Winter storms are wreaking havoc across Middle Tennessee, leaving thousands in the dark—literally. As freezing temperatures and icy conditions sweep through the region, power outages are becoming a major concern for residents. NewsChannel 5 is on the ground, tracking these disruptions in real-time to keep you informed. Here’s the latest breakdown of outages by provider as of 6 p.m. Wednesday:
- NES: 103,450 customers affected
- CEMC: 2,859 customers affected
- Duck River: 558 customers affected
- Middle TN Electric: 111 customers affected
- CDE Lightband (Clarksville): 0 customers affected
- Dickson Electric: 3,566 customers affected
- Columbia Power: 44 customers affected
- Gallatin Electric: 2 customers affected
- Pennyrile: 0 customers affected
- Lawrenceburg Utility: 0 customers affected
But here’s where it gets controversial: are power companies doing enough to prepare for these predictable winter storms? While outages are expected during severe weather, some residents are questioning why certain providers are hit harder than others. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Shifting gears, if you’re a student loan borrower, 2026 might bring some unexpected changes to your repayment plan. The rules around federal student loans have been in flux for years, leaving many borrowers confused and frustrated. Robb Coles breaks down the latest updates and offers practical advice to navigate these changes. Whether you’re just starting to repay your loans or nearing the finish line, his insights could save you time—and money. Check out his story for a clearer path forward.
And this is the part most people miss: could these student loan changes disproportionately impact certain demographics? As policies evolve, it’s worth considering who stands to benefit—and who might be left behind. Share your thoughts below.
— Carrie Sharp
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