Fairfield Glade residents are currently facing a pivotal vote: whether to approve amendments to the community’s Covenants and Restrictions. This decision will significantly influence future residential and commercial development. Amid these discussions, a critical question often arises: Can Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) provide the necessary electrical power as Fairfield Glade continues to grow?
As a member of the VEC Board of Directors, representing the Cumberland County East district, I want to unequivocally assure you: Yes, we can. Our top priority remains ensuring a reliable, accessible and affordable electrical distribution network. We are fully committed to partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as they expand their power generation and transmission capabilities, and we are equally dedicated to delivering that electricity to our customers and members across our 17-county service area.
We are currently in the second year of a five-year, $250 million initiative focused on essential network upgrades and repairs. This includes significant investments in areas like Fairfield Glade to increase our capacity and improve the speed of power delivery. In addition, we continuously monitor both current and projected power usage. This allows us to make strategic, data-driven adjustments to our short- and long-term infrastructure plans.
VEC works in close coordination with TVA, as well as local, regional, and state officials, to stay ahead of projected economic growth. Our goal is to ensure that our infrastructure evolves in step with the communities we serve.
To gain a deeper understanding of VEC and our operations, I would strongly encourage you to attend the 2025 VEC Annual Meeting on October 4. For the first time in our 90-year history, the event will be held in Crossville at Stone Memorial High School, beginning with a complimentary breakfast at 8:00 AM. The meeting will feature exhibits, door prizes, and excellent opportunities to meet the dedicated employees who are the backbone of our cooperative.
For more information, please visit our website at www.VEC.org or follow us on Facebook.
Phil Smith, Cumberland County East
Representative, Board of Directors
Volunteer Energy Cooperative