**UPDATE 7:30 PM: We are pleased to report that power has been restored to all members!
**UPDATE 4:30 PM: We are down to 3 outages affecting 14 members. Crews are either already working these outages or on the way to them now. We still expect power restoration to be completed by the end of the day today.
As many of you know, several of the cooperatives around us are still dealing with power outages. Once we finish restoring power here at home, we are working to put a team together to provide mutual aid to those who need it. Our linemen take a lot of pride in serving others, and they are ready to help wherever they are needed.
We will share another update once restoration is complete. Thank you for your patience.
**MONDAY, JANUARY 26 UPDATE 10:00 AM: We currently have 15 outages affecting 320 members.
Our crews have made strong progress since last night, including reducing the Smith County outage that impacted about 1,000 members down to 265. We are continuing to work the remaining outages as safely and quickly as conditions allow, and our estimated time of completion is by the end of the day today, as long as we are able to safely access the remaining outage locations. Many of the outages still on our system are in extremely difficult areas. As we share updates throughout the day, we will include revised restoration times as they become available.
Thank you for your patience as crews navigate very dangerous, ice covered road conditions. A safety reminder: if you do not have to be out, please stay home. Our offices will open at 10:00 a.m. today for employee and member safety.
**UPDATE 10:30 PM: Earlier today we shared that we were not out of the storm yet, and unfortunately, we were right.
We are aware of the outage in Chestnut Mound and Granville. Crews are assessing the damage now. Depending on the situation and the location of the issue, we will determine whether we can safely restore power tonight or if restoration will need to happen in the morning. Just in case, please make arrangements to be without power through the night.
At this time, we have 14 outages affecting 1,082 members. With conditions still changing, this may not be the only outage we see tonight.
Our linemen have worked extremely hard all day and we are very proud of them. Thank you for your patience as we continue restoring power as safely and quickly as conditions allow.
**UPDATE 8:00 PM: At the peak of the storm early this morning, we had about 900 members without power, and our linemen have worked incredibly hard all day. We currently have 12 outages affecting 52 members.
Crews will be back early in the morning to finish restoration. The remaining repairs are in a few hard-to-reach locations and require daylight for safe access.
For employee and member safety, our offices will open at 10:00 AM tomorrow due to road conditions.
Thank you for your patience.
*UPDATE 6:00 PM: We have continued making progress, and we have 19 outages remaining affecting 261 members.
What remains is the more difficult work. Several of the remaining outages involve broken poles and damage in rough, hard to reach areas, which takes more time and often requires specialized equipment. Some of the remaining repairs also require daylight for safe access and visibility.
Our crews will work until late tonight, then get some rest and be back at it early in the morning to finish restoration efforts. Thank you for your patience as we keep pushing forward safely.
*UPDATE 1:30 PM: Power restoration is well underway, and we currently have 584 members without power. Most remaining outages are in Smith and Jackson counties.
Crews are finding a mix of broken poles and trees down. The remaining outage locations are in difficult to reach areas. Because of the access challenges and the repairs needed, our estimated time to complete restoration is tomorrow. We will continue working this afternoon and tonight, but please make plans now in case your power is out overnight.
We are also closely monitoring the expected winds and a drop in temperatures. We are not out of the storm yet. Strong winds could cause additional outages, especially with ice already weighing down trees and limbs.
Thank you for your patience as crews work to restore power as quickly as possible while keeping safety first.
ORIGINAL POST: As Winter Storm Fern continues to bring freezing rain and ice to our region, Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) is responding to 40 outages impacting 754 members. Outages began around 4:00 AM today. Our crews have been out for several hours assessing damages and restoring power.
“Severe winter weather creates dangerous conditions for everyone, including icy roads, falling limbs, and the risk of electrical hazards,” said Jennifer Brogdon, CEO and General Manager. “We are asking our members to put safety first, limit travel when possible, and use extra caution around any storm damage. Our crews will restore service as safely and efficiently as conditions allow.”
Our teams are working in cold, difficult conditions, and travel is extremely challenging. Many roads are a solid sheet of ice, and reaching outage locations is taking much longer than normal. Our teams are driving slowly and carefully because safety comes first.
Most outages appear to be caused by trees on lines and downed lines. We also have a broken pole in Smith County in a hard-to-reach area. The western side of our service area has been hit the hardest, particularly Smith and Jackson counties, and resources are being shifted to support restoration in those areas. Employees from multiple departments are also out assessing damage and assisting where needed.
The good news is our substations are icy but holding.
Safety reminders for the public:
• Assume any downed line is energized. Stay far away and report it immediately to 911.
• Report outages safely. Use text, phone, the mobile app, or our website. Do not approach damaged equipment.
• Use generators the right way. Operate generators outdoors only, far from doors, windows, and vents. Never run a generator in a garage or enclosed space.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use grills, camp stoves, or ovens to heat your home. Make sure fuel burning appliances are properly vented.
• Practice safe heating. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn and plug them directly into a wall outlet. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Protect your family during outages. Dress in layers, close off unused rooms, and check on neighbors, especially seniors and those who may need extra help.
• Travel only when needed. Roads are extremely icy, and crews and emergency responders need clear access to restore power and respond to calls.
UCEMC restores power to the outage affecting the greatest number of members first, then moves into smaller pockets of outages. Some individual outages can take longer if they require specialized repairs, difficult access, or additional safety steps due to storm damage and road conditions.
To report an outage, please use one of these methods:
• Text OUT to 1 800 261 2940
• Call our phone system at 1 800 261 2940 and press 1
• Mobile App: Log in, select your account, choose Menu, then Services, then Report an Outage
• Website: Click the Report Online button at the top of the page at UCEMC.com
• Please do not report outages on Facebook, as it is not monitored for outage reports
Restoration updates
UCEMC will continue sharing restoration updates through our website and social media channels as conditions change.
Facebook: Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation
Instagram: @UpperCumberlandEMC
X: @UCEMCOfficial
Thank you for your patience and cooperation. Safety first, always.
