As Winter Storm Fern continues to forecast heavy snow and ice for our region, Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) is monitoring conditions closely and is prepared to respond to outages. If outages occur, our top priority will be keeping our communities and our crews safe while restoring power as quickly as possible.

“Winter weather can create dangerous conditions, from icy roads to falling limbs and other potential hazards,” said Jennifer Brogdon, CEO and General Manager. “We are asking members to put safety first, limit travel and use extra caution once conditions worsen. If you see a downed line, stay far away and report it immediately.”

We encourage members to prepare now by charging devices, keeping flashlights handy, and making a plan for anyone who relies on medical equipment. If you use a generator, please operate it outdoors and away from doors and windows. Please avoid downed lines and report hazards to the appropriate authorities. We encourage anyone who relies on life sustaining equipment to have a backup power plan.

UCEMC begins planning as soon as severe weather appears in the forecast. Our storm team met Wednesday morning to ensure departments are aligned on storm preparation, staffing, and any specific needs across the organization. Leaders shared what their teams are doing and what support is needed so UCEMC can respond quickly with clear communication. UCEMC’s storm team will continue meeting until the storm has passed and restoration work is complete.

While snow can cause outages, ice is often more damaging because it adds significant weight to trees and power lines. That weight can bring down limbs and lines, and icy roads can make travel and access to repairs more hazardous. Even after precipitation ends, continued freezing temperatures and refreezing can keep conditions dangerous.

If outages occur, UCEMC follows a restoration process that focuses on restoring power to outages with the largest number of affected members first, then moves into smaller outages. Some isolated outages can take longer if there is extensive damage, limited access, or repairs require additional steps.

UCEMC is prepared to scale our response based on how this storm develops. We have mutual aid resources available, including contract crews and support from other electric cooperatives, to help accelerate power restoration. This is an evolving situation, and we will adjust staffing and resources as needed to restore service safely and efficiently.

Members can report outages using 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: Login, select your account, choose “Menu”, “Services”, “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.

UCEMC will share storm updates and restoration information on our website, and on our social media channels.

• Facebook- Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation
• Instagram- @UpperCumberlandEMC
• X- @UCEMCofficial

Thank you for preparing with us and putting safety first.

As the year comes to a close, we are proud to reflect on what was accomplished across UCEMC. This year was filled with progress, teamwork, and meaningful moments that strengthened our cooperative and the communities we serve.

We invested in our electric system to improve reliability and prepare for the future. This included the completion of the new Livingston substation, an important project that strengthens service in the area and supports continued growth. We also expanded the use of fiber technology across our system, improving system control, communication, and outage response so we can serve members more efficiently.

We connected with members through Member Appreciation lunches in each of our districts and our Annual Meeting, where members came together for food, fellowship, and cooperative updates.

Throughout the year, our crews worked safely in all conditions to restore power, complete maintenance, and carry out major projects across the Upper Cumberland. At the same time, we strengthened our community partnerships through school visits, youth programs, and UCEMC Cares grants that supported local organizations.

These accomplishments are possible because of our employees, our leadership, and the members we proudly serve. Thank you for being part of another impactful year at UCEMC.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has scheduled a planned outage in the Gainesboro area beginning Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 p.m. and ending Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5:00 a.m. The planned outage is required for TVA to replace poles for necessary maintenance.

The following areas and communities will be affected by the outage:

Big Bottom, Indian Creek, York Hwy, Celina Hwy, Jennings Creek, New Salem, Gladdice Hwy, McCoinsville Rd, Haydenburg, SR 85, Free State, Town of Gainesboro, areas of Granville Hwy, and areas of Cubb Hollow.

In case of inclement weather on October 26, an alternate date of November 1, 2025 at 11:00 p.m. until November 2, 2025 at 5:00 a.m. will be used.

TVA would like to thank all members for their patience and cooperation; this maintenance is required to ensure the continued delivery of safe, reliable power to the area.

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) will implement a rate adjustment effective October 1, 2025, which includes a 4% increase in energy rates and a $3 increase to the monthly customer charge.

This decision was not made lightly. As a member-owned cooperative, UCEMC carefully evaluates every option before adjusting rates. After thorough review, it was determined that this adjustment is necessary to continue providing the safe, reliable, and quality electric service that members depend on every day.

