Sumner County committee faults NES leadership after Winter Storm Fern, seeks county seat on utility board

On Feb. 9, 2026, the Sumner County Legislative Committee voted to approve a resolution that criticized Nashville Electric Service (NES) leadership for its preparedness and communications during Winter Storm Fern and called for a formal voice for Sumner County on the NES board.

The resolution, amended during committee debate, commends NES linemen and front-line crews for "extraordinary courage, dedication, and professionalism" while asserting that NES executive leadership and the Electric Power Board "failed to adequately prepare" and to provide timely public communication during the storm. County Mayor John Isbell told the committee he has "started conversation with the Nashville Mayor and will continue conversation with state legislators so the citizens of Sumner County can have a voice on the NES Board in the future." (John Isbell, County Mayor.)

Why it matters: the resolution cites the Jan. 25, 2026 Winter Storm Fern as the basis for concern, saying at the peak approximately 230,000 NES customers were without power and that the outages and damage — including the text's reference to more than 700 damaged poles and restorations extending to Feb. 9, 2026 — imposed lengthy hardship on Sumner County residents. The committee added amendments asking for a Sumner-only breakdown of NES service assets, for an independent review of NES preparedness and vegetation management, and for a change to NES's charter to allow local appointment of board members representing customers outside Davidson County.

During debate Comm. Matthew Shoaf led several amendments: he successfully moved to place commendation of linemen at the front of the resolution, to request a breakdown of NES assets specifically for Sumner County, and to add language empowering the Sumner County Mayor to explore alternative providers and to work with the General Assembly on options should NES resist change. Law Director Eric Sitler cautioned the committee that "the county has limited to no authority" over utility governance and that much NES service lies within municipalities. (Eric Sitler, Law Director.) One amendment empowering the mayor to pursue alternatives passed 4-1, with Comm. Ben Harris opposed; the committee then approved the full resolution as amended unanimously.

Public comment preceding committee action included a resident, Kevin Baigert, who told the committee "NES issues need resolve" and questioned the timeframe of a proposed MOU with the City of Gallatin. (Kevin Baigert, resident.)

What the resolution directs: among other items the resolution calls for a full, transparent and independent review of decisions before, during, and after the storm (including storm preparedness, vegetation management, crew mobilization, mutual aid and communications), requests a Sumner-only asset breakdown, and calls for formal county appointment to the NES board. It also directs the commission clerk to transmit certified copies to the Nashville mayor, NES leadership and the county's state legislative delegation. The resolution text sets the effective date "immediately upon its passage."

Next steps: the committee approved the resolution as amended and the paperwork in the resolution directs staff to send certified copies to Nashville officials and state legislators; the Law Director's remarks indicate any change to board composition likely requires engagement beyond county authority.