U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on Monday called for Nashville Electric Service (NES) CEO Teresa Broyles-Aplin to resign after the company’s response to Winter Storm Fern, which saw thousands of customers left without power for more than a week.
Blackburn called for Broyles-Aplin to resign after she delivered remarks in a special meeting held by the NES board, when the top executive at the municipally owned utility announced an “independent after action review” to improve the company’s response in future crises.
The senator’s remarks came after Fox 17 questioned in a headline whether Broyles-Aplin’s performance in the press conference would be “enough to save her job.”
In a post to X, Blackburn answered, “No, it is not enough. She should resign.”
No, it is not enough. She should resign. https://t.co/oY47Q9oNlv
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) February 9, 2026
Blackburn’s call for Broyles-Aplin to resign followed her speech on the Senate floor last Wednesday, which referenced reporting from The Tennessee Star about NES’ cuts to tree trimming and investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings.
“So let me be clear: Whomever is responsible for the disaster should be fired, and should be replaced with competent leadership,” said Blackburn last week. “This can never happen again.”
U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), who last week sent a letter urging leaders in the Tennessee General Assembly to take control over NES, purge the board, and audit the company, also renewed his call for action.
Ogles noted, “Currently, parts of Williamson and Wilson County have no seat at the table when it comes to oversight of the Nashville Electric Service.”
Currently, the mayor of Nashville appoints NES board members, and the Metro Nashville Council can remove members only with a supermajority. Mayor Freddie O’Connell has not called on board members to resign, but last week announced a commission to study the storm response, though it may not issue its report until February 2027.
“I call on the General Assembly to strip the O’Connell regime’s control over NES and rework its oversight so accountability is possible,” wrote Ogles on Monday. “Nashville progressives cannot even oversee an electric company. They should not force my constituents to work with them.”
State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) promised action, stating, “The General Assembly will explore every option available with the stance NES cannot stay the same.”
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn. Background Photo “NES Building” by NES.
