TVA Plans for Power Production Over the Next Twenty Years

How much power will the Tennessee Valley use over the next twenty years?

How will TVA meet that need?

Those are some of the questions the utility wants to answer.

And it's looking to citizens for some feedback as it lays out its plan.

Whether it's through nuclear, fossil or renewable energy, TVA expects to produce less power if the trend in energy consumption continues.

Joe Hoagland, TVA, "We're thinking something about 1 percent or less in growth."

But what's the best way to produce that power over the next 20 years?

That's the question the utility tackles in its Integrated Resource Plan.

And it's asking the public for input.

Dennis Gregg, Resident, "They have a huge impact on the valley and the way in which we do energy here. I've watched them mess up for many years and want to see if they have an idea of doing it better this time."Elana Gulas, Resident, "I just want to hear positive things stories of progress that they're actually going do what they say they're going to do."

Around a dozen people showed up to a briefing Monday in Chattanooga, many with questions and concerns of their own.

Gulas, Resident,"TVA is a really big entity in Tennessee and the South East region and the way they operate is really important and the current state of the nation and the importance of energy efficiency and sustainability is really important."

That proved to be top concerns for the people we spoke with.

Gregg, "I'm hoping they're going to come out with very strong efficiency and conservation planning because that's the bottom line. We can meet the future needs through conservation of energy and efficiency."

TVA wants to take advantage of one of its strengths going forward...a balance of options to turn to for power.

Hoagland, TVA, "We have a lot of different generating options so depending on what regulations come along or depending on what happens with fuel prices and that sort of thing we've been able to weather the storms if you will with some of that."

TVA says it will take around 18 months to complete the plan.

They expect to have a rough draft for the public by Spring.

Click here for a link to TVAs Integrated Resource Plan.