TVA Issues Public Curtailments January 2025

MLEC Shares Guidelines for Members

(January 21, 2025 – Centerville TN) —Extreme cold temperatures combined with energy demands across the Tennessee Valley Authority service territory have caused TVA to implement public curtailments effective January 21. Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative is taking steps in-house to conserve energy and asks members to follow TVA’s request to conserve energy and help maintain a stable power grid.

Residents are asked to reduce power consumption by delaying the use of large appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and electric dryers until further notice. Also, turn off unnecessary devices and lights, and when possible, adjust thermostats down a degree or two.

MLEC is a local electric distribution cooperative that purchases its power from TVA. As part of the agreement, MLEC is required to support TVA in electric load curtailments to maintain reliability during rare circumstances such as winter weather events. Once TVA returns to normal operations, MLEC will communicate the changes to members.

“MLEC apologizes for this inconvenience to members,” said MLEC President and CEO Keith Carnahan. “We are taking every step in-house to comply with TVA and hope members follow as well to ensure a reliable power grid for all members.”

During frigid temperatures, MLEC also understands the importance of safety while following curtailment guidelines. We encourage members to check on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure they remain warm throughout the night. For other safety tips and energy efficiency questions, visit mlec.com/safety/.