News

1/13/2010

Cold Temperatures Push the Limits

   Mother Nature provided this region with unprecedented cold weather in January and now folks are going to have to pay the price.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Service, beginning January 2, 2010 through January 12, 2010, the temperature never exceeded 32°F in the Tri-Cities area.  For eleven consecutive days the temperature did not surpass the freezing mark, which is the longest running record for our service area.  During those eleven days, the average daily high was 26°F, with an average low of 12°F.  The average daily high temperature for the month of January is normally 45°F with an average low of 26°F.  Holston Electric Cooperative (Holston EC) General Manager Larry Elkins noted, “The shock of the frigid temperatures will be evident when customers compare their power usage for the month of January, 2010 to prior years.”
   “While providing dependable electrical service is our highest priority, sharing information to better understand the effects of the recent weather on energy consumption is a key goal at the moment,” stated Elkins. 
   The cost to keep homes and businesses at a constant temperature increases as the outside temperature falls, and the warmer you keep your house the more energy it requires. In fact, every degree above 70°F adds 10 percent to the cost of heating your house.
   HEC dispatcher Sheila Fobber commented, “We’re seeing meter readings with double the energy usage from December to January.  This means many members can expect to pay at least twice the amount of their previous bill.  Some of the readings are so out of norm that we’re sending employees back out to verify accuracy.  We have seen a few readings with more than 8,000 KWh used for the billing cycle, which would mean the amount due would be approximately $600.00.”
   The cold weather has also stressed the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) generation system. On Friday, January 8, 2010 the total daily energy demanded was the highest in TVA history at 701 GWh.  With no relief on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 644 GWh, it was the highest Sunday total energy.   The total weekly energy was also a new record at 4,603 GWh, which is 200 GWh higher than the previous week, forcing TVA to issue a Conservative Operations Alert.
   “There will be many HEC members who believe their meters have been read wrong or are not working properly.  However, meters that aren’t functioning properly actually slow down rather than speed up,” voiced Elkins.  “These increased usages and bills are hard blows for all during these tough times.  If  members wante to review their usage from last year or discuss their bill, we’re here to do that. Also, Holston EC would like to make everyone aware of programs like Project Help and  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that are available to folks who qualify. Hawkins County residents can visit the Neighborhood Service Center at 904 East Main Street, Suite 1 in Rogersville to obtain an application to determine eligibility for assistance in bill payment.  Those in Hamblen County should visit Central Services at 2450 Old Highway 25E in Morristown or call (423) 586-9431.”
 

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