TVA reports record high power demand

TVA and local power companies met a record power demand earlier this week and the weather forecast is predicting more 90 to 100 degree days with heat indexes surpassing 100.

The Tennessee Valley Authority reported Tuesday that it and 153 local power companies across the region successfully met a record power demand for the month of June during an early season heat wave on Monday, June 13.

The power system provided 31,311 megawatts of energy at a region-wide average temperature of 94 degrees at 6 p.m. Monday. The previous record for June was 31,098 megawatts on June 29, 2012.

"The resiliency of the public power system, even during such extreme conditions, is a result of the hard work and dedication of thousands of women and men working in TVA's diverse generation plants, managing the region's transmission system and serving 10 million individuals and more than 700,000 businesses across seven states," TVA officials stated in the news release.

Continued hot and humid weather could produce similar high power demands soon, TVA stated.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted a high of 95 degrees on Thursday with a heat index making it feel like 102 degrees. A high of 94 is predicted for Friday. There's a 30% chance of rain for the next several days and nights.

Energy saving tips

TVA and local power companies are encouraging users to join them in conserving power and saving money, especially during the peak use hours of 2 through 6 p.m., by taking a few simple steps.

Turn up your thermostat — even one or two degrees makes a big difference in your power bill and does not significantly impact your comfort.

Use ceiling and portable fans to circulate air — they use less energy than your air conditioner.

If possible, avoid using ovens, clothes dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances during peak hours.

Close window coverings on the sunny side of your home or business.

Additional energy saving tips can be found at www.energyright.com/residential. Residents concerned about their ability to pay future power bills are encouraged to contact their local power company to discuss the availability of assistance programs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.