Kingsport Reporter

Holston Electric Cooperative and TVA Press Release: 

Holston Electric Cooperative 

1200 W Main Street 

Rogersville, TN 37857

Press Release:

Rogersville, Tennessee --- On Friday, December 23, 2022, Holston Electric Cooperative responded to an unprecedented event of extremely cold weather. TVA implemented an emergency load curtailment plan to all electric utilities across 7 states. This emergency required 153 local power companies to issue rolling blackouts across service territories. When rolling blackouts occur, load reductions allow the electric system to stabilize.

The size of the electric system determines the amount of customers and duration of the rolling blackout. At this time, TVA has discontinued rolling blackouts. Should the extreme temperatures and high demand reoccur, TVA may reinstate temporary blackouts. Should this occur, residential customers should expect a 1 hour interruption, with no more than 2 interruptions every 24 hours.

Holston serves approximately 31,000 customers. During rolling blackouts, approximately 2,000 customers are affected each hour. With the assistance of our customers, the 153 local power companies, and TVA, the system became stable within just a few hours. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to maintain the electric system.

Please be proactive in preparing for the continued low temperatures. TVA apologizes for the inconvenience these conditions cause, especially during a holiday period, but it is a necessary step to prevent far greater power interruptions affecting 7 states. TVA and Holston will continue to monitor the evolving situation and will communicate any additional information

TVA MEDIA ADVISORY:

TVA, Local Power Companies Taking Action to Maintain Stable Power Grid

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With temperatures on Friday, December 23, averaging in the single digits across the region, the Tennessee Valley Authority and local power company employees are actively working to maintain a stable power grid for everyone amid unprecedented demand.

To help ensure the continued reliability of the regional power system, TVA and local power companies are proactively taking steps to temporarily reduce power supplies to localized areas. These actions may create short, temporary power outages in certain areas.

The public and businesses are asked to help by immediately reducing electric power use without compromising personal safety. Some simple methods of reducing power include:

• Lower thermostats by just one or two degrees – public safety is of utmost importance during dangerously cold weather, so don’t make big adjustments but every degree can help save on future power bills,

• Delay doing laundry or running a dishwasher until the warmest part of the day, and turn off unnecessary lights and electronics, and

• Open window coverings on the sunny side of homes and offices to let the sun heat your home, but close window coverings when the sun isn’t brightly shining.

We apologize for the disruption that we know these actions may cause, especially during the holidays. They are difficult but necessary steps to prevent to potential of far greater power disruptions to the broader region.

Slightly warmer temperatures filtering into the region this weekend should help minimize additional strain on the power system. TVA and local power companies will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any additional needed information.

Original source can be found here