Nashville Looks to Bury Power Lines Citywide

Proposal aims to improve reliability and aesthetics, but faces challenges.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Nashville officials are exploring a plan to bury all of the city's power lines in an effort to improve reliability and aesthetics. The ambitious proposal would require significant investment and coordination with utility providers, but proponents argue the long-term benefits outweigh the upfront costs.

Why it matters

Burying power lines can reduce outages caused by storms and other weather events, as well as improve the visual appeal of Nashville's neighborhoods. However, the project would be logistically complex and expensive, requiring buy-in from multiple stakeholders.

The details

The proposal calls for gradually transitioning all of Nashville's overhead power, cable, and telecommunications lines underground over the next 10-15 years. Utility providers estimate the total cost could exceed $5 billion, with the city and private companies sharing the financial burden. Challenges include coordinating construction, minimizing disruptions to residents and businesses, and securing the necessary funding.

  • The proposal was first introduced by the Nashville Metro Council in January 2026.
  • If approved, the phased underground conversion project could take 10-15 years to complete.

The players

Nashville Metro Council

The legislative body of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, which is considering the proposal to bury the city's power lines.

Nashville Electric Service (NES)

The public electric power provider for Nashville and Davidson County, which would play a key role in implementing the underground power line project.

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What they’re saying

“Burying our power lines is a long-term investment in the reliability and aesthetics of our city. It's a complex challenge, but one that's worth pursuing for the benefit of all Nashville residents.”

— John Cooper, Mayor of Nashville (Nashville Tennessean)

“While the upfront costs are significant, the reduced maintenance and outage expenses over time could make this project financially viable in the long run. We're committed to working with the city to explore all options.”

— Decosta Jenkins, President and CEO, Nashville Electric Service (Nashville Tennessean)

What’s next

The Nashville Metro Council is expected to hold public hearings and further study the feasibility and funding options for the underground power line project in the coming months.

The takeaway

Burying Nashville's power lines would be a major undertaking, but one that could significantly improve the city's infrastructure and aesthetics if the logistical and financial challenges can be overcome. The proposal highlights the tradeoffs cities must weigh when investing in large-scale public works projects.