Heavy snow and bitter cold is creating record-high demand for electricity in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s service area, causing the TVA to ask [customers] to conserve power, specifically between 6 and 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
TVA says it is actively monitoring weather conditions, and that the power system remains stable. Conservation requests are often used in the power industry to help lower demand during a specific time and does not indicate TVA is experiencing emergency conditions. If you are experiencing an outage, please check with your local electric provider for more information.
According to TVA, their employees and local power companies are working around the clock to keep the electricity flowing and are leading by example to reduce the strain on the power grid. The electric provider has lowered thermostats in offices and is keeping lights off in buildings and plants when it is safe to do so.
Pennyrile Electric, which along with Hopkinsville Electric System receives its power from TVA, posted a Facebook message on Tuesday, stating, “Power supplies are tightening as frigid temperatures bear down on our service territory and throughout the Tennessee Valley. We are asking our members to help extend our available power supply by conserving energy.”
There are three reasons TVA is recommending power conservation Wednesday morning:
- Extremely cold temperatures and near-zero wind chill cause an increase in power demand for heating over an extended period of time for more than 10 million people across the TVA region, which includes parts of Kentucky and six other states.
- Colder temperatures mean more people are turning to electrified heat sources, pushing demand higher to what is referred to as a “peak.”
- Winter limits the availability of solar generation in the morning hours.
Their suggestions on how you can reduce your electricity usage include:
- Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in the fall and winter.
- Ensure your window coverings on the sunny side of your house are open.
- Unplug unused electronics.
- Unblock air vents.
- Turn off non-essential appliances and lights and refrain from using large appliances during the coldest part of the day.
- Postpone use of hot water and adjust water heater’s temperature.
