The TVA headquarters building is located in downtown Chattanooga.KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Valley Authority is laying off its 61 uniformed police employees on staff and moving to contract workers.
The federal utility said Friday it's part of an organizational realignment meant to cut costs and make it more competitive.
TVA said it will station contract guards 24 hours a day at critical locations and increase the use of security technology at non-nuclear power facilities.
According to The Knoxville News Sentinel, security at TVA nuclear facilities is not affected.
TVA already has contract guards at five fossil plants, according to a news release. Security technology will be increased to provide improved protection at hydro plants, substations and distribution centers.
TVA provides electricity to 9 million customers in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.