The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking customers to conserve power as bitter cold temperatures are creating near record high demand for electricity across the region.
TVA is asking customers to lower power consumption, specifically between 6 AM and 10 AM on Wednesday, January 22.
TVA Spokesman Scott Fiedler tells how you can help conserve power.
TVA Offers these tips to help conserve power:
• Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you as much as 3 percent on your monthly energy bill.
• Postpone use of your clothes dryer, dishwasher and stove/oven during peak times.
• Turn off non-essential appliances and lights during peak times.
• Commercial businesses: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode)
when not in use and turn off heating outside of business hours.
During expected high demand times, TVA asks the public to lower demand during a specific time. It does not indicate TVA is experiencing emergency conditions. TVA is actively monitoring weather conditions, and the power system remains stable.
In the winter, peak usage normally occurs in the morning between 6 AM and 10 AM, when people get up and get their day started. TVA has been preparing for winter demand and invested more than $430 million in fiscal year 2024 to harden the system overall.