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As temperatures have continued below 32 degrees for a number of hours, and with forecasts of more severe cold throughout this evening and into tomorrow morning, the Tennessee Valley Authority is expecting to see an all-time record demand early Wednesday.
For this reason, TVA is requesting that all consumers conserve energy. That includes customers and members of Tri-State Electric Membership Corp., Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corp. and Murphy Electric Power Board. It may seem as though individual conservation efforts could never have enough impact, but if we all work together to conserve, we can positively contribute to TVA’s ability to meet the required electric demand, according to Erik Brinke, director of administrative services & external relations at Blue Ridge Mountain EMC.
Some steps that can be taken to reduce overall system loads include (but are not limited to):
* Lower your thermostat to at least 68°F degrees or a temperature that is both comfortable and safe.
* Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down.
* Wear additional layers and bundle up to stay warm.
* Turn off everything when you leave a room.
* Open window coverings on the sunny side of your home during the day. Close them overnight to retain that heat.
* Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances until the warmest part of the day when overall heating demand is lower.
* Unplug idle electronic devices such as phone chargers, small appliances and computers/laptops.
* Refrain from recharging electronic devices from 6-10 a.m.
Brinke said officials will continue to monitor power supply from TVA and notify the public of any changes in the stability of that supply.