With the coldest temperatures in more than a year expected to arrive overnight Wednesday, the Tennessee Valley Authority and North Georgia EMC are working to ensure the availability of safe and reliable electricity.

“As we have done through the last several rounds of cold weather, TVA will use all of our available generating sources to meet the expected high power demand, which will likely peak on Thursday morning,” said Jacinda Woodward, senior vice president of TVA Transmission and Power Supply.

Consumers are encouraged to assist in maintaining a stable electric system by avoiding non-essential power use during the extreme temperatures.  Saving power in cold weather doesn’t require drastic actions. Simply turning down the thermostat even a single degree can make a difference.

Additional tips for reducing electric demand can be found at www.ngemc.com or www.energyright.com, and include:

• Opening the blinds on the south side of your home during sunny days, but keeping the blinds closed on cloudy days and at night.
• Postpone using electric appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment during peak power use times early in the morning and early in the evening.
• Turn off nonessential lights, appliances, electronics and other electrical equipment.

TVA’s electric system remains secure and stable at this time. The biggest peak demand will likely occur early Thursday morning with electric loads across the valley reaching nearly 33,000 megawatts. In comparison, TVA’s demand was 32,751 megawatts during the height of the cold wave on Jan. 7, 2015. 

North Georgia EMC’s record peak demand was set in January, 2014.  However, Thursday’s demand may surpass the previous all-time system peak.

North Georgia EMC is a not-for-profit electric cooperative and delivers TVA power to members in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties.