local
Metro Council considers requiring new developments to bury power lines
By Braden Ross at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A bill working its way through Metro Council would require all newly-built streets in Nashville to bury utilities like power lines.It comes after more than 230,000 customers lost power during the winter storm earlier this year and as Nashville Electric Service is poised ...
Key takeaway It comes after more than 230,000 customers lost power during the winter storm earlier this year and as Nashville Electric Service is poised to start work on a pilot program to bury power lines in four neighborhoods around Nashville.
Why this matters in The Nashville
As the Metro Council bill moves forward, its potential impact on Nashville's growth and infrastructure will be closely watched. The city's rapid development has indeed put a strain on the power grid, and burying utilities on new streets could help mitigate the effects of severe weather. Council Member Styles' point about downtown areas already having buried utilities is well-taken, and it will be interesting to see how the cost concerns are addressed. The fact that NES is already investing $9 million in a pilot program to bury power lines in four neighborhoods suggests that there is a willingness to explore this solution. If the bill passes, it could set a new standard for development in Nashville, potentially influencing the way other cities in the region approach their own infrastructure needs. The next steps will be crucial, as the Metro Council weighs the costs and benefits of this proposal.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A bill working its way through Metro Council would require all newly-built streets in Nashville to bury utilities like power lines.It comes after more than 230,000 customers lost power during the winter storm earlier this year and as Nashville Electric Service is poised ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Braden Ross at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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