Tennessee Code Title 48. Corporations and Associations § 48-69-102

(a) The general assembly finds that a need has developed for electric utility systems engaged in the distribution of electric power and energy in this state and adjoining states to have additional sources of electrical energy through traditional sources of generation and through renewable, clean and passive sources of electrical energy, as well as through other sources known and those sources yet to be known and discovered.

(b) The general assembly finds that because of economies of scale needed for many forms of electrical energy supply resources, there are opportunities to acquire and operate these additional sources of energy on a cooperatively owned basis from owned or leased facilities to fulfill growing needs in and around this state.

(c) The general assembly finds a need to provide a statutory framework for the creation and operation of nonprofit cooperative entities to allow groups of nonprofit cooperatives and municipally, county or other governmentally owned electric utility systems to make electrical power available at the lowest feasible cost, consistent with sound business principles, for wholesale sales to retail suppliers in communities within and without this state.