If your next electric bill looks high, the weather is the likely reason. Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) is warning members to expect higher bills after a record-breaking September heat wave, according to WGNS.
How Hot Was September 2026?
WGNS reports that the first three weeks of September 2026 brought record-breaking heat to Middle Tennessee and are adding up to the hottest September on record.
- A late-summer heat dome pushed afternoon heat index readings above 105 degrees for several days in a row.
- The National Weather Service issued multiple heat advisories for Rutherford County during the first 21 days of the month, for heat index values between 101 and 110.
- A normal September high starts around 84 degrees and cools to about 77 degrees by month's end.
- The old benchmark is more than a century old: Murfreesboro recorded an actual temperature of 107 degrees on Sept. 6, 1925.
More on local weather patterns is in OnlyInMurfreesboro's Murfreesboro weather guide.
Why Will My Electric Bill Be Higher?
MTE's Amy Byers told WGNS that air conditioners ran almost nonstop to keep homes cool, and energy use climbs sharply during weeks of persistent heat. That extra usage shows up on the bill that follows.
What MTE Recommends
- Use the MyMTE app to compare your daily energy use with the weather on each day.
- Don't compare this bill to last September's. Last September did not have an extended stretch of heat like this one, so the comparison will be misleading.
- Adjust now. As temperatures drop into the 80s, MTE suggests changing thermostat settings right away to cut usage.
- Call MTE member support with questions about your bill: 1-877-777-9020.
Who Does MTE Serve?
Middle Tennessee Electric is the member-owned electric cooperative that serves Murfreesboro and much of Rutherford County. See the Middle Tennessee Electric listing for contact details. New to the area? The moving to Murfreesboro guide covers setting up utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my MTE bill so high this month?
MTE says record September heat kept air conditioners running almost constantly, which raised energy use. The first three weeks of September 2026 were the hottest September on record for the region.
How can I check my daily electricity use with MTE?
MTE recommends the MyMTE app, which lets members compare daily energy use against the weather.
What is the MTE customer service phone number?
MTE member support can be reached at 1-877-777-9020.
What is the hottest temperature ever recorded in Murfreesboro in September?
WGNS reports Murfreesboro recorded an actual temperature of 107 degrees on Sept. 6, 1925.
Source: WGNS.