Summary (tl;dr)

A major winter storm has caused widespread power outages across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, leaving hundreds of thousands of Nashville Electric Service (NES) customers without electricity due to significant damage to power infrastructure.

Essential Background

Nashville Electric Service (NES) serves as the primary electric utility for Nashville and its surrounding communities. The region often experiences power disruptions, particularly during periods of severe weather, which can compromise electrical infrastructure like power lines and poles.

The Full Story

As of January 25, 2026, a severe winter storm, characterized by freezing rain and accumulating ice, has led to extensive power outages across Nashville and the broader Middle Tennessee area. Nashville Electric Service (NES) alone reported over 180,000 customers without power, representing approximately 39% of its service area. The storm caused at least 76 broken poles and damaged more than 70 distribution circuits, resulting in thousands of active outage incidents. Restoration efforts by NES crews and assisting contract teams are underway, working continuously to repair the extensive damage, with expectations that full power restoration will take several days. Other regional utilities, including Middle Tennessee Electric and Cumberland Electric, have also reported tens of thousands of outages affecting their customers.

Why It Matters

The widespread and prolonged power outages in Nashville and Middle Tennessee are significantly impacting daily life and raising serious safety concerns, particularly with ongoing cold temperatures. Many residents are left without heat, prompting the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) to provide warming centers for those affected. Emergency services are experiencing heightened call volumes, and authorities are advising the public to reserve 911 for critical emergencies only, rather than power outage reports. The extensive damage to the electrical grid implies that disruptions to businesses, schools, and essential services will persist for an extended period, underscoring the severe implications for the community and local economy.

Geographic Location

• Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (widespread power outages due to winter storm)
• Middle Tennessee, Tennessee, United States (region experiencing widespread power outages)
• Robertson County, Tennessee, United States (county with the highest percentage of NES customers affected by outages)