Voluntary reduction in electric usage urged

(Jan. 16, 2024) - If you have visited the offices of Caney Fork Electric Cooperative today, you may have noticed lights turned off in common areas like hallways and lobbies. This is a coordinated effort between TVA and the 154 Local Power Companies across the Valley and is the first step in conserving energy in preparation for extreme temperatures.

As the thermometer reaches single and negative digits over the next few days, Caney Fork Electric Cooperative and TVA would like to ask for your cooperation in voluntarily reducing electricity use especially tonight (Tuesday) from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and tomorrow morning, Wed, from 5 a.m. until 10 a.m. This request is due to expected frigid temperatures, dangerous wind chills and high electricity demand across the Southeast and extends to all residential, commercial, and industrial customers and members.

The voluntary reduction helps to ensure the continued supply of power to essential services throughout the Valley and avoid interruptions of service.

By doing a quick inspection around the house and office you can identify ways to reduce consumption – turning off lights, unplugging items not in use, moving your thermostat down a couple of degrees when you are home and down 2 or 3 more degrees when away from home – our recommendation is 68 degrees while at home and 65 degrees when away from home, but we understand some need a higher heat setting than others. Postponing using the dishwasher, dryer, or cooking appliances helps lower energy use. Reducing consumption, albeit somewhat inconvenient, is necessary during times like these; however, it can be beneficial by ultimately saving energy dollars.

CFEC urges all customers and members to check on those at risk when the temperatures fluctuate. If necessary, relocate individuals who are not safe in the extreme cold.

We appreciate your cooperation in our efforts to serve you with clean, safe, affordable, and reliable electricity.

Please continue reductions until notified by TVA or CFEC that normal usage may resume.