TVA Power Service Returns to Normal

The critical power supply situation on the TVA system has erased, and electric power consumers may resume normal use of electricity, TVA and the 155 local power companies in the Tennessee Valley announced today.

Cooperation by more than the 9 million electric consumers in the TVA service area in reducing their use of electricity during the power shortage helped prevent the situation from becoming more critical, TVA and local power company officials said.

Customers were asked to reduce electric power use because of the extreme cold temperatures and high demand across the TVA service territory. The appeal was initiated after TVA and local power companies initiated power reductions in their facilities by adjusting thermostats, reducing lighting and taking other measures to reduce electricity consumption.

TVA and local power company crews worked around the clock to make power available to consumers as quickly as possible. At the same time, TVA ran all available generating units at full capacity, purchased available power from neighboring utilities, and curtailed delivery of electricity to large customers who purchase interruptible power.