Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation: Clarksville's Trusted Electric Cooperative Since 1938

For over eight decades, Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC) has served as a foundational energy provider for the Clarksville, Tennessee region. Headquartered in Clarksville, this nonprofit electric cooperative operates across five counties, balancing residential and commercial power needs. Its governance by a member-elected board underscores its community-focused mission, ensuring reliable service for its extensive membership.

Key Services with Local Relevance

CEMC provides essential electric services tailored to the area's infrastructure. Electric inspections are a core offering, critical for ensuring safety in both older neighborhoods and new developments. These inspections help homeowners comply with local codes, particularly important in historic districts or during seasonal preparations.

The cooperative also provides heating and cooling assistance, vital for the region's humid summers and occasional cold snaps. Recommendations for solar power options support growing interest in renewable energy among Clarksville residents, adapting to Tennessee's climate patterns.

Detailed Areas Served

CEMC's primary service zone includes specific neighborhoods and corridors in and around Clarksville. Key areas include the historic downtown district near the Montgomery County Courthouse, the residential communities along Trenton Road, the growth corridors near Exit 11 of I-24, and the Fort Campbell Boulevard commercial strip. The cooperative also serves the areas around Austin Peay State University and the residential zones near the Cumberland River.

Beyond Clarksville, CEMC extends service to Hendersonville, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, Millersville, and Shackle Island. This broad coverage demonstrates operational familiarity with diverse infrastructure, from urban grids to rural lines in surrounding counties.

Company History and Local Roots

Founded in 1938, CEMC emerged during a period of rural electrification in Tennessee. Its growth mirrors the region's development, expanding as Clarksville evolved from a riverside town to a thriving city. Key milestones include infrastructure investments that supported population growth, particularly during military expansions at Fort Campbell.

Physical growth is evident in its extensive network of over 8,323 miles of line, with a plant value exceeding $559 million. This infrastructure supports the cooperative's mission across Cheatham, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, and Sumner counties.

Leadership and Team

CEMC is governed by a board elected from its membership, ensuring local representation. Team members hold professional credentials specific to Tennessee's electrical standards, with many residing long-term within the communities they serve. Involvement with local trade associations and adherence to state licensing requirements reinforce their expertise.

The cooperative's team composition reflects local hiring practices, with personnel familiar with regional codes and inspection protocols. This local embeddedness enhances their ability to address area-specific electrical needs.

Community-Specific Specializations

• Electric inspections for homes built in various eras, including mid-century developments and newer subdivisions
• Heating and cooling assistance programs responsive to Tennessee's seasonal temperature swings
• Efficiency in navigating local permit processes with Montgomery County offices
• Infrastructure maintenance adapted to the region's clay soils and weather patterns
• Response protocols coordinated with local utilities for storm-related outages

Local Reputation and Reliability

CEMC's longevity, serving over 110,000 members, establishes it as a reliable authority in the region. Patterns of continued membership demonstrate trust within the community, supported by consistent compliance with Tennessee's electrical codes. The cooperative's adaptation to local challenges, such as maintaining lines during humid summers or winter ice events, reinforces its operational reliability. Its nonprofit structure and member-focused governance further solidify its standing as an integral part of the Clarksville area's infrastructure.