RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - In the face of bone-chilling temperatures, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are calling on consumers to take immediate measures to conserve electricity. The TVA, which plays a crucial role in supplying power to Rutherford County through MTE, is working tirelessly to meet record power demand as temperatures plunge to unprecedented lows. TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash highlighted an expected peak demand of electricity this morning...

On Wednesday, between 6 and 10 AM, consumers are urged to be mindful of their electricity usage as TVA grapples with this expected peak of electric consumption to equal approximately 36,000 megawatts (MW). The TVA's all-time peak demand record stands just below 33,482 megawatts, emphasizing the severity of the current situation.

The frigid conditions gripping Middle Tennessee were underscored on Wednesday morning, with temperatures plummeting to alarming lows. In Christiana, the mercury dropped to -2 degrees at 6:30 AM, accompanied by a biting windchill of -10. Downtown Murfreesboro experienced a bone-chilling -3 degrees, while Smyrna recorded a shivering -5 degrees. Further out in Eagleville and College Grove, the temperature sank to a staggering -6 and -7 degrees. Residents in the Triune and Arrington areas faced a frosty -5 degrees Wednesday morning at 6:30 AM.

Amy Byers, Public Relations Coordinator for MTE, suggested an adjustment of your home thermostat could lead to a lower bill...

The National Weather Service issued a "Windchill Advisory for Wednesday Morning," warning that some areas in Rutherford County could experience wind chills as low as -15 degrees. The advisory extended its cautionary note, emphasizing negative wind chills throughout Middle Tennessee until at least 10 AM. Authorities also raised concerns about the potential for hypothermia if adequate precautions are not taken.

MTE, responsible for providing power to over 750,000 Tennesseans across 11 Middle Tennessee counties, including Rutherford, Cannon, Williamson, and Wilson, plays a crucial role in ensuring the region's electricity needs are met. Electricity is especially vital during extreme cold weather conditions, prompting a collective effort to conserve energy and support the broader community.

As residents brace themselves against the harsh cold, the collaboration between Middle Tennessee Electric and the Tennessee Valley Authority becomes pivotal in maintaining a stable power supply during this challenging period. The call for conservation is not just about meeting immediate demand but reflects a community-driven commitment to helping neighbors and ensuring the resilience of the region's energy infrastructure.