TVA asks consumers to reduce electricity use; offers money-saving tips

KNOXVILLE—The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for a voluntary reduction in electricity use until Thursday afternoon because of frigid temperatures that are causing high demand across the Southeast.

The request extends to all electric power consumers—residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

The voluntary reduction will help ensure a continued supply of power to essential services throughout TVA’s seven-state service territory and avoid interruptions of service, a press release said.

All of TVA’s available generating resources are being used to meet the peak power demand. TVA’s bulk electric system remains secure and stable at this time, the release said.

“When it’s below freezing, each time the temperature drops one degree another 400 megawatts of electricity is needed for our system,” said Jacinda Woodward, senior vice president of TVA Transmission and Power Supply. “Setting your thermostat 2-3 degrees below normal this evening and Thursday morning can really help TVA manage the high power demand during this challenging time.”

Wednesday’s peak power demand is expected to occur this evening as regional temperatures are forecast to drop into single digits causing electricity demand to exceed 31,000 megawatts.

Another peak demand will occur again Thursday morning with electric loads peaking around 32,600 megawatts. In comparison, demand was just below 32,500 megawatts during the height of the cold wave on January 7, 2014.

Consumers can reduce their power consumption and lower their power bills by:

• Turning down the thermostat. Lowering the temperature just one degree can result in a savings of up to 3 percent.
• Postpone using electric appliances such as dishwashers, dryers, and cooking equipment.
• Turn off nonessential lights, appliances, electronics, and other electrical equipment.

Additional tips for saving on your power bill and reducing electric demand can be found on TVA’s EnergyRight Solutions website.

The press release said TVA and the region’s 155 local power companies are cutting back on power usage in their own facilities by adjusting thermostats, reducing lighting, and taking other steps to reduce electricity consumption.

In preparation for the increased demand, TVA issued an internal “Conservative Operation Alert” on Monday, which delays any non-emergency maintenance activities at TVA’s generation and transmission facilities to minimize risks to the power supply.

As a further precaution, TVA initiated a “Power Supply Alert,” which notes that demand could reach a level where an unexpected shutdown of a large generating unit or transmission system interchange could reduce TVA’s power supply reserves.

Here’s an earlier press release by TVA:

Simple Tips Help Consumers Save Money During Cold Weather

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – As the first serious cold snap of 2015 takes aim at the Tennessee Valley this week, the Tennessee Valley Authority and your local power company are already taking steps to ensure a continued supply of reliable electricity.

Current forecasts are indicating an estimated peak electricity demand Thursday morning of more than 32,000 megawatts across TVA’s seven-state service area. Although the estimated peak will be below last January’s record-setting levels, TVA operators are responding by bringing all of TVA’s available electric generation resources on line to meet the potential of a 150 percent increase in power demand from levels seen during Sunday’s unseasonably mild weather.

Consumers can reduce their own electric use and save on upcoming power bills by taking a few common-sense steps:

• Turn down the thermostat, even a little—Every degree you reduce the heat below 68 degrees can save three percent or more on your power bill.

• Let the sun shine in—Sunny skies are expected across most of the Valley during this period, so opening the window shades on the sunny side of the house (while keeping them closed on the shady sides and at night) can let you lower your thermostat even more with no loss of comfort.

• Close fireplace dampers and other outside vents when not in use.