Like many businesses and households, UCEMC is facing higher costs. The price of transformers has more than doubled since 2020, and wire and conductor costs are up over 40%. These adjustments will allow us to continue investing in our system, strengthening reliability, and meeting the needs of our growing communities.

Members with questions are encouraged to contact their local district office for more information.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 13, and make plans to attend UCEMC’s Annual Meeting—a day of community, connection, and celebration. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the business meeting starting promptly at 10 a.m.

We’ll gather for fellowship, enjoy Helen’s famous fish and chicken, and share in the excitement of door prizes, live music, and community fun. This is more than a meeting; it’s a chance to celebrate the cooperative spirit that keeps UCEMC strong and thriving.

Your presence matters. Together, we’ll reflect on the past year, look ahead to the future, and continue working side by side to power our communities.

Bring your family, bring a neighbor, and be part of this special event. We can’t wait to see you there!

Hundreds of Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation members turned out at district office polls on Friday and Saturday, voting to fill seats on the UCEMC Board of Directors in districts one, three, and four.

Incumbent Board member C.D. (Digger) Poindexter received 626 votes and Chris Washer received 467 votes. C.D. (Digger) Poindexter wins the seat in District One consisting of Smith, DeKalb, Wilson, and Macon counties.

David Garrett received 479 votes and Chris Speck received 641 votes. Chris Speck wins the seat in District Three consisting of Overton, Clay, Fentress, and Pickett counties.

Jim Brown was unopposed in District Four, comprising of Jackson county and received 737 votes.

Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation is proud to support the next generation of innovators through the TVA STEM Award Program, which funds hands-on STEM learning in K–12 classrooms across the region. Sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated (a TVA retiree organization), the program empowers teachers and school administrators to bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life for their students.

Over the past two years, schools in the UCEMC service area have received a total of $56,000 in STEM funding:

• In the 2024–2025 cycle, four schools each received $5,000, for a total of $20,000
• The year before, 8 schools in our area received a combined $36,000

We’re excited to see even more schools apply this year!
Here’s what you need to know:

• Applications are open August 1–September 15
• Open to K–12 teachers and school administrators in public or private schools
• Schools must be located in the TVA service area and receive power from a local power company
• Eligible applicants may apply for up to $5,000 per project
• Projects should focus on energy, environment, economic and career development, or community problem-solving

Together, we’re powering up the future—one classroom at a time.

Have you noticed? Exciting new developments are taking shape in Livingston, TN near the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation’s Monroe substation. Construction is currently underway on a 4.75 MW 109-acre solar farm, and site preparation has begun for a data center across the road. These projects are significant for our service area, and as always, our priority is ensuring that our members’ best interests are protected.

At UCEMC, we take a cautious and thorough approach when evaluating new projects that could impact our system and our members.

The solar farm, owned by Silicon Ranch, is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in June 2025.  Across the road, site preparation is underway for a data center, projected to be operational Summer 2025. While neither project is owned or operated by UCEMC, we have remained actively involved in discussions to ensure that they align with our mission of putting members first.

UCEMC is taking a historic step forward by purchasing power from the new Silicon Ranch solar farm. This is the first time we have ever sourced electricity from an entity other than TVA, marking an important shift in how we serve our members. Because the cost of solar power is lower than traditional TVA rates, this diversification may help offset rising power costs. While it cannot replace traditional power sources, it still plays a valuable role. Incorporating solar supports our commitment to providing reliable and affordable service to our members.

One benefit for our members is that the data center’s power supply can be reduced or interrupted when necessary. During certain extreme conditions when energy demand peaks and TVA calls for power reductions, the flexibility of the data center’s power supply will allow us to prioritize residential and essential services while helping maintain system reliability. This added measure enhances our ability to manage electricity demand without placing any strain on our members.

Beyond the electric system, these projects also bring potential benefits to our local communities. The construction and operation of these facilities generate economic activity and contribute to the local tax base, which supports public services such as schools, emergency response, and infrastructure improvements. As these developments progress, we will continue working to ensure that our members and communities see positive impacts while maintaining the reliable and affordable electricity they depend on.

As these projects move forward, we will provide updates and remain available to answer any questions our members may have. Our focus will always be on serving you, our members, with the same dedication and care that has been the foundation of UCEMC.