Multiple utility providers in East Tennessee, including Rockwood Electric Utility, Volunteer Energy Cooperative, and Harriman Utility Board, are dealing with widespread power outages caused by a recent ice storm. Heavy ice accumulation has led to significant damage, particularly from trees and limbs weighted down by ice falling onto power lines and equipment, affecting broad areas such as from Pine Orchard to Dogwood Valley and across various communities in their service territories.

Crews from all three utilities are actively working to restore power, but progress is slow due to hazardous conditions, blocked roads from fallen trees, and the need to clear paths to access damaged infrastructure in many locations. Restoration efforts are expected to take a substantial amount of time as teams prioritize safety while pushing forward diligently and coordinating with road departments to improve access.

Utility officials are urging customers to exercise patience and prioritize safety by staying far away from downed power lines and trees (treating all lines as live and energized), avoiding any attempts to clear debris themselves, and reporting issues appropriately—such as through SmartHub apps or direct calls when necessary. For Harriman Utility Board customers, automatic meter reporting means there’s no need to call in outages unless spotting a specific hazard like a downed line. All providers express appreciation for community understanding amid these challenging and dangerous conditions.