UPDATE: Local utilities encouraging customers to lower power use until further notice at TVA’s request – Local 3 News

Local Utilities Urge Power Conservation to Support Sustainable Energy Goals

Background and Request from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

In response to increasing power demand, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has requested local utilities to encourage customers to reduce electricity consumption. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Sophie Moore, spokesperson for EPB, stated that TVA asked EPB to encourage customers to lower power use starting at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday until further notice.

Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) and Emergency Load Curtailment Plan (ELCP)

Volunteer Energy Cooperative (VEC) has also joined the effort by requesting members to voluntarily reduce power consumption following the activation of Step 20 of the Emergency Load Curtailment Plan (ELCP). Step 20 represents a public appeal to temporarily decrease electrical usage to maintain grid stability.

According to VEC’s official website, “We do not expect there to be any rolling blackouts associated with this ELCP action.”

National Context and Similar Actions

Utilities nationwide implement similar plans to manage rising power demand. For example, Duke Energy in North Carolina initiated comparable measures on Monday and Tuesday, as reported by TVA. These coordinated efforts support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring reliable and resilient infrastructure.

Recommended Energy Conservation Tips

To support grid stability and contribute to sustainable energy use, customers are encouraged to adopt the following practices:

1. Set home thermostats to 75–78ºF to reduce cooling energy consumption.
2. Close window coverings on the sunny side of the home to minimize heat gain.
3. Avoid using hot water when possible to conserve energy.
4. Delay the use of major appliances until further notice to reduce peak demand.
5. Turn off pool pumps to decrease unnecessary electricity use.
6. Cook using microwaves, air fryers, or outdoor grills instead of ovens to save energy.
7. Turn off lights and electronics when leaving a room.
8. Use fans to circulate air efficiently; ensure ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise for cooling effect.

Communication and Updates

EPB will notify customers when TVA indicates it is safe to resume normal power consumption levels. This transparent communication supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering informed community participation in energy management.

Stay Informed

Residents in the Tennessee Valley can stay updated on energy conservation efforts, news, and weather by downloading the Local 3 News and Weather apps on their smart devices.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts of TVA, EPB, VEC, and other utilities to encourage reduced power consumption contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By adopting recommended energy-saving measures, customers help ensure a reliable power supply, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable community development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses efforts by local utilities and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to reduce power consumption, which relates to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The coordinated action to manage electricity demand and avoid blackouts contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – Encouraging reduced power consumption helps lower energy demand and potentially reduces greenhouse gas emissions, supporting climate action efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
2. SDG 11 Targets:
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Energy Consumption Reduction: The article implies measuring the reduction in power consumption during the Emergency Load Curtailment Plan (ELCP) as an indicator of progress toward energy efficiency (SDG 7.3).
2. Frequency and Duration of Power Curtailment Events: Monitoring how often and how long utilities ask customers to reduce power use can indicate the effectiveness of demand management strategies (related to SDG 7.1 and SDG 11.6).
3. Incidence of Rolling Blackouts: The article mentions that no rolling blackouts are expected, implying that the absence or reduction of blackouts can serve as an indicator of grid reliability and sustainability (SDG 7.1 and SDG 11.6).
4. Customer Engagement and Compliance: The voluntary reduction in power use by customers can be tracked to assess community participation in energy-saving measures (related to SDG 7.3 and SDG 13.2).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: local3news.com