TVA logoEnvironmental groups told a TVA panel that the federal utility should do more to promote energy efficiency and wind energy, contrary to the suggestions given to TVA last month by Tennessee’s U.S. senators.
The Southern Environmental Law Center and Sierra Club urged the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Regional Energy Resource Council to call for more programs to promote conservation and wind mill use in TVA’s new long-term energy plan. Last month, U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, both Tennessee Republicans, said wind energy is more costly and shouldn’t be purchased if it raises TVA power costs.
“TVA’s own studies prove that energy efficiency and wind energy are cost-competitive with dirtier fuel sources, and TVA customers deserve the chance to choose clean energy and lower electric bills,” said Anne Davis, managing attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center. “We are disappointed that TVA appears to be unwilling to significantly increase its commitment to affordable clean energy resources that reduce fossil fuel pollution and protect our community’s health, air, and climate.”
Jonathan Levenshus, senior campaign representative for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, said TVA’s staff “is simply missing an opportunity, since better efficiency and renewable options are cheaper, more sustainable and create jobs right here in the Tennessee Valley.”
TVA’s board is scheduled to adopt a new integrated resource plan for the next 20 years at its August meeting.