. When you dial 1-877-777-9111, your call is routed through a computer. You will be asked to enter your account number, meter number or the phone number associated with your account. Also, there is an option to speak your address if the numbers do not work. The system generates a notice to our 24-hour Control Center personnel, and a crew is dispatched to restore power. Our automated line allows us to process more calls and get electricity back on more promptly for all members.
Does MTE know when I've lost power?
After a storm or other incident that causes power outages, MTE can pinpoint transmission lines, substations and major distribution circuits that have been damaged. However, if you suspect your outage is an isolated situation, report it right away by calling 1-877-777-9111.
If my power goes out, what should I check?
Check your circuit breakers or fuses to see if it's an isolated problem. Next, examine your meter. If the meter box or any wires look damaged, call a certified electrician. They may need to make repairs before MTE can reconnect power. If you don't find any problems, call our outage reporting line at 1-877-777-9111 and enter your account number, meter number or telephone number associated to your electric account.
How long does food last after the power goes out?
According to the USDA, a fully stocked freezer will stay cold for two days. A half-full freezer will keep items frozen for one day. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold four hours after power is lost. Be sure to check the temperature inside your fridge once electricity is restored to determine if the food is safe to eat. The refrigerator should be at or below 40 degrees with the freezer at or below zero degrees.
Who do I call if electrical wires have been pulled away from my house?
MTE is responsible for delivering power to your home's connection point. You are responsible for repairs from the meter into your home, including wires located in a mast riser. If service has been pulled away from your house, a qualified electrician must make the repairs before power can be turned back on. In certain cases, an inspection by your local code authority may be necessary.
Do elected officials, employees or other important individuals get special attention?
No. As a not-for-profit and local electric cooperative, our individual members are treated equally during the restoration process. The primary focus of our operation teamis restoring power as quickly and effectively as possible. Critical infrastructure like hospitals, nursing homes, and first responder organizations are prioritized for public safety. All other outages are prioritized based on restoration efficiency.
Is power automatically shut off during a tornado or other major storm?
No. MTE will not turn off power unless instructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and, in some cases, emergency management authorities. In the interest of safety, we will not attempt to restore service until conditions improve.
What if I have special medical needs?
If you or a family member rely on an electrical life-sustaining medical device in your home, call our member services team at 1-877-777-9020 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., to learn how we can add you to our medical priority list. In some cases, severe weather can damage the electrical system to the point that it may take days to fix. If your life depends on electricity, it's vitally important to have an emergency back-up plan in place.
You can learn more about our life support program at MTEMC.com/LifeSupportProgram.
How can I tell if a downed power line is still carrying electricity?
Any line lying on the ground should be considered live, so never go near downed power lines. Please call our member service teamat 1-877-777-9020, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., to report a downed power line.Pleasecall 911 if anyone is in immediate danger.
Are there safety concerns in using a portable generator?
Yes. You should never operate a generator inside your home. Keep it outside for proper ventilation. Only a qualified, licensed electrician should attempt to hook up a generator to the main electric panel of your home or business. If it's connected improperly, power can "back-feed" onto utility lines. For safety reasons, please notify us at 1-877-777-9020, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., if you have a generator connected to your electric entrance.
Who do I call if a tree falls near a power line?
If a tree or limb falls and results in an outage, leave the work to us. If the line is sparking, please report the emergency by calling 911.
How do I report an outdoor yard light problem?
You can report your outdoor light outages and issuesonline at MTEMC.com/OutdoorLights or report it through our member services team at 877-777-9020. We also offer an automated reporting option by calling 877-777-9111.
Other Information
Service Concerns & Outages
March 24, 2023
Stay Weather Aware and Take Storm PrecautionsWhen severe weather is predicted, we encourage members to stay weather aw
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Service Concerns & Outages
January 8, 2020
While MTE's outage rate is well below the national average, power outages do happen. When they occur, members can be confident that MTE will restore power as quickly as possible.
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Service Concerns & Outages
January 7, 2022
MTE works around the clock to ensure your power is on so you can keep your home, business, and community warm during even the worst winter weather. While MTE maintains a 99.9% reliability rating across our territory every year, we can still sometimes experience outages and power interruptions caused by tornadoes, high winds, ice and snowstorms.
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