Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEMC) will implement a retail rate adjustment of 3.5 percent, effective August 1, 2024. This adjustment is necessary to address the rising costs associated with maintaining and improving reliable electric service, including essential services such as infrastructure upgrades like poles and transformers, tree trimming and other maintenance. These updates are crucial to meeting the growing demand from our customers across UCEMC’s service areas in Smith, Putnam, Jackson, Overton, and fringe areas of DeKalb, Macon, Wilson, White, Clay, Fentress, and Pickett counties.

Residential customers using an average of 1,500 kilowatt hours per month can expect their monthly bill to increase by approximately $5.61. This adjustment reflects the ongoing commitment to ensuring the highest quality of service despite the increasing equipment and operational costs.

Costs of distribution equipment has risen dramatically. For example: pole costs are up 65%; transformers – 25%-300%, and wire – 25%. The current adjustment is a necessary step to continue providing reliable and efficient service to our over 53,000 meters and 4,700 miles of power lines across our service area, primarily located in Smith, Putnam, Jackson, and Overton counties. UCEMC’s corporate headquarters is located in Carthage, Tennessee.

We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our members as we work to enhance and sustain the quality of service you rely on every day. UCEMC’s members enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in the country.