As the trusted energy provider for thousands of members, MTE is committed to providing them affordable, safe, and reliable electricity. Our engineering team uses federal, state, and local guidelines in combination with industry best practices in our efforts to fulfill this mission. We've created standards and guidelines to help our builders, contractors, and other vendors navigate the rules and regulations around the construction of homes and businesses.
MTE and virtually all other electric utilities build to an overhead standard as the most cost-effective type of construction. We are open to putting lines underground provided the additional cost is covered by or for the member. Overhead service was established as the standard construction because over time it has been the most cost-effective design. When alternatives like underground service are requested by developers or mandated by cities, the member benefiting from the alternative design pays the additional cost.
Middle Tennessee Electric has invested in advanced meters to improve the quality and efficiency of the electric systems that serve our members. Our advanced meters have allowed us to improve reliability by pinpointing and responding to outages more effectively. They also let us build a technological foundation to enable future tools and services for our members. Finally, they provide environmental benefits through the interconnectivity of renewable energy sources, demand response, and energy efficiency.
Middle Tennessee Electric is undertaking a significant long-term infrastructure upgrade to better meet our members’ current and future needs. This improvement involves creating a ‘Smart Grid’ using the latest electric distribution technology to increase reliability and power quality while reducing and shortening outages. As we implement Smart Grid, we've started answering some frequently asked questions our members have about the technology.