RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Throughout the first three weeks of September, Middle Tennessee and the Volunteer State as a whole experienced record-breaking high temperatures, complicating conditions for residents working outside. Typically, the average daily high for September begins at 84 degrees and cools to 77 degrees by the end of the month, rarely climbing as high as 94 degrees. However, a late-summer heat dome caused afternoon heat index readings to surpass 105 degrees for multiple consecutive days. This prompted the National Weather Service to issue multiple heat index advisories for Rutherford County during the first 21 days of September 2026, corresponding to heat index values between 101 and 110.

This extended period of oppressive heat will have a significant impact on upcoming electric bills, as HVAC systems worked constantly without shutting off to cool homes. Amy Byers of Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) advises residents to prepare for higher utility costs, noting that energy usage increases heavily during weeks of persistent heat. That said, a hotter than normal first day of fall took place earlier this week, which did not help to keep your home cool...

Residents have not experienced this level of September heat in over a century. On September 6, 1925, Rutherford County recorded a triple-digit high of 107 degrees. Keep in mind, that was not a heat index value, that was the actual recorded temperature 101-years-ago. The mercury hit that peak in Murfreesboro, but the first 3-weeks of September this year, appear to be breaking century-old records as a whole, with this September adding up to be the hottest September on record. Byers noted that during the week of September 14th through the 18th... This of course means it took a lot more electricity to keep the interior of your home at a modest 70-degree temperature.

Byers recommends that members utilize the “MyMTE” app to compare their daily energy usage directly with the recent weather data. She warns against simply comparing this year's bill to last year's, as the region did not experience such an extended period of 100-degree weather and heat advisories last September.

As temperatures finally begin to drop into the 80s, MTE suggests making immediate adjustments to lower energy consumption... For members who have questions or need assistance navigating their bill, MTE member support can be reached at 1-877-777-9020.