TVA sets records for demand during September heat wave

The Tennessee Valley Authority set several records for demand during the September heat wave.

The Knoxville-based utility said it was able to deliver over 30,000 megawatts of power to customers in 17 of the first 24 days of September. The only other time TVA hit demand over that threshold in September was back in 2007 and it was only for one day. They said that 12 all-time spring or fall records were set during the massive heatdome’s grip on the region.

The peak demand day was on September 3rd, when demand soared to 33,270 megawatts. TVA says that is enough electricity to power more than 19 million homes.

TVA interim president and CEO Mike Skaggs said, "I'm proud of the work of TVA and local power provider employees to successfully meet demand through the summer and September's historic heatwave, once again demonstrating their commitment to serving the Valley region."  

TVA estimates that demand in the region could grow by up to 32 gigawatts by 2040. The company has over 4,100 megawatts of new generation under construction, and they are evaluating another 3,000 megawatts.

Photo of Kentucky Dam courtesy of TVA