NES outages fall to about 1,000 after January ice storm as scrutiny grows over response

Outages reach lowest point since storm while restoration enters final stretch

Power outages across the Nashville Electric Service (NES) footprint fell to just over 1,000 customers on Thursday, February 6, marking the lowest total since a late-January ice storm triggered the largest outage event in the utility’s history. The outage peak reached roughly 230,000 customers at one time, a level that surpassed the most severe outages tied to the May 2020 derecho wind event in Middle Tennessee.

The declining outage count comes 12 days into restoration work following a storm that brought widespread ice accumulation, downed trees and damaged distribution equipment across Nashville and surrounding communities. In the days immediately after the event, statewide outages were reported to have peaked above 300,000, with the greatest concentration in the Nashville area.

Restoration timelines changed as damage assessments evolved

NES publicly revised its completion targets multiple times as crews progressed from clearing main circuits to rebuilding neighborhood-level damage. Earlier projections extended full restoration into February 9, but a subsequent update indicated an expectation that 100% of impacted customers would be restored by Saturday, February 7. NES has also emphasized that individual reconnections can be delayed when customer-owned equipment is damaged and must be repaired before service can be safely restored.

In public briefings during the restoration period, NES described extensive physical damage, including hundreds of broken or replaced poles and widespread tree-related impacts. Mutual-aid staffing grew substantially as out-of-state lineworkers joined local crews working extended shifts.

Deaths and safety risks underscore the consequences of prolonged outages

Metro Nashville Police reported multiple storm-related deaths in Davidson County during the outage period, including cases tied to hazardous conditions inside homes and at least one death believed to involve generator use. Extended outages also increased reliance on alternative heating and power sources, a pattern that public-safety officials routinely warn can elevate the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and fire when equipment is used improperly.

Political and public accountability efforts intensify

As restoration continued, criticism expanded beyond resident complaints to include calls for formal review of utility performance, communications and preparedness. Mayor Freddie O’Connell escalated public criticism of NES’ crisis communication and directed a performance review. At the state and federal level, elected officials sought more detailed explanations of restoration planning and decision-making, including requests for audits and written responses to detailed questions about readiness, staffing and system hardening.

Key facts at a glance

• Outages fell to just over 1,000 customers on February 6, the lowest since the storm.
• Peak outages reached about 230,000 customers in the NES service area.
• Restoration completion estimates shifted, with a later target pointing to February 7 for 100% restoration of impacted customers.
• Storm impacts included fatalities in Davidson County and heightened safety risks tied to alternative power sources.

With outages nearing the final phase, attention is increasingly focused on what system changes, governance reviews and operational adjustments may follow the largest outage event in NES history.