03/04/2026
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(March 3, 2026 โ Centerville, TN) โ Meriwether Lewis alongside electric cooperative leaders across Tennessee joined state leaders in Nashville on Feb. 17 and 18 for the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Associationโs 2026 Legislative Conference.
More than 150 cooperative directors and staff met at the DoubleTree by Hilton to discuss legislative issues impacting electric cooperatives and the communities they serve. Attendees heard from key state leaders, including newly appointed chairman of the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee Rep. Rusty Grills, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Director Patrick Sheehan, Tennessee Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Kevin Hensley and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Deputy Commissioner Brian Clifford.
Representing MLEC at this yearโs conference were Hickman County Director Johnnie Ruth Elrod, Lewis County Directors Dr. Jeff Peery and Bill Webb, Perry County Director Ronny Averett and MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan.
On Wednesday, cooperative leaders traveled to the Cordell Hull Building for meetings with state senators and representatives. MLEC met with Senators Kerry Roberts, John Stevens, Joey Hensley and Representatives Jody Barrett and Kirk Haston.
โReliable, affordable electricity is essential to the families and businesses we serve,โ Carnahan said. โOpportunities like the TECA Legislative Conference allow us to share the cooperative story and ensure lawmakers understand how policies directly impact our members and rural communities.โ
Photo: (March 3, 2026 โ Centerville, TN) โ MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan (right) meets with State Senator John Stevens (left) to discuss the response to Winter Storm Fern and current issues that impact electric cooperatives during the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association Legislative Conference held February 17 and 18.
