ATHENS-Athens Utilities Electric Department Manager Blair Davis issued a message to Athens Utilities users regarding the cold temperatures in the area:
“Earlier today (Tuesday, Jan. 2) due to extremely cold temperatures across the Tennessee Valley, TVA initiated valley-wide voluntary curtailment of energy usage until further notice, particularly during the peak hours of 5 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Athens Utilities is asking customers to keep electric usage at an absolute minimum, eliminating any unnecessary electric operations such as lights, laundry, or other electric appliances that aggravate the already high demand on the electric distribution system at this time.
Taking these steps will help avoid any service outages and reduce the very high demand placed on electric transmission and distribution systems at this time.”