News Release from MLEC: 

 

Consecutive days of extreme heat across the Tennessee
Valley Authority service area have caused TVA to ask valley residents to reduce energy consumption effective June 24. Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is taking steps in-houseto conserve energy and asks members to follow TVA’s request to help maintain a stable powergrid.

Residents are asked to use large appliances outside of peak hours (1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) such as dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and electric dryers. Also, turn off unnecessary devices and lights, and when possible, adjust thermostats up a degree or two. Keep curtains, shades or blinds drawn to limit direct sunlight and keep your home cool.

MLEC is a local electric distribution cooperative that purchases its power from TVA. As part of the agreement, MLEC supports TVA in electric load curtailments to maintain reliability during rare circumstances such as summer weather events. Once TVA returns to normal operations, MLEC will communicate the changes to members.

“MLEC apologizes for this inconvenience to members,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are taking every step in-house to comply with TVA and hope members follow as well to ensure a reliable power grid for all members.”
During extreme temperatures, MLEC also recognizes the importance of safety while following curtailment guidelines. We encourage members to check on your elderly neighbors, hydrate and remain cool. For other safety tips and energy efficiency questions, visit mlec.com.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) officials call it “tedious” work — a much-needed strengthening of the Highway 412/100 bridge over the Buffalo River in Linden. The project has been ongoing for months, resulting in a shift in the traffic pattern and the installation of steel plates on the highway.
 

Neighbors reached out to WOPC after noticing what appears to be a lack of visible progress in recent weeks, along with concerns about the steel plates.
 

“Trucks slam into the plates at all hours, and it can be heard nearly half a mile away,” a neighbor told WOPC.
 

So when will it end? Is the project on time? Within budget?
 

We reached out to Erin Zeigler of the Tennessee Department of Transportation for an update. Zeigler told WOPC that workers may be present, even if they aren’t visible.
 

“Repairs on the west side of the bridge abutment had to be performed from underneath the bridge, which may be why workers were not seen,” Zeigler explained.
 

“Also, the backwall on the east side of the bridge abutment had to be completely removed and re-poured. Along with rebuilding the entire backwall for this abutment, the contractor had to lift the beams and replace bearing pads — all while maintaining traffic through the work zone. This was all tedious work that did take some time to perform. Additionally, there were lengthy delays in the manufacturing of the new expansion joint. This issue will soon be addressed,” she added.
 

The project is being managed by Jones Brothers Construction, a contractor that frequently performs work in the area. Zeigler confirmed that the project is “within the current contract amount” and proceeding on schedule.
 

The end is in sight, says Zeigler: “The project is still scheduled to be finished on the original completion date of July 31, 2025.”

"This morning (06/12/25): Junior Food Mart located at 201 W Main, Triangle Shell 429 W Main, and 412 Market 1403 Linden Hwy across from the racetrack were burglarized just before 2:00 am. We are asking for citizens help that may have any information concerning these break ins. Please contact the Hohenwald Police Department 931-796-3223 or the Lewis County Sheriffs Department. 931-796-5096. Also, we ask that if you live in this area and have outdoor cameras, please review them from last night and contact us if you have video that could help us identify the offenders or the vehicle being used. We appreciate any and all help." (News release from HPD) 

The price of electricity will be higher in June as the Tennessee Valley Authority moves to summer rates and their fuel adjustment cost increases. Meriwether Lewis members will pay about $7.68 more (a 4.5 percent increase) compared to May based on an average household that uses 1200 kilowatt-
hours. The total residential kilowatt-hour price is $0.11114, which is slightly higher than the seasonal price a year ago. Members can find a complete rate schedule at mlec.com in the “About MLEC” section.

Meriwether Lewis understands that price increases can impact budgets and summer temperatures will likely increase energy use. To discover how your home is using energy and possible ways to save, contact MLEC today for a free online or in-person energy audit/evaluation. Heat pump financing and rebates on heat pumps, home insulation, and more are also available.

Visit mlec.com under the “Ways to Save” tab or email nathan.wagner@mlec.com to
learn more about using energy wisely. View our top 10 simple steps to lower your
energy bill this summer at https://mlec.com/ways-to-save/.

 

(MLEC News Release)