The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking North Alabama residents to conserve power as the utility works through a record high demand for electricity due to this week’s extreme cold.

Specifically, the TVA is asking residents to lower power consumption between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the low teens or lower on Wednesday with highs in the mid-30s, with the windchill near zero in some areas.

TVA is actively monitoring weather conditions, and the power system remains stable, the utility said in a news release. The request does not indicate TVA is experiencing emergency conditions, it said.

In December 2023, TVA was forced to have rolling black outs in an effort to meet a high demand for electricity because of extreme cold. That is not expected this week.

Ways to reduce your energy usage

• Set your thermostat to 65-68 degrees. Each degree you lower your thermostat can save you as much as 3 percent on your monthly energy bill.

• Postpone use of your clothes dryer, dishwasher and stove/oven during peak times.

• Turn off non-essential appliances and lights during peak times.

• Commercial Business: Turn off any lights and office equipment (or place in sleep mode) when not in use and turn off heating outside of business hours.

When is the “peak” period? During the winter, peak usage normally occurs in the morning between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. That’s when people normally get up and get their day started.

TVA has been preparing for winter demand all year. It’s seasonal readiness program kicked off in September as our hydro, gas, and coal generating sites conducted hundreds of items to make sure we are prepared to meet peak demand. TVA invested more than $430 million in fiscal year 2024 to harden the system overall.