Huntsville Utilities suggests curtailing energy use in homes amid heat wave

Let’s face it, Huntsville. It’s hot. Really hot. In fact, air temperatures rose into the mid- to upper 90s statewide today, and those readings combined with high humidity caused the air to feel even hotter.

Because of this heat wave, Huntsville Utlities issued a statement asking customers to curtail their energy use based on a directive from the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The TVA’s Emergency Load Curtailment Program

The TVA’s Emergency Load Curtailment Program is in effect during the current heat wave to reduce stress on the region’s engery supplier. Yesterday, the peak system load on the TVA system was 31,311 megawatts, a new record for June.

This is what the program means:

• The first step of this program requires local power companies served by TVA to reduce their own electric use. Huntsville Utilities has turned off all non-essential lights and electric equipment in their own buildings, as well as adjusted building thermostats.
• The second step asks customers served by the LPCs to limit their electric use during peak hours (in this case, 12PM to 8PM) by not running major electric appliances such as dishwashers, washer/dryers, ovens/stoves, and unnecessary lights.

What the coming week has in store weather-wise

Alabama summers are normally hot, but temperatures this high are not the norm for June. According to the National Weather Service, typical high temperatures in Alabama for this time of year are in the upper 80s. But the heat index Tuesday had Huntsville feeling like 109 degrees. Wednesday, the heat index will top 100 degrees again.

A heat advisory will be in effect from 11AM until 7PM. Wednesday for all of north Alabama, which includes Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, Marshall, Jackson, DeKalb and Cullman counties.

“A dangerous combination of high heat and humidity will persist through the end of the week, and a Heat Advisory remains in effect continuously through 7 PM Wednesday. Please take appropriate precautions for yourself, your neighbors, kids, pets and the elderly.”

National Weather Service in Huntsville

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