TVA Meets All-Time System Peak Power Demand
July 19, 2006
TVA met the highest demand for electricity ever recorded in its seven-state service area Tuesday, July 18, exceeding the previous record set last July by more than 100 megawatts, and could set a new record today.
Based on initial readings, the TVA system met a demand of 32,037 megawatts at 5 p.m. CDT, when the average temperature across the Tennessee Valley reached 97 degrees. TVA will audit the initial readings during the next few days, and the official peak may be adjusted slightly.
The previous all-time system peak was 31,924 megawatts, which was met July 26, 2005 when the average temperature across the Valley was 95 degrees.
“Employees of TVA and distributors of TVA power were well prepared and performed at the top of their game in meeting the record power demand Tuesday,” said TVA President and Acting CEO Tom Kilgore. “We expect even higher demand today and tomorrow, so we will continue to focus our efforts on having the generation system and power delivery network at a high state of readiness to keep the lights on and air conditioners running for the people of the Tennessee Valley.”
All five TVA nuclear units are at full power, and all 59 fossil units are on line to meet the expected high power demand the rest of week.
The record peak follows several days of hot weather and high power demand in the TVA region, as well as monthly record-setting peak demands in May and June. The hot weather and power demand is expected to continue through Friday, July 21. Somewhat cooler temperatures are expected in the TVA region by the weekend.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing with revenues of $7.8 billion in 2005. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.6 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.
Media Contact
Gil Francis, (865) 632-8031
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
