Nashville Electric Service crews made significant progress early this morning, restoring power quickly and safely customers after severe storms moved through Middle Tennessee starting around 11:30 p.m. on April 27 and lasting until about 3 a.m. on April 28. As of 8:00 a.m., fewer than 40% of customers that were impacted by the storm are without power.
Severe thunderstorms, including a tornado, 70 mph wind gusts and hail, moved through the region last night, leaving approximately 16,351 customers without power. Crews have identified nine broken poles and 22 downed power lines across our service area and more may be discovered as the damage assessment is completed.
Since the storm’s passing, NES has restored power to approximately 10,000 customers and has a safe Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR)* of approximately 7:00 p.m. tonight (4/28) for most customers affected by this storm. If daylight reveals additional, previously undiscovered damage, this estimate may change. Additionally, storms that are expected this evening could delay restoration.
*The safe ETR reflects a data-driven prediction for most customers that can accept power to be restored. Factors such as the number of damaged poles, downed wire, and the overall complexity of the damage. While our crews bring years of experience to this work, restoration timelines may extend beyond initial estimates due to weather conditions, unforeseen or initially hidden damage, and even traffic. As crews repair sections of the line, temporary power outages may be necessary to ensure safe work conditions and to restore service to nearby areas.
NES restores power by tackling areas affecting the largest number of customers and priority customers like hospitals, fire stations, and water treatment plants first. We understand that being without power is difficult. Regardless of where a customer lives, each customer is important, and our lineworkers are working hard to restore power to every last customer. No one will be forgotten or left behind.
There are 350 NES lineworkers, 84 contracted lineworkers, and 557 vegetation management crew membersworking to restore power on 16-hour shifts. Additional crews will be arriving today to support the ongoing efforts in the current restoration and through potential storms this evening.
Key Information for Customers
- Report Outages: If there is a power outage, customers should call 615-234-0000, text “OUT” to 637797 (mobile phone must be tied to account), log into www.NESPower.com , or report it on the NES outage map at www.nespower.com/outages.
- Be Safe: If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away and call 9-1-1 immediately. If you are using a portable generator, keep it outdoors and away from windows.
- Commitment to Communication: NES will provide regular updates at 8 a.m. noon and 4 p.m. and as critical needs arise. You can find updates at NESpower.com, on our Outage Map at NESPower.com/outages or on social media – Facebook (@nespower), Instagram (nashvilleelectric), and X (@nespower).
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