PowerOutageHistory
D

Polk County Power Outage History

20162025 · Tennessee

Worse than average — more frequent or longer outages than most counties. How grades are calculated

Total events
607
Avg duration
2.7 hrs
Longest outage
53 hrs
National percentile
33rd

Outages by year

Outages by month (seasonality)

Worst outage events on record

DateDurationCustomers affectedCause
Oct 14, 20234 hrs6,675 (63%)Unnamed event
Jul 31, 202428 hrs4,533 (43%)Thunderstorm Wind
Jul 30, 20242 hrs4,533 (43%)Thunderstorm Wind
Apr 17, 20214 hrs3,876 (37%)Unnamed event
May 24, 20206 hrs3,869 (37%)Unnamed event

Over the 10 years from 2016 to 2025, Polk County recorded 607 distinct power outage events, averaging 2.7 hours per event.

The single worst outage on record in Polk County started October 14, 2023, lasting 4 hours and leaving up to 6,675 customers without power (63% of the county) at its peak.

August has historically been the worst month for outages in Polk County, with 71 events recorded during that month across the dataset.

Based on this history, Polk County earns a Reliability Grade of D, placing it in the 33rd percentile nationally for grid reliability (higher percentile = more reliable).

Sized for Polk County's outage profile

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Outage-prep kit

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Similar counties in Tennessee

Counties with the closest reliability grade and national percentile to Polk County.

CountyGradeNational percentile
Giles CountyD33rd
Fentress CountyD33rd
Union CountyD32nd
Macon CountyD31st
Davidson CountyD35th

FAQ

How often does power go out in Polk County?

Between 2016 and 2025, Polk County recorded 607 outage events, averaging 2.7 hours each.

What is Polk County's reliability grade?

Polk County has a Reliability Grade of D, in the 33rd national percentile.

What was the worst power outage in Polk County?

The worst outage on record started October 14, 2023, lasting 4 hours and affecting up to 6,675 customers.

Data: ORNL EAGLE-I Recorded Electricity Outages (2014–2025), CC BY 4.0. Storm names: NOAA Storm Events Database. Last data refresh: 2025. See methodology.