With winter weather expected across the Tennessee Valley, the Tennessee Valley Authority is urging residents and businesses to prepare for possible power outages and reduce energy usage as colder temperatures and winter precipitation move into the region.
TVA officials said the utility monitors weather conditions year-round and has taken extensive steps to prepare the power grid for extreme cold and high demand.
“TVA monitors the weather continuously, prepares for extreme weather and high-demand days all year, and builds on lessons learned from past winters and through inspections,” a TVA representative told 256 Today. “This winter, we checked equipment at our natural gas, hydro, coal, and nuclear plants and completed over 400 maintenance tasks to help keep the power system reliable.”
Officials said additional protections were added to key infrastructure, including insulation and enclosures at generation sites and new monitoring systems that provide real-time data to control rooms.
The greatest outage risk in the coming days is ice accumulation, according to TVA.
“We expect a mix of snow and ice, with ice posing the greatest risk,” TVA said. “Our system enhancements are designed so the fleet operates reliably down to –20°F and 20 mph winds for at least 48 hours.”
TVA said there are no current concerns about power supply, noting recent system expansions.
“There are no power supply concerns at this time. Since Jan. 2024, TVA added ~2,000 MWs to the system – enough energy to power about 1.1 million homes,” officials said. “Thanks to improved grid resilience and additional generation capacity, we’re doing everything possible to ensure there are no power disruptions.”
However, TVA cautioned that weather conditions can change rapidly and peak demand will be closely monitored.
“There are many variables to consider and we will closely monitor conditions and energy supply as the cold weather continues into next week,” the utility said.
Lineworkers and crews are on standby around the clock as winter weather approaches.
“At TVA, we plan for situations like this and our priority is to provide the Valley with reliable energy 24/7, every day of the year,” TVA said. “When inclement weather approaches, TVA’s Transmission team prepares by staging equipment strategically throughout the Valley… and lineworkers remain on call 24/7 to respond immediately.”
TVA and local power companies coordinate before and during storms to restore power as quickly as possible, officials added.
TVA encouraged residents to reduce energy usage and take steps to stay safe in case of outages.
“Set your thermostat to 65–68°F,” TVA said, noting that lowering the temperature by one degree can save up to 3% on monthly bills.
Residents are also encouraged to open curtains on sunny days, unplug unused electronics, keep vents clear, seal gaps around windows and doors, lower water heater temperatures, change furnace filters and run ceiling fans clockwise to circulate warm air.
Businesses are advised to turn off lights and office equipment when not in use and shut down heating and cooling systems outside business hours.
TVA said updates will be shared with the public if conditions change.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
