TVA Meets Record-Breaking Power Demand Amid Winter Freeze

Issue #333

23 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 43 / low of 21

📰 TVA Meets Record-Breaking Power Demand Amid Winter Freeze

📌 1/28: East Columbia Open House Forum

🚨 Friday: Sobriety Checkpoint

👉 Tonight: Vet 2 Vet Fundraiser at McCreary’s

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, January 23rd

Friday, January 24th

Saturday, January 25th

Monday, January 27th

Tuesday, January 28th

TVA Meets Record-Breaking Power Demand Amid Winter Freeze

As winter's coldest temperatures swept across the region this week, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) successfully met the highest peak demand in its 91-year history. On Wednesday morning, TVA recorded an unprecedented peak of 35,319 megawatts at 8 a.m. CT, with temperatures dipping to 11 degrees. Despite the surge in demand, TVA's power grid remained stable and reliable throughout the event.

In fiscal year 2024, TVA allocated $430 million to bolster the resilience and reliability of its power generation systems, including natural gas, coal, and hydroelectric facilities. This investment involved thousands of winter readiness measures, incorporating lessons from previous winters and rigorous inspections to ensure preparedness.

Recognizing the region’s rapid population growth, which is outpacing the national average by three times, TVA is investing nearly $16 billion to expand its generation capacity and infrastructure while maintaining high reliability. The agency is currently working on adding 3,500 megawatts of generation capacity, having already completed 1,400 megawatts and secured an additional 800 megawatts of solar energy in the past year.

The Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation's largest public power supplier, delivers energy to 10 million residents across seven southeastern states. Established 90 years ago, TVA focuses on energy innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic development. Operating one of the largest and cleanest energy systems, which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, and advanced technologies, TVA plays a significant role in advancing the nation's clean energy goals.

As a corporate agency of the U.S., TVA operates without taxpayer funding, relying on electricity sales to generate revenue. Beyond its energy initiatives, TVA also supports flood control, navigation, land management of the Tennessee River system, and economic development projects that create jobs and strengthen local communities.

1/28: East Columbia Open House Forum

The City of Columbia's Development Services staff will be hosting an Open House Forum to gather community input on improving health, walkability, and connections in East Columbia. The forum is part of an initiative supported by the Tennessee Department of Health's Healthy Built Environments Grant.

Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Location: Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center at Fairview Park, 871 Iron Bridge Road, Columbia, TN 38401

Free snacks and drinks will be provided!

This event is a great opportunity for community members to share their ideas and help shape a healthier, more connected East Columbia. Everyone is encouraged to attend and provide feedback. Your voice matters!

🚨 Friday: Sobriety Checkpoint

The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 10pm until midnight.  The location is State Route 50 East, .2 miles east of the 19mm. 

Tonight: Vet 2 Vet Fundraiser at McCreary’s

Vet2Vet Middle Tennessee is raising funds to help sustain the Veteran’s Services Office Food bank which provides food for veterans and their families who are in need.

McCreary’s of Columbia is donating 20% payback (both Dine In and Take Out) to Vet2Vet Middle Tennessee.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, January 23rd

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, January 24th

Bronwen Fair & Codetta South, Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Victoria Shaw & Friends, The Mulehouse, 7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Troy Castellano, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Downsouth Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, January 25th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Lisa Law Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 26th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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