TVA and BTES Ready for Cold Temperatures: You Can Help

Thursday January 23, 2014

Bristol, Tenn. – Extremely cold temperatures have caused a tight power supply situation, according to Mike Browder, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services’ CEO. TVA and the 155 local power companies in the Tennessee Valley are asking all electric power customers to reduce their use of electricity as much as possible until further notice.


“Per request from TVA, BTES will join TVA in reducing power usage at their facilities today by adjusting thermostats, reducing lighting, and taking other measures to reduce electricity consumption,” said Browder.


TVA and BTES are urging customers to voluntarily conserve electricity to the maximum extent possible. Residential customers should:

  • Postpone using electric appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and cooking equipment.
  • Reduce the use of heating by adjusting thermostats to 60o F.
  • Turn off lights, appliances and other electrical equipment not needed

Status reports on the power situation will be provided for the duration of the power shortage.


TVA is using all available resources, purchasing available power from neighboring utilities, and crews from TVA and BTES are working around the clock to make power available to customers.


TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 155 power distributors that serve approximately 8.5 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood control, navigation, water quality and recreation.


Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) is a municipally-owned electric utility that also provides high-speed Internet, telephone, and cable television services over a fiber optic network. BTES has more than 33,000 electric customers in a 280-square-mile service area in the City of Bristol and Sullivan County, Tennessee.


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