Residents being ask to reduce use of non-essential power
Staff
Reports
The extreme cold we are experiencing is driving up energy use and TVA and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is monitoring the activity. Blue Ridge Mountain EMC is asking its members to voluntarily reduce the use of non-essential electricity.
According to a news release sent out Tuesday, Jan. 16, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC spokesperson Kelly Crawford reported that the Tennessee Valley Authority initiated Step 20 of the Emergency Load Curtailment Plan which initiates TVA’s public appeal for voluntary load reductions by all customers.
“Together with TVA, the generator of the electricity Blue Ridge Mountain EMC distributes throughout its service territory, we are monitoring the upward trend in electricity use and its impact on our regional power supply. BRMEMC is asking all members to voluntarily reduce the use of all non-essential electricity until further notice,” Kelly said. “This will help power providers across the Tennessee Valley to continue delivering reliable service during this period of exceptionally cold temperatures across the region.”
Kelly offered the following suggestions which she said will make an impact and save the members money:
• Lower your thermostat to 68 F or a temperature that is both comfortable and safe.
• Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down.
• Wear additional layers and bundle up to stay warm.
• Turn off everything when you leave a room.
• Open window coverings on the sunny side of your home. Close them overnight to retain that heat.
• Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances until the warmest part of the day when overall heating demand is lower.
BRMEMC will continue to provide updates through various platforms as necessary, according to Kelly.