NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A powerful winter storm has already moved through much of the country, leaving behind ice, power outages, and difficult conditions across parts of the South and Midwest. Ice storms can be especially damaging to electric systems, particularly in rural areas served by electric cooperatives.
Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report from Nashville to provide an update on conditions across Tennessee following the storm.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Knotts discussed the impacts electric co-ops are seeing statewide and explained how ice affects power lines and equipment differently than snow or wind, often leading to more widespread and longer-lasting outages. He also discussed safety issues for residents still without power, including precautions regarding generators, space heaters, downed power lines, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Finally, Knotts also shared guidance on how customers can stay informed and communicate with their local electric cooperatives if outages last longer than expected.
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