News Summary
The Knoxville Utilities Board has officially lifted its energy conservation request following the stabilization of the local power grid after a period of extreme heat. The Tennessee Valley Authority reported a return to normal operations after a surge in energy demand. KUB encourages residents to continue energy-saving measures even as the conservation request is lifted. Practical tips include avoiding the use of large appliances during peak hours and maintaining specific thermostat settings to help reduce usage, especially during heat advisories.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) has lifted its energy conservation request as the local power grid stabilizes following a recent period of extreme heat that significantly increased electricity demand. This decision comes after the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which manages the regional power grid, reported a return to normal operations after a spike in energy consumption that necessitated conservation measures.
In the face of soaring temperatures that have led to a heat advisory in Knoxville and East Tennessee, KUB had initially urged the public to conserve electricity to maintain the stability of the regional electricity supply. However, with the situation now under control, KUB is encouraging customers to continue making efforts to save energy whenever possible, even in easing the conservation request.
As residents experience high temperatures in the 90s, with heat indices reaching up to 107 degrees, KUB suggests practical energy-saving measures. These include avoiding the use of large appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines during peak daytime hours, which can help significantly reduce energy demands during the hottest parts of the day.
The call for energy conservation came on June 24, as TVA communicated the necessity of these efforts to KUB and other local electric companies. Past requests for energy-saving measures from TVA have typically coincided with significant weather events, such as extreme temperatures in both summer and winter months. Home cooling systems are particularly energy-intensive, accounting for more than half of residential electricity use, further underscoring the importance of conservation during heat waves.
To help manage energy consumption and costs, KUB recommends specific thermostat settings: 78 degrees while at home, 72 degrees during sleep, and 80 degrees when away. Additionally, the use of fans, closing blinds, unplugging unused electronics, and limiting the operation of large appliances during peak hours can contribute to lowering electricity usage.
This summer’s challenges with the power grid echo the events that unfolded in December 2022, when TVA experienced rolling blackouts during extreme cold weather. In response to those incidents, TVA invested $130 million to upgrade its plants, enabling the electrical supply to better manage record energy demands that occurred during the past winter.
As daily routines evolve amidst climate challenges, KUB emphasizes that even small changes can lead to a significant impact on energy savings. The efforts made by residents in the past to voluntarily conserve energy have been acknowledged, with KUB expressing gratitude for the community’s cooperation during critical times for the power supply.
Moving forward, while KUB has rescinded the previous conservation requests, monitoring energy usage and maintaining a focus on energy efficiency remain vital, especially during heat advisories and extreme weather conditions in Knoxville.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Heat Wave Energy Conservation
- WBIR: Conserve Energy TVA
- WATE: TVA Asks Residents to Reduce Energy Usage
- WBIR: KUB TVA Power Supply
- Wikipedia: Energy Conservation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Climate
- Google Search: Knoxville energy conservation
