TVA Continues to Encourage Conservation as Demand Sets Record

August 7, 2007

The Tennessee Valley Authority is encouraging customers to continue practicing energy conservation when possible during the next few days, especially during the late afternoon and early evening hours when electricity use is reaching record levels.

Record high temperatures on Monday pushed consumer demand for electricity to an all-time high on the TVA system as peak use reached a record 32,095 megawatts at 6 p.m. EDT with temperatures across the 80,000-square-mile service region averaging 94 degrees.

The previous all-time system peak was 32,008, met on July 18, 2006, when the average temperature across the Valley was 97 degrees.

The extreme heat is expected to push electricity use higher this week as afternoon temperatures are forecast in the upper 90s to low 100s across major portions of the region.

Terry Boston, Executive Vice President of Power System Operations, said the system met the record consumer demand on Monday using all 59 of its fossil units, all six nuclear units, all four pumped storage units at Raccoon Mountain, and 91 of the 109 hydro units, along with most of the wind, solar and methane renewable energy units. All but one of TVA’s 83 combustion turbine units were available for service.

"Each day this week has the potential to set a record,” Boston said. “Energy conservation practices, such as reducing use during the early evening, can serve as an added source to help meet the demands being placed on the power system during this period of extremely hot and dry weather."

Other energy-saving practices include keeping curtains closed on the south and west sides of the house during the day; using a microwave for cooking; and operating large appliances, such as dishwashers and laundry units, only with full loads and after 8 p.m.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.7 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

Gil Francis, (865) 632-8031
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

TVA Newsroom