TVA sets one-day power use record for February

Balancing authority Cheryl Roman works at a computer station to match power load and generation at TVA in this file photo.
Balancing authority Cheryl Roman works at a computer station to match power load and generation at TVA in this file photo.
photo Balancing authority Cheryl Roman works at a computer station to match power load and generation at TVA in this file photo.

Arctic temperatures that averaged in single digits across much of the Tennessee Valley on Thursday pushed up power demand for TVA to the highest 24-hour period ever in February.

TVA said today that the nearly 9 million residents in its 7-state region used 694 gigawatt-hours on Thursday. That's the most energy ever required over a one-day period during February in Tennessee Valley Authority history and the third most overall for a 24-hour period.

The all-time one-day record occurred last winter when demand reached 703 gigawatt-hours on Jan. 7, 2014 during last year's Polar Vortex.

With rising temperatures on Friday afternoon and over the weekend, TVA said today that energy demand is expected to decline but remain above normal levels.

While the need to conserve power has diminished, TVA suggests that consumers eager to limit their consumption and power bills should consider following the simple tips found on TVA's EnergyRight website to save on their own electric bills, including:

* Lowering your thermostat a degree or two.

* Opening blinds on the south side of your home during sunny days, but closing them during cloudy periods and at night.

* If not using your fireplace, ensuring that your fireplace flue is closed.

Weather forecasts are also calling for potential precipitation, including ice, over sections of TVA's service territory. Ice weighs down power lines and trees, creating conditions for localized power outages. For your safety, always treat a downed power line as if it is energized and immediately contact 9-1-1 and your local power company.

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