Keeping the Lights On: How Tennessee’s Rich Energy Heritage Can Shine a Light on the Path Ahead. 

By Jason Edmonds

Policy discussions generally focus on ideology or the hot topic of the day, but energy is such a constant in our lives it often rises above debate. Energy is ever-present when monthly bills arrive, when we fill up our vehicles, and even when we turn on the lights. That is, until we can’t. 

With the January ice storm leaving hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans without power, energy needs have become a major policy issue in the Volunteer State. This past legislative session, bills were presented and debated on data centers, energy prices, and even the board composition of one of the state’s largest electric utility providers. Clearly, such a core commodity deserves focus and policy discussion. To engage in this important conversation, Beacon polled Tennesseans on their energy views and recently released a report on nuclear energy to better inform policymakers and the public. 

Tennessee has been called the “epicenter” of new nuclear development. This moniker is built on a long history of nuclear technology dating back to the Manhattan Project, and positions Tennessee as a national leader in nuclear power. In fact, the state was recently the first in the nation to obtain federal approval to build a next-generation small modular reactor. 

And as it turns out, Tennesseans’ views on nuclear energy align with this rich history. According to the results of the May 2026 Beacon Poll, a plurality of respondents believe nuclear energy is a safe, reliable energy source capable of meeting future energy needs. What’s more, 54 percent of Tennesseans support making it easier to permit and build new nuclear energy plants while keeping existing safety regulations in place. Tennesseans not only support nuclear energy, but also give high praise to other clean energy sources, with 72 percent of respondents indicating support for solar and wind energy. Additionally, 61 percent of respondents indicated support for traditional energy sources like coal, natural gas, and hydroelectricity. 

Beacon’s poll results also reveal an opportunity to educate the public further on the energy sector. Tennessee currently obtains around half of its energy from nuclear sources. Despite this massive reliance on nuclear energy, most respondents did not know how much, if any, nuclear power the state generated. Only four percent were able to correctly answer what share of the state’s total energy pool comes from nuclear sources. This disconnect presents opportunities for lawmakers, policymakers, and energy organizations to inform the public about how and where Tennessee generates reliable energy. 

For too long, Tennessee has let the federal government control the energy conversation, with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) essentially enjoying an energy provider monopoly. As Beacon’s survey demonstrates, Tennesseans have spoken loud and clear when it comes to energy. While the state capitol may not have the same amount of influence on energy policy as non-TVA states, Tennesseans want a state with multiple clean and traditional energy generation sources to continue our storied energy heritage. In Tennessee, a family’s ability to affordably keep the lights on shouldn’t be optional, and neither should a reliable energy grid.