TVA Gets Job Done More Efficiently Than Ever, Chairman Tells Caucus
July 21, 2003
The 8.3 million people in the Tennessee Valley depend on TVA to provide energy, protect the environment and promote economic development, TVA Chairman Glenn McCullough Jr. told members of Congress today.
TVA is delivering all three with a balanced, integrated approach and is getting things done more efficiently and cost effectively than ever before, McCullough said, addressing the Tennessee Valley Congressional Caucus chaired by Sen. Lamar Alexander at a meeting in Knoxville, Tenn.
“TVA provides reliable electricity that is affordably priced, so the people of the Valley can save money, pay their bills and raise their families,” McCullough said. “TVA produces power while helping improve air quality throughout the Valley. TVA manages the river to balance competing needs, and TVA helps attract and retain good jobs so the people of the Valley can prosper and grow.”
Citing examples of records and operational achievements at TVA’s fossil, nuclear and hydroelectric plants, McCullough said TVA is delivering more electricity more reliably that at anytime in TVA’s history. He said TVA is financially stronger today and continues to reduce its debt.
TVA is also leading one of the nation’s most ambitious programs for reducing power plant emissions, and by the end of this decade TVA will have spent almost $6 billion to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 85 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by 75 percent, McCullough said.
He noted that TVA’s River System Operations earned the highest rating for effectiveness in an evaluation of federal programs by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. He cited examples of TVA helping to attract and retain jobs by working with its customers and local communities to attract new industry and support expansions of existing companies.
McCullough said that he and board members Skila Harris and Bill Baxter, who also attended the caucus meeting, understand that TVA cannot rest on past successes. “Gone are the days when TVA could go it alone,” he said. “The board knows that TVA must develop and implement new ways and new alliances that add up to smart business practices.”
TVA is planning for the future, McCullough said, by developing a strategic plan to determine how TVA can compete in “some of the most adverse” market conditions.
“We must achieve a balance of providing low-cost, affordable power, protecting the environment, supporting economic development and continuing to reduce debt,” said Harris. “If we do those things, TVA will continue to be successful and provide value to this region for many years to come.”
Baxter said the TVA Board welcomes “this opportunity to discuss TVA’s progress and long-term plans to ensure future success. With the leadership, support and encouragement of the caucus, we can accomplish much more in the future for our region,” he said.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
John Moulton, Knoxville, (865-632-8048) or TVA News Bureau, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
