Heat waves take lots of electricity. TVA has tips to save on your energy bill

Daniel Dassow, Knoxville News Sentinel
·2 min read

Rising temperatures often means rising power bills. And following a scorching hot June − where high temperatures in the 90s were the norm − Knoxville is showing no signs of cooling down heading into the Fourth of July holiday.

The Tennessee Valley Authority prepped for high electricity demand during the heat wave by completing 250 transmission outages and 100 plant outages in the spring. The planned outages of certain plants or transmission systems during a time of low demand ensures TVA's plants operate at peak performance, Chief Operating Officer Don Moul said.

"There's no one particular type of plant that has a specific susceptibility," Moul said. "You just have to make sure that your plants are robust and that they are in good working order to handle the high temperature."

TVA sells electricity to local power companies, like the Knoxville Utilities Board, which then sell electricity to customers. On a hot summer day, TVA sees peak power demands between 28,000 and 31,000 megawatts. The highest demand typically is around 6 p.m.

Here are some tips from TVA to reduce energy costs, especially between noon and 8 p.m.:

  • Set fans to spin counterclockwise, and turn them off when you're not in the room.

  • Run appliances at night, when it's cooler outside.

  • Change air filters.

  • Set your thermostat a few degrees higher. Each degree can save around 3% on your electric bill, according to TVA.

  • Close exterior doors and curtains/blinds to reduce warming from sunlight.

  • Cook outdoors.

  • Plant shade trees by your house.

'Every little bit helps' TVA on hot summer days in Knoxville and beyond

After completing repairs and inspections on filtration, cooling and ventilation systems, plant operations staff must provide TVA a certificate showing they are prepared for summer demand, Moul said.

But TVA's preparation is just one piece of the puzzle. On the other side is how much electricity its 10 million customers use across its seven-state service region.

"Every little bit helps," Moul said about saving energy. "While it helps us as we look to serve customer load, it also helps them when the bill comes, reducing their demand and reducing their cost."

A child leaps into the water at Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool on on June 7, 2023. Pools will be popular on the Fourth of July and beyond as people across East Tennessee look to cool down during hot summer weather.
A child leaps into the water at Oak Ridge Outdoor Pool on on June 7, 2023. Pools will be popular on the Fourth of July and beyond as people across East Tennessee look to cool down during hot summer weather.

A difference in temperature also means a difference in the kinds of generation TVA uses. A 100-degree day requires 50% to 60% more natural gas and coal than an 80-degree day, according to the federal utility.

TVA passes fuel costs along to customers, but expects the July fuel rate to be 24% lower than the three-year average for the month. Overall power costs have been lower this year thanks to decreased fuel costs, even as TVA increased its base rate for electricity.

Through its EnergyRight program, TVA offers cash rebates to homeowners who improve their energy efficiency by installing new HVAC systems, sealing leaks and taking other actions. Businesses can receive up to $3 million per year in energy efficiency incentives.

Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TVA tips for saving on your energy bill during Knoxville heat wave