Co-ops speaking for communities

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative leaders across the five-county service area connected with state lawmakers at the 2023 Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference. The annual event, which was held February 28th- March 1st in Nashville, included cooperative leaders statewide forming new relationships and growing partnerships with legislators. Participants from MLEC discussed energy policies, broadband and other issues that impact rural and suburban Tennessee.

During the session, more than 100 co-op leaders gathered at our state capitol. MLEC officials specifically met with State Senators Kerry Roberts and John Stevens as well as State Representatives Jody Barrett and Jay Reedy. Cooperative participants shared the challenges districts face while also emphasizing the important role it plays in the community.

"The conversations held with legislators that represent our service area help state leaders understand the real-world impacts of policies under consideration," MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan said. "At the same time, the opportunity allows us to advocate for or against legislation with the overall goal of benefitting our members. The decisions law makers are asked to make can have enormous consequences to our service area. That is why we serve to assist our elected officials as they try to improve our state."

Attending this year's conference from MLEC were President and CEO Keith Carnahan, Hickman County Director Dr. Zack Hutchens, Houston County Director Sam Fussell, Humphreys County Directors David Daniel and Jessie Wallace, Lewis County Directors Bill Webb and Dr. Jeff Peery and Perry County Director Ronny Averett.

MLEC leaders strengthened existing relationships and created new connections over the two-day event. The communication with state leaders is an important part of our work to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our communities. We are proud to advocate for the people and places we serve.

MLEC is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility that serves more than 35,000 meters in Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, and Perry counties. We are your source for power and broadband and help build brighter futures for the communities we serve. Learn more at mlec.com.

The Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association provides leadership, advocacy and support for Tennessee's 23 electric cooperatives and 2.5 million consumers. The association also publishes The Tennessee Magazine, the state's most widely circulated periodical. Visit tnelectric.org or tnmagazine.org to learn more.