La Vergne Mayor Demands Answers From NES After Widespread Power Failures

Around 175,000 NES customers lost power during the ice storm, a much higher number than customers of Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE).
By Newsroom | Energy, Local Government |

La Vergne officials are demanding answers and improved performance from Nashville Electric Service (NES) following extensive power outages after a recent ice storm. Mayor Jason Cole has directly challenged NES, contrasting their response with that of Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE), whose customers in La Vergne experienced no such disruptions. The criticism centers on prolonged outages, a lack of communication, and perceived inadequacies in preparedness and resource allocation by NES.

Storm Response Disparities Highlighted

During the height of the storm, NES reported approximately 175,000 customers without power, a figure significantly higher than the outages experienced by MTE customers. Reports indicate MTE had line workers pre-positioned for a swifter restoration. This stark difference has fueled La Vergne's frustration, with Mayor Cole noting that "That's a lot of people sitting in the dark." He further questioned NES's staffing levels, specifically asking why additional linemen were not hired to expedite repairs.

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La Vergne demands more of NES after ice storm left city 'in the dark' - 1

Communication and Representation Issues

A central grievance from La Vergne leaders, including Mayor Cole and State Representatives Sparks and Stevens, revolves around communication. La Vergne has received "little communication" from NES regarding outage timelines and restoration efforts. Mayor Cole stated he reached out to both NES and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell for information but received no response. Representative Sparks clarified that concerns are directed at NES's "communication, preparedness and governance," rather than the efforts of individual line workers. The representatives view this as an opportunity to initiate a broader discussion on how communities outside Nashville are represented in matters concerning utility governance and to consider potential changes.

Meeting Held to Review NES Performance

Following the public outcry, NES met with La Vergne officials, including Mayor Jason Cole and the Board of Aldermen. NES presented a report to city leaders detailing their response to the January ice storm, including data on infrastructure resilience and emergency coordination. The session, held at La Vergne City Hall, focused on the utility's handling of outages and the subsequent restoration processes across the affected areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are La Vergne officials unhappy with Nashville Electric Service (NES)?
La Vergne officials are demanding answers from NES because widespread power outages occurred after a recent ice storm, with long restoration times and poor communication.
Q: How did NES's response compare to Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE)?
Mayor Jason Cole noted that MTE customers in La Vergne did not experience similar disruptions, highlighting a disparity in service during the storm.
Q: What specific issues did La Vergne raise with NES?
La Vergne officials criticized NES for prolonged outages, lack of communication about restoration timelines, and perceived inadequacies in preparedness and resource allocation.
Q: Did NES officials meet with La Vergne leaders?
Yes, NES met with La Vergne officials, including Mayor Jason Cole and the Board of Aldermen, at La Vergne City Hall to present a report on their response to the ice storm.
Q: What did NES report to the city leaders?
NES presented data on infrastructure resilience and emergency coordination, detailing their handling of outages and restoration processes during the January ice storm.