Understanding Energy in Tennessee
Tennessee's electricity is generated and transmitted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal agency. TVA's diverse mix of nuclear, hydro, gas, and growing renewables keeps rates below the national average. Local power companies (LPCs) like NES, MLGW, and KUB distribute power to end customers.
Tennessee has a regulated electricity market. Your utility is the only electricity provider in your area, but rates are reviewed and approved by the state's public utility commission to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
The state's primary electric utilities include Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Nashville Electric Service (NES), Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW), Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB). Natural gas distribution is handled by Piedmont Natural Gas (Duke Energy), Atmos Energy Tennessee, Memphis Light Gas & Water. Tennessee's climate — humid subtropical, mild winters, hot humid summers — is one of the main drivers of annual energy consumption patterns for households.
Electric Utilities in Tennessee
The following utilities operate in Tennessee. Your specific provider depends on your address.
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
- Nashville Electric Service (NES)
- Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW)
- Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
Natural Gas Utilities in Tennessee
- Piedmont Natural Gas (Duke Energy)
- Atmos Energy Tennessee
- Memphis Light Gas & Water
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Energy Assistance Programs in Tennessee
Low-income households and those facing energy emergencies may qualify for these programs:
- Tennessee LIHEAP
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance
- Dollar Energy Fund
- TVA EnergyRight Solutions
Energy Saving Tips for Tennessee Residents
These tips are tailored to Tennessee's climate — humid subtropical, mild winters, hot humid summers:
- Run your AC on a "dry" mode or use a standalone dehumidifier — moisture makes heat feel worse.
- Clean or replace AC filters monthly during summer to maintain airflow and efficiency.
- Consider a mini-split heat pump — it's highly efficient for both cooling and mild-winter heating.
- Install Energy Star certified windows to reduce solar heat gain.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove humidity at the source.
- Check for the CARE or low-income utility assistance program in your state.
- Schedule an energy audit — many Florida and Georgia utilities offer them free.
Gas & Electricity Rates by City in Tennessee
Select a city to view local utility rates, providers, and energy programs.
All Cities & Towns in Tennessee
Gas and electricity information for all 345 cities and towns in Tennessee. Jump to a letter or browse the full list.
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- Calhoun
- Camden
- Carthage
- Caryville
- Cedar Hill
- Celina
- Centertown
- Centerville
- Chapel Hill
- Charleston
- Charlotte
- Chattanooga
- Church Hill
- Clarksburg
- Clarksville
- Cleveland
- Clifton
- Clinton
- Coalmont
- Collegedale
- Collierville
- Collinwood
- Columbia
- Cookeville
- Coopertown
- Copperhill
- Cornersville
- Cottage Grove
- Covington
- Cowan
- Crab Orchard
- Cross Plains
- Crossville
- Crump
- Cumberland City
- Cumberland Gap
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- Madisonville
- Manchester
- Martin
- Maryville
- Mason
- Maury City
- Maynardville
- McEwen
- McKenzie
- McLemoresville
- McMinnville
- Medina
- Medon
- Memphis
- Michie
- Middleton
- Milan
- Milledgeville
- Millersville
- Millington
- Minor Hill
- Mitchellville
- Monteagle
- Monterey
- Morrison
- Morristown
- Moscow
- Mosheim
- Mount Carmel
- Mount Juliet
- Mount Pleasant
- Mountain City
- Munford
- Murfreesboro
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- Saltillo
- Samburg
- Sardis
- Saulsbury
- Savannah
- Scotts Hill
- Selmer
- Sevierville
- Sharon
- Shelbyville
- Signal Mountain
- Silerton
- Slayden
- Smithville
- Smyrna
- Sneedville
- Soddy-Daisy
- Somerville
- South Carthage
- South Fulton
- South Pittsburg
- Sparta
- Spencer
- Spring City
- Spring Hill
- Springfield
- St. Joseph
- Stanton
- Stantonville
- Sunbright
- Surgoinsville
- Sweetwater
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Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessee Energy
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The average residential electricity rate in Tennessee is approximately 14.47¢/kWh, compared to the national average of around 16¢/kWh. The average monthly electricity bill is $130.
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The average residential natural gas rate in Tennessee is approximately $1.03/therm per therm. The typical monthly gas bill is $68, though this varies significantly by season.
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The primary electric utilities serving Tennessee include Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Nashville Electric Service (NES), Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW). The right utility for you depends on your specific address.
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No — Tennessee has a regulated electricity market, meaning your utility is determined by your location.
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Tennessee residents may qualify for several assistance programs including Tennessee LIHEAP, Low Income Home Energy Assistance. Contact your utility or the state energy office for eligibility details.
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To reduce your energy bills in Tennessee: schedule a free energy audit through your utility, check for state weatherization assistance, upgrade to LED lighting, and optimize your thermostat settings. Ask your utility about budget billing to smooth out seasonal costs.