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Taniesa L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News
CENTRE, Ala. - TVA has asked all local power companies to reduce the load by 5% to help avoid the need for rolling blackouts.
In order to reduce the possibility that TVA will need to call for further measures, EPB is asking all customers to take some simple steps to voluntarily help reduce power consumption:
Public safety is our overriding priority, so do not significantly turn down your heat, but lowering thermostats by just one or two degrees makes a big difference.
Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and high-energy-use appliances until later on Saturday afternoon.
Keep window coverings closed on the non-sunny side of homes but open them if bright sunlight is available to provide additional heat.
Wear a light jacket at home, if necessary.
Randall Wilkie, Manager of Cherokee Electric Co-op, notified the media in the area that TVA has reached out to them and announced the difficulty of supplying enough electricity to meet the demand in this unprecedented cold.
All five states covered by the Tennessee Valley Authority are suffering under this extreme cold.
"TVA has asked businesses to cut back or close if possible, so the electricity to heat homes, hospitals, and nursing homes will be available. Homeowners can also help by cutting their thermostats back a couple of degrees. If everyone does their part, maybe we can get by without any rolling blackouts", said Wilkie.
Everyone's cooperation is greatly appreciated.