NORTHWEST ALABAMA-Across Northwest Alabama, residents are being asked by their utility companies and the TVA to lower their power usage. This is not only sound advice for customers and will lower their bills but will greatly reduce the stress put on power plants to provide such a massive amount of energy. At the moment no major problems are anticipated, but anytime an electric system endures frigid cold, equipment can fail.
In anticipation for this the TVA has sent out a list of tips and tricks to lower your power usage and lower you power bill.
Here is what they had to say:
” 1.Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree 
range, you’ll save up to 5 percent on heating costs.
2.Set the thermostat back to 55 degrees when leaving home for an extended time. Please note that heat pumps should only be set back 2 degrees to prevent unneeded use of backup strip heating, which carries higher costs.
3.Check air filters. Dirty air filters increase your energy usage and can also damage your heating. Be sure to use filters approved for your specific system.
4.Caulk around windows and replace old weather-stripping around doors to keep the cold air out.
5.Reduce cold-air drafts around windows — typically seen in older homes — by using heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets or tape clear plastic film inside your windows. Ensure the plastic is sealed tightly to reduce cold-air drafts.
6.Close your fireplace damper when not in use.
7.Schedule service for your heating system, and ask what maintenance is required to keep it running optimally. Keep up with maintenance milestones.
8.Open curtains on your south-facing windows on sunny days to naturally heat your home with sunlight. Close the curtains at 
night to reduce any chill or drafts.“
It is also suggested that you unplug all unused electronics, even if not in use the device is still drawing electricity.
In the event of a power outage at your home, the TVA and utility companies ask that you turn off your heating system. Once your power is restored, wait approximately 15 minutes before re-starting your heating system. This slow return to a normal usage will assist HU crews in maintaining stability throughout the entire electrical system and reduce the possibility of additional outages
