Nashville Utility Faces Scrutiny After Widespread Outages Persist

NES to provide updates as over 15,000 customers remain without power 10 days after ice storm

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The Nashville Electric Service (NES) is set to host a press conference on Tuesday afternoon to provide updates on restoration efforts as thousands remain without power across the service area, over 10 days after a major ice storm hit the region. The utility is facing growing criticism from local officials, with the mayor announcing plans to form a commission to review NES's storm preparation and response efforts.

Why it matters

The prolonged power outages have caused significant disruption and hardship for thousands of Nashville residents, raising concerns about the utility's ability to effectively prepare for and respond to major weather events. The situation has also prompted calls for accountability and potential changes in NES leadership.

The details

As of 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, there are more than 15,000 customers still without power in NES's service area. The utility is set to hold a press conference at 4:30 p.m. with CEO and President Teresa Broyles-Aplin, along with operations personnel, to provide updates on the restoration efforts. On Monday, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell announced plans to form a commission to review NES's storm preparation and response, in addition to requests he made to the utility's leadership the previous day.

  • The ice storm hit the region in January 2026.
  • Power outages peaked at 315,533 customers statewide, with about 230,000 outages in Nashville.
  • As of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, there are still over 15,000 customers without power, 10 days after the storm.

The players

Nashville Electric Service (NES)

The public electric utility that provides power to the Nashville metropolitan area.

Teresa Broyles-Aplin

CEO and President of the Nashville Electric Service.

Freddie O'Connell

The mayor of Nashville, who has announced plans to form a commission to review NES's storm preparation and response efforts.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA)

The state agency that reported 25 deaths related to the winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“In addition to the requests I made of NES leadership yesterday (Sunday), I am issuing Executive Order 58, establishing a Commission to Review Preparation and Response to the January 2026 Winter Storm.”

— Freddie O'Connell, Mayor of Nashville

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.