KNOXVILLE, Tenn.­­ – The Tennessee Valley Authority is engaging the public for input on what should be considered in the agency’s next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the potential environmental impacts of that plan.

An IRP serves as a compass, guiding the federal utility on how to best meet expected energy demand in the coming decades. The current IRP was completed in 2019. This next IRP is expected to be completed in 2024.

“TVA serves one of the fastest growing regions in the nation – people are moving to our seven-state service area at six times the national average for better jobs and quality of life,” said Jeff Lyash, TVA President and CEO. “This growth is exciting, but it also carries with it load growth for TVA. We must continue providing our communities and customers with energy security – energy that is affordable, reliable and resilient – while also being clean. That’s why it’s important to take a detailed look at where we’re headed through an integrated resource plan.”

The comprehensive study includes describing TVA’s resource needs, policy goals, physical and operational constraints, risks, and proposed resource choices. Stakeholders are engaged throughout the process, reviewing the planning information and shaping the analysis and outcomes. More information can be found at tva.com/irp.

“The IRP process is critical in ensuring we have input from all voices -- our customers, stakeholders, and public -- in preparing energy options to serve our region long term,” added Lyash.

As part of the IRP decision-making process, and in alignment with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), TVA will analyze potential environmental impacts associated with the next IRP by preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS). The Notice of Intent (NOI), published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2023, and available at tva.com/irp, is the first step in the NEPA process and the IRP.

TVA is accepting public comments on the next IRP and the scope of the environmental review. Comments must be submitted no later than Monday, July 3, 2023. All comments received, including names and addresses, will be considered part of the official record and available to the public.

Comments and input can be submitted online at tva.com/irp, by email to [email protected] and by mail to Kelly Baxter, NEPA Project Manager, 400 W. Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B, Knoxville, Tenn. 37902.

TVA is also hosting two virtual webinars – one on Tuesday, May 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. EDT and another on Wednesday, June 7 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. EDT - to provide more information and answer questions about the EIS and the IRP process. Visit tva.com/irp for more information on the virtual public meetings.