Utilities
Sumner County, Tennessee, is home to robust and reliable utility services that meet the needs of both residents and businesses. From low-cost electricity provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to extensive fiber broadband coverage, our local infrastructure is continuously expanding to support economic growth and quality of life. Explore the information below to learn more about our key providers, service areas, and recent developments.
Electricity
All electricity in Sumner County is generated and transmitted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), one of the lowest-cost generators in the country. Power supply and quality are excellent, and TVA distributes electricity through several local providers. Sumner County is served by:
Major Electricity Providers & Coverage
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Nashville Electric Service (NES)
Primarily serves southern Sumner County (Hendersonville & Goodlettsville). Visit NES Website -
Gallatin Department of Electricity
Serves the City of Gallatin and surrounding areas. Visit Gallatin Electric -
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC)
Covers large portions of the county, including Portland and parts of Hendersonville. Visit CEMC -
Middle Tennessee Electric
Serves a smaller portion of the county. Visit MTE -
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation
Covers some northern areas of Sumner County (border with Kentucky). Visit Tri-County EMC
Pricing, Infrastructure & Recent Developments
Average Residential Rate: ~12¢/kWh, about 5% lower than the Tennessee average and significantly lower than the national average. Specific rates vary by provider.
- Cumberland Electric: ~12.64¢/kWh
- Nashville Electric: ~13.33¢/kWh
- Gallatin Electric: ~11.59¢/kWh
- Middle Tennessee Electric: ~11.47¢/kWh
Sumner County ranks among the top Tennessee counties for non-renewable generation per capita but also has strong hydroelectric production. Recent expansions, such as Shoals Technologies Group’s $80 million investment in Portland, underscore our region’s growing energy sector.
Natural Gas
Sumner County benefits from proximity to several large, interstate natural gas pipelines, offering excellent capacity and reliability. Multiple providers serve our region, ensuring a competitive market and potentially more favorable pricing and services for residents, businesses, and industries.
Piedmont Natural Gas (Duke Energy)
- Service Area: Serves over 1.2 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, including significant coverage in Sumner County.
- Infrastructure: Access to interstate pipelines ensures reliable supply and system flexibility.
- Customer Satisfaction: Ranked highest in residential natural gas customer satisfaction in the South among large utilities, per the J.D. Power 2023 study.
- Rate Structure: Recent filing to adjust base rates (as of September 2024). View Rates
- Assistance Programs: Offers Equal Payment Plans (EPP), Share the Warmth, and other programs to help customers manage bills.
For more information, visit piedmontng.com or call (800) 752-7504.
Gallatin Utilities
- Service Area: Primarily serves the City of Gallatin and nearby communities.
- Infrastructure: Sources natural gas from East Tennessee Natural Gas, ensuring a stable and scalable supply.
- Capacity: As of January 2025, system capacity meets current consumption needs with room for future growth.
- Rate Structure: Residential rates start at $3.50 for the first 2 ccf (minimum) and $0.94 per ccf thereafter (inside city). View Rate Details
- Connection Fees: $250 for new natural gas services.
Learn more at gallatinutilities.com.
Portland Utilities
- Service Area: Covers the City of Portland and adjacent regions in Sumner County.
- Capacity: Although Portland Utilities is noted for its 3 MGD water treatment capacity, it also maintains natural gas infrastructure that supports local growth.
- Infrastructure: Proximity to interstate pipelines ensures reliable supply of natural gas for residential and commercial customers.
To learn more, visit cityofportlandtn.gov.
Natural gas distribution in Tennessee relies on a network of underground pipelines that connect interstate transmission lines to local communities. While natural gas is generally considered cleaner-burning than coal or oil, local providers continually monitor emissions and environmental impact under state and federal guidelines.
Why it matters: Multiple providers and a strong pipeline infrastructure help ensure reliable supply and competitive pricing for Sumner County. This diversity supports local economic resilience for both businesses and residents.
Telecommunications
Sumner County has extensive data and telecommunications infrastructure, including high-speed broadband, fiber, and emerging 5G networks. AT&T is the primary provider for much of the county, and North Central Telephone Cooperative (NCTC) serves Westmoreland and surrounding areas.
Broadband & Digital Opportunity
Tennessee has invested over $700 million in broadband expansion statewide, with Sumner County benefitting from new grant awards. These initiatives aim to enhance fiber access, increase digital literacy, and support economic growth.
Resources:
Regulation & Oversight
The Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) ensures competitiveness and affordability in telecommunications. Contact TPUC at 1-800-342-8359 for more info.
Water & Sewer
With the Cumberland River forming Sumner County’s southern border, the region has abundant water supply capable of supporting major industrial developments. Local providers focus on high-quality water delivery and maintaining robust treatment systems. Key providers include:
- Hendersonville Utility District – hendutil.net
- Gallatin Utilities – gallatinutilities.com
- Portland Utilities – cityofportlandtn.gov
- White House Utility District – whud.org
- City of Westmoreland – townofwestmoreland.com
- City of Millersville – cityofmillersville.com
Water Quality & Recent Developments
Local providers consistently meet or exceed state and federal water quality standards. Current projects include infrastructure upgrades, distribution expansions, and measures to protect water sources from contaminants. For detailed reports, visit the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation website.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Insights
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the largest public power supplier in the country and a key economic development partner in Sumner County. Low-cost energy, sustainability initiatives, and site development grants are just a few ways TVA supports local communities and industries.
Cost Comparisons & Local Business Support
Competitive Rates: TVA’s electricity remains a major draw for manufacturers and tech firms. Flexible incentives can offset capital investments.
Economic Development: Programs like Valley Incentive and Workforce Invest assist in local job creation, training, and industrial expansions.
Learn more at TVA’s official website .
Resources & Contact Information
Whether you’re a new resident needing utility hookups or a business exploring Sumner County for expansion, these resources help you get started:
- Tennessee Public Utility Commission (TPUC) – TPUC Website
- Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation – TDEC Website
- Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development – TNECD Website
For further assistance with utility services or questions about doing business in Sumner County, reach out to Forward Sumner .