TVA Encourages Consumers to Use Energy Wisely as Temperatures Soar

August 6, 2007

Record high temperatures will challenge electric power systems this week, and TVA is encouraging consumers to use electricity wisely. With temperatures in parts of the Tennessee Valley expected to hit the 100-degree mark every day this week, the region’s demand for electricity could reach record levels.

“TVA has all available resources committed to serve the electrical needs of the Valley,” said TVA Chief Operating Officer Bill McCollum. “We know our power plants will be stressed this week to meet the high demand, so we are managing the power system with extreme care.”

“Air-conditioning is a necessity in this kind of heat, but we hope that consumers will be prudent with their use of electricity,” McCollum said. “Turning off unnecessary lights and appliances, especially between 2 and 8 p.m., when energy use is highest, will help considerably. We are being mindful of the use of power in our facilities, too.”

Other energy-saving tips include using the “sleep mode” on computers; keeping curtains closed on the south, east, and west sides of the house during the day; using the microwave instead of a stove burner or oven for cooking; and operating dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads and after 8 p.m.

TVA’s previous all-time system peak of 32,008 megawatts was set on July 18, 2006, when the average temperature across the Valley was 97 degrees. TVA expects to reach or exceed that peak each day this week. Already this week, on Sunday, August 5, power demands reached an all-time record for a Sunday at 29,330 megawatts with temperatures averaging 93 degrees. Demand is typically lower on weekends when many businesses and industries close.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.7 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

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