Summer often brings with it a welcome change of pace. We carve out a little extra time to relax and enjoy life with those we love. From cookouts to games with the kids, summer is time to savor the joys of life.
While summer may be less demanding of our time, it is not less demanding on the power grid.
Higher temperatures bring increased demand for energy, so Tennessee’s electric cooperatives have been making smart choices for months in preparation of the electrical system strain that is typical during this time of the year.
One thing we continually do to strengthen our infrastructure is thoroughly inspect and maintain our power lines, transformers and substations. Our line crews and engineering teams work to identify and address any potential issues before they become larger problems. By proactively replacing aging equipment and making necessary upgrades, we enhance the reliability and performance of our system.
In addition to inspections, we have invested in technologies to monitor and manage our grid more effectively. Smart grid solutions help us quickly detect and isolate faults. This allows us to minimize disruptions and restore power faster when outages occur. By embracing these innovations, we can provide our consumers with a more robust and responsive electricity network.
Finally, we prioritize vegetation management along our power lines. Summer brings rapid plant growth, and trees or branches in close proximity to power lines pose a significant risk. In fact, trees coming in contact with energized lines is one of our leading causes of outages. Regular tree trimming and vegetation control help reduce the likelihood of outages caused by falling branches or contact with power lines during storms. Our co-ops work closely with professional arborists to ensure proper tree maintenance, keeping both reliability and safety in mind.
There are a few things you can do as well. Keep your thermostat set at a reasonable level, especially during the hottest part of the day. You can also look for opportunities to delay certain activities like running your dishwasher or clothes dryer to avoid the hottest part of the day. These appliances not only use energy but also introduce lots of humidity into your home. Doing these things at night will help your home remain more comfortable during sweltering summer afternoons.
By taking proactive measures, we can meet the challenges of summer and keep the lights on for our communities.
