“This reduction in electricity use can help avoid interruptions of service due to peak demands caused by the extreme cold. Peak power demand is expected to happen tonight, as temperatures are expected to drop into single digits.””

— CU/TVA statement

The new year is off to an "energetic" start with the severe cold which is sweeping through the Southeastern United States.

Through its partnership with TVA, Cleveland Utilities officials announced early this morning the regional utility's intent to implement energy-curtailment measures; at least, for the duration of the current cold blast.

According to Jamie Creekmore, supervisor of CU customer relations, TVA is enacting Step 10 and Step 20 of its Emergency Load Curtailment Program, due to demands created by temperatures dipping well into the teens for the past couple of days.

The Emergency Load Curtailment Program includes an appeal to all CU customers to immediately reduce non-essential electricity use as much as possible, until the severest of the cold temperatures lighten.

Utility customers are being asked to reduce their use of hot water from electric water heaters, washing clothes and dishes, and using any non-essential lights and appliances.

Electric heat pump thermostats should be lowered by one to three degrees during this time, Creekmore advised.

Cleveland Utilities is also contacting larger commercial and industrial customers to minimize usage within their respective facilities.

"This reduction in electricity use can help avoid interruptions of service due to peak demands caused by the extreme cold," according to a joint statement by CU and TVA. "Peak power demand is expected to happen tonight, as temperatures are expected to drop into single digits."

This extreme cold is expected to linger at least through the workweek, and the prolonged cold period will greatly increase electricity use across the Tennessee Valley.

Utility officials also released a list of steps that can be taken to reduce power consumption. They include:

• Turning down the thermostat. Lowering the temperature just one degree can result in a savings;

• Postponing the use of electric appliances, such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment; and

• Turning off nonessential lights, appliances, electronics and other electrical equipment.

Additional tips for saving on power bills and reducing electric demand can be found on TVA's EnergyRight Solutions website.