28 January, 2026 Steady Progress as Restoration Enters Final Stages
Summary
DREMC crews have reduced outages to fewer than 300 and are now focused on difficult single-member repairs in remote areas as restoration from Winter Storm Fern nears completion.
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) crews continue making steady, encouraging progress as restoration from Winter Storm Fern moves into its final stages. Outage numbers have fallen below 300, and teams are now focused on the most difficult, single‑member outages scattered across rural and hard‑to‑reach areas.
Challenging Conditions in Remote Areas
Winter Storm Fern left widespread ice damage across the system, bringing down trees, limbs, and equipment in remote terrain. As crews gain access to single‑phase lines in these areas, progress naturally slows. Many of the remaining outages involve one or two members on long stretches of line, where repairs require extensive hands‑on work.
Right‑of‑way teams are clearing blocked roads and access paths ahead of line crews, opening routes that remain impassable this morning. Track machines are in place at every location where off‑road access is required, ensuring crews can reach the last pockets of damage.
“At this time, all remaining broken poles have a crew assigned, and every location that requires a track machine has one in place,” said Steven, Director of Operations for DREMC’s Columbia district. “We’re down to the singles now. It takes more strategy at this stage, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Coordinated Response Across the System
Approximately 360 personnel, including line crews, engineers, contractors, and internal staff, remain engaged in restoration efforts. DREMC crews from multiple districts are working side by side with contractor teams to accelerate progress.
“The team has really come together through this winter storm,” remarked CEO James Wright in a DREMC huddle this morning. “I’ve been at Duck River now for 15 months, and I am so impressed by the work ethic, dedication, and positive attitude that our employees have. I could not be more proud of this team.”
Right‑of‑way crews continue to play a critical role in clearing trees and debris to reach damaged equipment. “Our right‑of‑way teams are out early clearing access so line crews can reach the remaining damage,” said Ben, DREMC’s Director of Operations for Right‑of‑Way.
DREMC is also coordinating with county and state partners as needed. Governor Lee’s executive order, issued earlier this week, directs TDOT and other state resources to assist local governments with storm response. County officials have been responsive in helping expedite necessary line relocations and access needs.
Looking ahead, crews will continue working remaining outages throughout the day, most of which affect only one or two members in scattered locations. Additional progress is expected as access improves. Members can continue to monitor this site and social media for outage updates and storm resources.
About Duck River Electric
Established in 1936, Duck River Electric Membership Corporation is the fourth largest electric cooperative in Tennessee and serves over 86,000 members across 17 counties in southern Middle Tennessee. Stretching from Maury County, TN, in the west and Franklin County, TN, in the east, DREMC provides essential electricity services, managing critical infrastructure across rural and rugged terrain, and driving economic development through energy innovation. Our mission is to empower our communities and enhance the quality of life for our members. Learn more at www.dremc.com or contact our Media Relations team at communications@dremc.com.
