1:50 pm update:
TVA just concluded a conference call with all power distributors. The TVA operations team stated the probability for initiating a mandatory load reduction on Christmas morning is LOW at this time. This could change if any generation assets are lost or if the load hits a peak higher than TVA has currently forecasted.
If we receive a different report, we will provide an immediate update.
Again, thank you for your patience. We are hopeful that the remainder of your Christmas will be bright and warm.
Update 11:40 am:
TVA has cancelled the load reduction requirement.
NGEMC will keep you updated if TVA provides any additional feedback regarding power stability needs throughout the weekend.
Again, thank you all for your patience and we sincerely apologize for the disruption to your holiday schedules.
10:45 AM UPDATE:
While under the TVA mandatory directive to reduce the system load by 5 percent, NGEMC members may continue to experience rolling blackouts for 15 to 25 minutes every 1.5 to 2 hours (instead of hourly as was the case under the 10 percent reduction requirement).
The NGEMC outage map has been impacted by the volume and is currently not reflecting an accurate count.
All local power distributors, including NGEMC, are required to comply with the TVA order to ensure the grid is stabilized.
The TVA directive is the result of a loss in generation assets and the high demand in the southeastern 7-state region.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience to our members and will continue to provide all available information as soon as we receive updates from TVA. Based on feedback from the earlier conference call, we are hopeful that the current required directive may be canceled by noon.
9:15 AM UDPATE: A conference call hosted by TVA for all power distributors just concluded. The update is as follows:
- TVA mandated all power utilities cut their power use by 10% as of 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning. This required local power distributors who purchase power from TVA to perform rolling blackouts at double the rate required on Friday morning.
- TVA has announced that they expect to reduce the requirement from a 10% cut to a 5% cut at 10 a.m.
- Due to their continued power supply issues, TVA has not ruled out to possibility of further emergency rolling blackout orders throughout the Holiday weekend.
- NGEMC will continue to provide all available information as quickly as we learn more from TVA, and we have urged TVA to provide more timely feedback as we move forward.
6:00 AM DEC.24, 2022: TVA ORDERS ADDITIONAL ROLLING BLACKOUTS
The Tennessee Valley Association has issued a directive to all distributors across its seven state service area to begin mandatory rolling blackouts. The rolling blackouts will impact members for approximately 15 to 30 minutes before power is restored. We apologize for the inconvenience to our members.
Your household can assist in reducing the system load which has triggered the rolling black outs by taking the following steps.
- Lower your thermostat by 2 degrees.
- Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances and electronics.
- Delay using large appliances and electronics.
As your neighbors, we understand the many challenges you face when your electricity is interrupted. We appreciate your patience while we are subject to this TVA directive.
ADDITIONAL TVA DIRECTED ROLLING BLACKOUTS POSSIBLE AT 7:00 PM
TVA has just concluded a briefing with local power companies in which we were informed that, due to the loss of generation assets and low temperatures driving high demand for power throughout their seven-state system, there is a strong likelihood that another call will be issued for mandatory emergency rolling black-outs at 7:00 p.m. tonight, Dec. 23. While this has not been confirmed, we did want to send out as much notice as possible.
If initiated, this mandate will require all local power distributors, including NGEMC, to initiate blackouts in 15 minute increments.
The rolling black-outs are again forecasted to last between 15 and 20 minutes. Members may experience multiple rounds of outages until the demand peak passes and TVA cancels the directive.
UPDATE: TVA DIRECTIVE FOR ROLLING BLACOKUTS ENDS AS OF 1:00 PM FRIDAY, DEC. 23, 2022
The rolling blackouts directed by TVA for all power utilities throughout their seven-state service area ended as of 1:00 pm Friday, December 23, 2022.
TVA is scheduled to give a news conference this afternoon to further discuss the emergency curtailment efforts and causes this afternoon in order to give more insight into the situation that led to this directive. Please see this Channel 3 article for more information.
TVA’s directive called for immediate launch of the rolling blackout program, which only allowed for minimal time to notify residents of the blackouts. As your neighbors, we understand the frustration and the challenges that came with these emergency rolling blackouts, and we apologize for the major inconvenience they caused.
While below freezing temperatures persist, TVA has unfortunately not ruled out the possibility of additional calls for rolling blackouts throughout the holiday weekend. More information will be available following their update to the media this evening. North Georgia EMC will continue to monitor the situation and notify members of essential updates as early as possible.
Residents and businesses can help lower load by using these energy saving tips: www.ngemc.com/waytosave.
Future updates will be added to this post.
ALERT: FRIDAY, DEC. 23 11:20 AM | TVA DIRECTED ROLLING BLACK OUTS
The Tennessee Valley Association has called on all distributors of TVA power to begin rolling blackouts. The blackouts will impact members for 15 minutes before power is restored. We apologize for the inconvenience to our members.
Your household can assist in reducing the system load which has triggered the rolling black outs by taking the following steps.
• Lower your thermostat by 2 degrees.
• Turn off and unplug unnecessary appliances and electronics.
• Delay using large appliances and electronics.
As your neighbors, we understand the many challenges you face when your electricity is interrupted. We appreciate your patience while we are subject to this TVA directive. Further updates will be added to this post.
