• Preliminary data shows TVA met the region’s highest-ever power demand by
delivering 35,319 megawatts at 8 a.m. CT Wednesday, January 22.
• The previous peak of 34,577 was set on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, at 8 a.m. CT
during Winter Storm Heather.
• A fact sheet on how TVA has prepared for cold weather and the investments
made to harden the system, including historic data and quotes.
KNOXVILLE, TN. — As the coldest temperatures so far this winter settled into the
region this week, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s reliable and resilient power
generation system met the highest peak demand in the agency’s over 91-year history.
Wednesday’s preliminary all-time record peak of 35,319 megawatts came at 8
a.m. CT with a system temperature of 11 degrees. TVA’s power system remained stable
throughout the event.
In fiscal year 2024, TVA invested $430 million to harden its system and enhance
the reliability and resiliency of its natural gas, coal and hydro generating fleet. That
included thousands of winter readiness activities. These activities stemmed from lessons
learned and best practices from previous winters, as well as robust inspections.
“We have continued to harden our system for the weather and learn from each
extreme cold event,” said Greg Henrich, TVA senior vice president, Grid. “We enhance
our procedures every year to keep the power system stable and reliable during extreme
temperatures. It’s a testament to employees at TVA and local power companies who
work around the clock in the elements to provide power and make sure 10 million people
are safe and warm. We also appreciate all of our partners in the Tennessee Valley —
residents and businesses — who heeded TVA’s call to conserve power during the peak
morning hours on Wednesday. Working together, we were able to make history.”
Because the region’s population is growing three-times faster than the national
average, TVA is investing nearly $16 billion over the next several years to build
additional generation and infrastructure while also enhancing reliability. TVA is building
about 3,500 megawatts of additional generation and has made great progress by
completing 1,400 megawatts and securing 800 megawatts of solar last year.
Media Release/Adam May/TVA Newsroom