Power: North Georgia EMC expects record demand with Thursday’s frigid temperatures

North Georgia EMC and the Tennessee Valley Authority expect huge energy demands over the next 24 hours, according to a media release out Wednesday afternoon. These key highlights:

• TVA’s electric system remains secure and stable at this time. The biggest peak demand will likely occur early Thursday morning with electric loads across the valley reaching nearly 33,000 megawatts. In comparison, TVA’s demand was 32,751 megawatts during the height of the cold wave on Jan. 7, 2015.
• North Georgia EMC’s record peak demand was set in January 2014. However, Thursday’s demand may surpass the previous all-time system peak.

“Consumers are encouraged to assist in maintaining a stable electric system by avoiding non-essential power use during the extreme temperatures. Saving power in cold weather doesn’t require drastic actions. Simply turning down the thermostat even a single degree can make a difference. Additional tips for reducing electric demand can be found at www.ngemc.com or www.energyright.com.”

North Georgia EMC, a not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivers TVA power to members in Catoosa, Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties.