Bitter cold temperatures are creating near record high demand for electricity across the Southeast United States. To save money and reduce potential strain on the power grid, the Tennessee Valley Authority is asking customers to lower power consumption, specifically between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, January 22.
There are several ways to reduce your energy usage at home.
- Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you as much as 3 percent on your monthly energy bill.
- Postpone use of your clothes dryer, dishwasher and stove/oven during peak times.
- Turn off non-essential appliances and lights during peak times.
Commercial Businesses are asked to turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode) when not in use and turn off heating outside of business hours.
If you are experiencing an outage, please check with your local electric provider for more information. TVA will communicate further as conditions evolve due to continued freezing temperatures.