TVA Encourages Conservation at Campgrounds

May 1, 2008

TVA is kicking off an energy and resource conservation initiative at its campgrounds to encourage campers to use water and electricity efficiently.

“We’re asking campers to help protect the environment by reducing their energy consumption and being careful not to waste water,” said TVA Environmental Executive and Senior Vice President of the Office of Environment and Research Bridgette Ellis. “Most campers want to do the right thing, but they don’t realize how much electricity and water is wasted.”

TVA is posting notices at many of the TVA-managed campgrounds with resource conservation tips. These include:

• Make sure doors and windows are shut on campers when air conditioning is on
• Turn off air conditioning in campers and open windows if the occupants are from their camp site for more than eight hours
• Turn off lights when leaving a camper – even for a short time
• Turn off water when leaving a campsite
• Fix leaking hoses, couplers or other equipment immediately
• Alert the maintenance crew or campground manager if the water leak is on the campground faucet or connector

TVA campground regulations already prohibit the use of outdoor appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers and outdoor electrical pest control devices and do not allow washing of boats, cars, trailers or other equipment. By reducing water consumption and electricity use at campgrounds, TVA hopes to avoid an increase in camping fees and help reduce the impact of recreational activities on the environment.

The energy and water-saving steps can help achieve the energy efficiency goals that TVA is proposing in its Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Plan.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self- financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 159 power distributors that serve approximately 8.8 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Barbara Martocci, Knoxville, (865) 632-8632
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom