Tuesday | January 21, 2025
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Cullman Electric Expecting High Electricity Demand

Cullman Electric Cooperative is expecting high electricity demand this week as our service area experiences the coldest temperatures this season. The National Weather Service is predicting low temperatures Wednesday morning in the teens with wind-chill values in the single digits. High temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Thursday afternoon.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has issued a request, asking the public to voluntarily conserve electricity, specifically between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 am on Wednesday. TVA has informed local power companies that it does not anticipate requiring rolling power outages. 

“Anytime we experience a period of extreme cold, it significantly increases the demand for electricity,” said Brian Lacy, Cullman Electric’s vice president of member engagement and communications. “When TVA asks the public to take voluntary steps to reduce electricity usage, it helps ensure the regional power grid remains stable, but it also helps people save money on their power bill.”

Here are some quick and easy ways to make an impact and save you money:

  1. Lower your thermostat a few degrees from your normal setting to a temperature that is both comfortable and safe.

  2. Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down.

  3. Wear additional layers and bundle up to stay warm.

  4. Turn off everything when you leave a room.

  5. Open window coverings during the day on the sunny side of your home. Close them overnight to retain that heat.

  6. Delay using washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances until the warmest part of the day when overall heating demand is lower.

Cullman Electric members can track their electricity usage by logging in to their account via the Cullman EC online portal usage tracker, here. Members that have a SmartPay prepaid electric account need to monitor their account balance and maintain a credit to avoid a past due balance that will result in service being disconnected. Members can make a payment 24 hours a day over the phone, online or by using the kiosks at the Cullman and Addison offices.