TVA HAS ISSUED STEP 1 OF 6 OF THE EMERGENCY LOAD CURTAILMENT PLAN. GENERAL POWER INTERRUPTIONS OCCUR AT STEPS 5 AND 6. STEP 1 REQUIRES TVA FACILITIES AND LOCAL POWER FACILITES TO REDUCE NON-ESSENTIAL IN-HOUSE ENERGY USE.
A heat wave forecasted for the Southeastern United States will put a strain on the energy grid this Independence Day weekend.
Many will recall that record-high demand prompted TVA to issue emergency load curtailment orders for the first time last December during a three day cold snap. The percentages of power demand that had to be reduced immediately forced NGEMC to perform rolling blackouts in order to comply with emergency orders.
The best way for the co-op and its members to help prevent another emergency load curtailment order is to reduce household and business energy consumption as much as possible during the hours of peak demand this weekend, typically from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Each household in the region can contribute to lowering demand by taking a few simple steps:
- Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature.
- Delay use of major appliances, such as ovens and clothes dryers, until the early morning or late evening.
- Turn off and unplug unused lights and electronics.
- Learn more about demand peaks.
The demand and strain on the electric grid will be determined by the consumers across the seven states served by TVA, an area much larger than that served by NGEMC. However, the actions of individuals can help shape the demand curve and reduce the risk of emergency load curtailment orders.
Take the following steps this weekend to stay safe in the heat:
- Avoid strenuous activities during the heat of the day and avoid direct exposure to the sun.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (not very cold.)
- Wear loose, light weight clothing.
- Check in on friends and loved ones frequently, especially infants and the elderly.
- Shelter pets from the heat as much as possible and ensure they have constant access to water.
- Use fans to help ventilate rooms.
- For more heat safety tips, visit the National Weather Service website.