Memphis Residents Urged to Conserve Energy Amid Cold Snap

News Summary

As Memphis faces a severe cold snap with temperatures dropping into the teens, Memphis Light, Gas and Water is urging residents to conserve energy. The utility company has partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to manage rising energy demand during peak hours on Thursday and Friday. Simple energy-saving steps include adjusting thermostats and limiting appliance use, with the goal of maintaining energy grid stability. MLGW is equipped to handle the increased demand, but public cooperation is crucial to ensure everyone’s warmth and safety during the winter weather.

Memphis Residents Urged to Conserve Energy as Winter Weather Hits

Cold snap grips the Mid-South

Memphis is feeling the chill this week as biting cold temperatures sweep through the region. With forecasts expecting the temperature to drop into the teens and highs only reaching around freezing, residents are gearing up for a serious bout of winter. In light of this cold snap, Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) is reaching out to the community, asking for assistance in conserving energy during this frigid period.

Energy demand on the rise

The utility company has made this conservation request in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), highlighting that the bitterly cold conditions are driving up energy consumption. TVA representatives have indicated that energy demand could reach potential record levels, continuing a trend of high energy use that has seen multiple new records set throughout January and this year.

Conservation request for Thursday and Friday

Residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their energy use, especially between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Thursday and Friday. This suggested timeframe is crucial as it coincides with peak energy demand periods, and every little bit helps to keep the energy grid stable during this extreme weather.

Simple steps for saving energy

For those wondering how they can help out, the guidelines are fairly straightforward. One effective way is to set your thermostat to a comfortable yet energy-efficient range of 65-68 degrees. This small adjustment can lead to meaningful savings of approximately 3% on monthly power bills for each degree you lower your thermostat. Additionally, it’s wise to limit the use of large appliances, such as dishwashers and clothes dryers, during these peak usage hours. Unplugging non-essential electronics can also contribute to energy savings.

Utility company prepared for demand spikes

Fortunately, MLGW is well-prepared for potential spikes in demand due to the cold weather. Recent investments and enhancements in water pumping stations have positioned the utility to better manage the increased energy needs. In fact, MLGW has successfully increased water production by six million gallons compared to last year, ensuring that the community’s heating needs can be met amidst the cold Arctic blast.

Public cooperation key

While TVA does not anticipate rolling blackouts like those experienced during past winter storms, they are still urging the public to cooperate with conservation requests. Using social media, MLGW has put out alerts to keep customers informed about the expected energy strain, which is anticipated to exceed the TVA’s current peak record of over 34,000 megawatts.

Conclusion

As the temperature continues to plummet, it’s important for Memphians to band together and do their part in conserving energy. By making a few simple adjustments at home and participating in the community effort, residents can help ensure that everyone stays warm, safe, and energy-efficient over the coming days. Together, we can navigate this winter weather with a sense of community and care!

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Additional Resources

• Daily Memphian
• Wikipedia: Energy Conservation
• Commercial Appeal
• Google Search: Energy Conservation Memphis
• WREG
• Google Scholar: Memphis Energy Conservation
• Local Memphis
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Demand
• Fox 13 Memphis
• Google News: MLGW