JACKSON, Tenn. – Emergency conditions on the TVA power system have reduced the amount of power available to electric power consumers and have resulted in the need for rotating interruptions—alternately interrupting and restoring electricity to portions of service areas at periodic intervals.
Power system officials initiated these unprecedented measures because of a power shortage emergency caused by extreme cold temperatures.
Local power companies plan to blackout areas for short periods of time (30 minutes) before rotating another area.
This will help ensure that consumers have at least a periodic supply of electricity.
TVA is using all available resources, purchasing available power from neighboring utilities, and crews from TVA and local power companies are working around the clock to restore full electric service to all areas as quickly as possible.
Utility officials are urging the public to limit all uses of electricity during the periods in which they do have power to help maintain the limited supply of electricity. Only the most essential lighting and electrical equipment should be used.
Electric appliances such as central or individual heating and air conditioning units, electric appliances and lights should be turned to the off position to reduce the possibility of overtaxing the system when power is restored.
As soon as the emergency has ended, electric consumers will be notified by radio broadcasts to resume normal power uses. During the periods when there is no electricity, consumers may be advised of the situation by using battery-operated radios.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 153 power distributors that serve over 10 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood control, navigation, water quality and recreation.
