KNOXVILLE, TN– The Tennessee Valley Authority has ended intermittent rolling blackouts across East Tennessee caused by a increased strain on their power system. The federally owned utility corporation is still asking customers to voluntarily reduce electricity usage.
With temperatures on Friday, December 23, averaging in the single digits across the region, the Tennessee Valley Authority and local power company employees are actively working to maintain a stable power grid for everyone amid unprecedented demand.
The Rolling Outage Demand ( ELPC Step 50 of the TVA/TVPPA Load Curtailment Program) has been lifed but it has been requested by TVA and the local power companies that consumers please follow the following guidelines to ensure power remains in affect for everyone:
The public and businesses are asked to help by immediately reducing electric power use without compromising personal safety. Some simple methods of reducing power include:
- Lower thermostats by just one or two degrees – public safety is of utmost importance during dangerously cold weather, so don’t make big adjustments but every degree can help save on future power bills,
- Delay doing laundry or running a dishwasher until the warmest part of the day, and turn off unnecessary lights and electronics, and
- Open window coverings on the sunny side of homes and offices to let the sun heat your home, but close window coverings when the sun isn’t brightly shining.
We apologize for the disruption that we know these actions may cause, especially during the holidays. They are difficult but necessary steps to prevent to potential of far greater power disruptions to the broader region.
Slightly warmer temperatures filtering into the region this weekend should help minimize additional strain on the power system. TVA and local power companies will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any additional needed information.
Media Release/TVA/Geraldine Gallman
