TVA implements voluntary load control effort as usage nears record demand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                      Tuesday, January 21, 2025

JOHNSON CITY — As bitter cold temperatures persist throughout the Southeast United States, the Tennessee Valley Authority has issued a voluntary call for energy conservation as TVA posted near record electricity demand of 32,040 megawatts this morning.

To reduce potential load on the power grid, the Tennessee Valley Authority is asking customers to voluntarily lower power consumption, particularly between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., while intense cold persists. These are peak hours for energy use both in the BrightRidge service area and TVA.

As part of TVA’s load curtailment program, BrightRidge has also reduced short-term discretionary loads, including reducing lighting usage and lower facility thermostats.

In addition to relieving demand, taking any of TVA’s suggested steps could also save significantly on your monthly power bill.

Ways to reduce your energy usage

• Postpone use of your clothes dryer, dishwasher and stove/oven during peak hours.
• Turn off non-essential appliances and lights during peak times. 
• Consider lowering your thermostat a few degrees. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you as much as 3 percent on your monthly energy bill.
• Commercial Business: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode) when not in use and turn down heating outside of business hours.

TVA is actively monitoring weather conditions and indicates its power generation system remains stable. BrightRidge and TVA are not experiencing emergency conditions, instead asking for the public’s help to lower usage until temperatures begin to moderate in the next couple of days.