Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative

As for 4:20 pm, all power outages related to this accident have been restored.

Update as of 2 pm: The outage numbers have greatly improved, however we still have 13 members without power. We anticipate it will still be several hours before the truck is unloaded and safely removed from the area. At that time we will able accurately assess the damage and make necessary repairs.

A power outage is currently affecting approximately 216 members around Oak Grove Rd. following a traffic accident. Two power poles are broken as a result of a fully loaded tractor trailer overturning. We are working on possible solutions to temporarily restore power to as many members as possible. However, before we can gain access to the area to begin replacing the broken poles, the truck must be fully unloaded so it can be removed from the scene. This will inevitably be an extensive outage. We will post any updates as they become available. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during these unforeseen circumstances.

Answers to yesterday's word search.

Summer learning can still be fun!

The time is here. It’s practically summer and you have plans to better the outside of your home. Maybe you are considering putting in a new pool, a new mailbox or maybe even some new flowering trees. Whatever the project might be — you need to call 811 before digging any holes. This simple, initial, important and free safety step will save you from headaches and hazards.

Calling 811 keeps people safe. Plain and simple, calling 811 before digging helps prevent serious injuries or worse. Underground electric, gas and communication lines aren’t always obvious. Hitting one could lead to electric shock, explosions or other life-threatening situations — all that could be prevented by one quick call.

Calling 811 protects critical infrastructure and prevents outages. Damaging underground utilities can knock out power, internet or gas for the entire neighborhood. Giving 811 a call before starting any projects helps keep the lights on and essential services running for everyone.

Calling 811 saves time, money and frustration. Hitting a buried line could lead to costly repairs, project delays and potential fines. Dialing 811 is free, easy and can keep a job on track without unexpected and expensive setbacks.

Tennessee 811 is a nonprofit organization that helps homeowners and contractors locate underground utility lines so that digging can proceed safely. With one call, you can notify the owners of various underground utility lines who, within a few days, will mark the locations of the lines. Calling is required by law. If you dig without calling and damage utility lines, fines can be assessed and repair costs will come out of your pocket.

Keep in mind that private utility lines will not be covered by a call to Tennessee 811. Examples of private lines are water and sewer lines that run from your meter to your house. You might need to contact your local or city government, tax assessor or registrar of deeds to help locate these lines. Also not covered are customer-owned lines such as those for invisible fencing, outdoor lighting and irrigation. Tennessee 811 maintains a list of private locators. For a fee, these professionals can help you locate these underground lines.

Tennessee 811’s call center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 811 or 1-800-351-1111 or via an online e-ticket program at tenn811.com. The website also has an FAQ section to answer more specific questions about the process and what to expect.

Congratulations to Crystal Greene, FLEC board director from district 1. She recently earned the Director Gold credentials. The Director Gold credentials recognizes directors committed to continuing their education beyond the Credentialed Cooperative Distinction (CCD) and Board Leadership Certification (BLC) and who desire a tangible credential that demonstrates their ongoing commitment to advancing their knowledge and performing their fiduciary duty to the best of their ability.
Crystal has been on FLEC's board of directors since July of 2024 and has already completed the CCD, BLC, and now the director gold certification by attending a total of at least 18 classes.
Congratulations again to Crystal, and thank you for all you do to responsibly represent your fellow members.

Warmer temperatures often bring volatile weather with it. Be ready if it does.

Get the entire family involved in spotting opportunities around the house to help save energy!

Who are those folks? What are they doing?

Herbicide Treatments to Begin Soon

5/15/2026

Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative (FLEC) is utilizing a contractor, Alcan Management, to perform herbicide treatments of approximately 643 miles of existing power line easements and rights-of-way, as in years past. Contract crews will be working in easements around the City of Madisonville area, in the Town of Tellico Plains, and around the Town of Vonore (extending out of these municipalities on lines feeding along Hwy. 411, Hwy. 360, Ball Play, Rafter, Cherohala Skyway, the Tellico River, Oak Grove, and Niles Ferry Roads to the outlying rural communities of Ball Play, Rafter, Turkey Creek, Gudger, Sunnyside, Corntassel, and Citico. Also, we will have contract crews working in easements in Greenback (from Vonore along East Coast Tellico Parkway, along Hwy. 95 north toward Lenoir City into the Glendale and Unitia communities; west under the lines along and adjacent to Hwy. 321 toward Lenoir City. Further, there will be a portion of the lines feeding along Hwy. 129 in the Chilhowee area subject to selective treatments. Properties belonging to FLEC around substations and on property where future substations will be located in Ball Play, Vonore, and Coker Creek communities are subject to treatment annually by FLEC personnel or a contractor too.

ALCAN personnel will be leaving tags or landowners may be spoken with about this planned essential maintenance work in the aforementioned areas; this notice is provided to officially inform the general public and the FLEC membership. The herbicide treatments will be done to easements via a backpack application method and with minimal chemical usage. The crews will be traveling together in vehicles marked with signage “Contractor for FLEC” while conducting the work. This type of vegetation management is dependent on the weather. So, as the weather permits, this work will be done over the next few weeks.

The Cooperative is required to maintain the vegetation around its infrastructure in accordance with state and national guidelines and herbicides help us to keep the easements clear of woody vegetation prone to grow underneath and around the power lines. The work involves these contractors walking out the easements, treating woody vegetation as they go; they wear a backpack and bright clothing that makes them easy to identify as official workers. They have information on their persons that identify them as a contractor of the Cooperative too. At no time should any of these contract employees ask to come into your home. As always, please notify FLEC of any concerns you may have in regard to persons acting on your Cooperative’s behalf. The Cooperative holds the trust you have of our efforts to a high standard and do not wish to ever violate the high ethical standards we have maintained for the past 86 years. FLEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer and always strives to be proactive in management actions that promote safe, reliable electric services at reasonable costs to those we serve! In closing, we thank you for allowing us to provide you safe, reliable and affordable electric service. Any questions can be addressed by calling FLEC’s offices at 1-877-353-2674, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; please dial ext. 161 and leave a message for our Vegetation Management team.