As brutally cold temperatures persist in the region, the Tennessee Valley Authority is determined to meet the potentially record-high demands for power.
All systems are working hard to meet people’s energy needs as they look to fight the bitter cold, and with extreme low temperatures sticking around for the next few days, it’s looking like the TVA will experience an all-time record high for demand Wednesday morning.
The good news, according to TVA Spokesperson Adam May, is that systems remain healthy and have shouldered the burden well.
He says residents can also help out by lowering the temperature on their thermostats by a couple of degrees, unplug devices that are not currently in use, and more.
TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash says just those small steps, particularly during the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning, would be a great benefit.
Other steps people can take is making sure the window coverings on the sunny side of your house are open during the day, letting in light and heat from the sun, reduce your energy usage by turning off non-essential appliances and lights and refrain from using large appliances during the coldest part of the day, and postpone use of hot water and adjust water heater’s temperature.
For commercial businesses, turn off any lights and office equipment when not in use and turn off air-conditioning/heating outside of business hours.
The Transmission system remains intact with no critical lines out. May says they are in regular contact with local power companies and other stakeholders to ensure they’re sharing system information in a timely fashion.