TVA initiates emergency load curtailment due to heat wave, sets new record for power demand
Published 11:24 am Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Due to high temperatures and dangerous heat indices throughout the region, the Tennessee Valley Authority has again initiated the Emergency Load Curtailment Program.
The first step of this program requires local power companies served by TVA to reduce their own electric use. Huntsville Utilities said they have turned off all non-essential lights and electric equipment in their own buildings, as well as adjusted building thermostats.
The second step asks customers served by the LPCs to limit their electric use during peak hours (in this case, noon to 8 p.m.) by not running major electric appliances such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, ovens/stoves, and unnecessary lights.
Setting an all-time record for June power demand, Monday’s peak system load was 31,311 megawatts at 6 p.m. at a regional average temp of 94°. The previous record for June was 31,098 MW on June 29, 2012.
