TVA bracing for Winter Storm Fern, ready to meet demand

Winter Storm Fern is on her way to the southeast, and while questions remain on what the impacts will be, what’s not in question is the Tennessee Valley Authority’s readiness to meet demand.

Everyone in the region remembers Winter Storm Elliot in 2022 that brought rolling black-outs to the TVA due to extreme demands being put on the power system to fight incredibly cold temperatures. Paradise Combined Cycle and Combustion Turbine Plant Manager Jim Phelps says people don't have to worry about that happening again, as the TVA has invested time and money into making sure it doesn’t.

He says preparations began as early as last week to make sure nothing interrupts the power on their end.

Phelps says they’ve taken a lot of steps to make sure the technology is in place to keep delicate instruments from freezing up—which was the main issue caused by Winter Storm Elliot.

He says folks should rest assured that the Paradise Plant is prepared to meet Winter Storm Fern, whatever she may bring with her.

There are other factors, such as environmental impacts, that could take down the power in the event ice or wind rolls through, but the TVA is working hard to make sure that nothing will interrupt service on their end.