TVA Offers Energy-Saving Tips During Heat Wave

With temperatures soaring around the 100-degree mark this week across the Southeast, the Tennessee Valley Authority and local power companies are reminding consumers that using energy wisely can save money on electric bills and help utilities better manage demand.

"Our system is seeing the highest demand for electricity so far this summer and the highest peak energy use since 2007," said Robert Balzar, vice president of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response. "TVA has sufficient resources available to meet the current need. But every consumer can play a role in reducing electricity demand and costs by conserving energy where they work and live."

Balzar said summer energy use normally is highest between 2 and 8 p.m., when TVA and other power suppliers are most likely to need to operate higher-cost peaking generators and purchase more expensive electricity from outside sources to help supply keep up with demand.

"The hot afternoon hours, particularly on weekdays, are when people can make the most difference in reducing demand," Balzar said, noting that the sweltering temperatures are expected to continue for the next several days in many areas.

Consumers can help reduce demand, and their power bills, by raising thermostats to 78degrees. Every degree below 78 increases the average cost to consumers by 5 percent.

Other energy-saving tips include:

* Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances.

* Use the "sleep mode" on computers.

* Keep window blinds and curtains closed on the south, east and west sides of the house during the day.

* Use the microwave or a grill instead of a stove burner or oven for cooking.

* Operate dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads and after 8 p.m.

TVA met a demand for electricity of more than 31,700 megawatts on the afternoon of Aug. 4. Demand is expected to remain high until the weekend. The all-time record is33,482 megawatts set on Aug. 16, 2007.

TVA forecasters said monthly average temperatures in May, June and July were all above normal. The average temperature in July was 93 degrees, three degrees above normal. August is expected to be four degrees above normal.

Consumers can learn more about how to make their homes more energy efficient, including scheduling a home energy audit by a TVA-certified evaluator, by visiting EnergyRight.com.