TVA Planned Outage
TVA has scheduled a 4-hour planned power outage in Putnam County beginning Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 PM. The outage is expected to end Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3 AM. This outage is needed for TVA to complete necessary maintenance on their transmission line.
In case of inclement weather on September 13-14, the outage will be rescheduled for the alternate date of Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 PM until September 21, 2025, at 3 AM.
Affected roads include:
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.
Join Us for UCEMC’s Annual Meeting!
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!
2025 Directorate Election Results Announced
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.
Back to School, Back to STEM: Apply Now for the TVA STEM Award Program
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.
New Developments Near Monroe Substation
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.
Bright Ideas, Brighter Futures
Celebrating Local Schools in the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift Program
At UCEMC, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a brighter future, especially when it comes to teaching the next generation how to be energy smart. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate five outstanding local schools that recently completed the TVA EnergyRight School Uplift Program. This year-long initiative focuses on energy awareness and efficiency, making a lasting impact on students and their schools.
Five schools from our area participated in this year’s program: AH Roberts Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, Livingston Academy, New Middleton Elementary, and Carthage Elementary School.
We are excited to share that Carthage Elementary School earned a $25,000 grant thanks to their outstanding participation, creativity, and results. The four other schools received a $10,000 grant for their energy-saving efforts.
Led by Carthage Elementary School’s energy coach Sheila Gregory, the CES staff brought energy education to life. Students participated in hands-on energy lessons, created art projects, hosted family nights focused on electricity, and even welcomed a memorable guest. Spark the Energy Monster made appearances throughout the school and was a hit at the Christmas program during a performance of “Feliz Navidad.” CES also created a team of fourth-grade Energy Ambassadors. They created educational songs, helped teach younger classmates, and encouraged their peers to be more energy aware. Even more impactful, students shared what they learned at home with parents, grandparents, and siblings.
As a result, CES improved its overall energy efficiency by 6%! Students voted on how to use their $25,000 grant, and the winning choice was an upgraded playground for everyone to enjoy.
We are proud of all five participating schools—and especially proud of Carthage Elementary School for proving just how fun, engaging, and meaningful energy education can be.
TVA STEM Grant Awards
The Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Inc., a TVA retiree organization, is awarding a record $1.5 million in grants to educators to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects across the Tennessee Valley region.
The competitive STEM classroom grant program received 647 grant applications this year, and 342 were selected for funding.
Grants up to $5,000 were awarded in a competitive process, and preference was given to grant applications that explored TVA’s primary areas of focus: environment, energy, economic development, and community problem-solving. Any school that receives their power from a local power company served by TVA was eligible to apply.
The following schools in our service area were awarded STEM Grants:
$5,000 Award’s
- Baxter Primary- Busy Bee Buddies
- Cornerstone Elementary- TechFit: Energizing Minds and Bodies through Smart Wellness
- Vital School- “RoboReady: Code Your Future”
- White Plains Academy- Little Eagles STEM program
A full list of the grant recipients can be found at www.tvastem.com.
The Cooperative Difference: More Than Just Power
At Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation, we’re proud to be more than your power provider—we’re your Electric Cooperative. Our business model is different from traditional utilities because it puts people, not profits, at the center of everything we do. Every customer is also a member, meaning you have a voice in how we operate. As a not-for-profit organization, any margins are reinvested into the community instead of going to shareholders. This community-focused approach ensures our priorities remain centered on delivering reliable, affordable power and improving the quality of life for the people we serve.
What makes electric cooperatives like UCEMC truly unique are the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide our work. These principles reflect our commitment to inclusion, democracy, and service.
The Seven Cooperative Principles are:
- Voluntary and Open Membership: Everyone is welcome—no discrimination, just inclusion.
- Democratic Member Control: One member, one vote. Every voice matters.
- Members’ Economic Participation: Members share in the profits and support the cooperative’s success.
- Autonomy and Independence: We operate with integrity and independence.
- Education, Training, and Information: We empower members and employees through learning.
- Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Together, we’re stronger—co-ops help one another.
- Concern for Community: Everything we do is about improving the place we call home.
The history of cooperatives dates back to the 1930s, a time when rural areas were left in the dark- literally. Investor-owned utilities saw no financial incentive to extend power lines to sparsely populated areas. Everything changed with the passage of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which empowered rural communities to form electric cooperatives and bring electricity to their homes and farms. UCEMC was incorporated in 1938 as part of this movement, and we’ve been serving our members with dedication ever since. Today, we honor that legacy by continuing to focus on community, ownership, and service, just as the early founders intended.
Beyond providing power, UCEMC is here to serve you in other ways, too. Our Member Services team works hard to ensure you have the resources and support you need to manage your energy use. From flexible billing options and online account access to energy efficiency programs and budgeting tools, we’re committed to making your experience as seamless and convenient as possible. With tools like our mobile app and personalized support from our local team, we empower you to take control of your energy while keeping costs predictable.
As a member of UCEMC, you’re not just a customer—you’re an owner with the power to shape the future of your cooperative. Whether it’s voting in elections, participating in discussions at our Annual Meeting, or sharing feedback, your involvement plays a crucial role in guiding our decisions. Together, we can ensure that UCEMC continues to meet the needs of our community for generations to come.
Mark your calendars for our Annual Meeting of the Members on September 13, 2025. This event is an opportunity to connect with co-op leadership, learn about updates to your electric service, and participate in the decision-making process. It’s also a chance to enjoy delicious food, family-friendly entertainment, door prizes, and more. This is your cooperative, and we can’t wait to see you there!
At UCEMC, our mission is simple: to deliver safe, reliable power at the best value while enhancing life in our community. Together, we’re not just lighting homes—we’re building a brighter future.
School Uplift is Open for Enrollment
We are excited to partner with TVA EnergyRight to recruit the next cohort of schools for the 2025-2026 School Uplift program! Participating schools can save an average of $13,000 annually by engaging their entire school in energy efficiency practices. Plus, all schools that complete the year-long program receive a $10,000 to $25,000 Learning Environment Grant!
It All Adds Up
School Uplift is making a big impact across the region. Teachers, administrators, and students are working together to save energy and reduce costs. Each year, this program helps approximately 100 public schools lower their energy bills with no or low-cost energy-saving practices, achieving a 10% reduction in energy costs.
The heartbeat of every community is in its schools
School Uplift creates brighter, safer, and happier learning environments. By reducing energy waste, schools can focus more resources on what matters most—books, teaching materials, and educational technology.
The ABC’s of School Uplift
A—Active Energy Training
Schools receive behavior-based strategic energy management (SEM) training to promote staff and student engagement with actionable energy-saving practices.
B—Building Community
School Uplift energizes students, families, and community leaders to unite for better schools and stronger communities.
C—Competitive and Need-Based Grants
Participating schools compete for grants to fund critical energy upgrades, improving their learning environments.
Currently, these schools are participating in the 2024-2025 program:
- AH Roberts Elementary
- Carthage Elementary School
- Cornerstone Elementary School
- Livingston Academy
- New Middleton Elementary School
We are thrilled to see the program’s ongoing success and can’t wait to see which schools join us next year!
Tell the educators in your life to learn more at EnergyRight.com/school-uplift
