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We've Got It Good
Tennessee’s energy costs
still beat most of the nation’s
I had an interesting conversation recently with
a new neighbor. Like so many newcomers to Tennessee, he was amazed that his electric bill was
so little compared to “back home.” He and his wife have a beautiful house, substantially larger than what they had before, and they expected their electric bill to be greater – not less. I remember
how I felt when we moved here five years ago. My cost for electricity dropped more than
30 percent, and I couldn’t have been happier. He knew that
I worked for an association
of municipal electric systems
and questioned me extensively about public power here
in Tennessee.
You can also imagine how excited I was to have the opportunity to brag on public power. After all, with over 30 years in the electric utility business, my loyalties are well established, and I’m exceptionally proud of our industry. Though some customers of municipal power may feel that energy costs are high, we are still substantially less than most areas of the country. The reasons are many. The wholesale power provider for public power is TVA, and it certainly deserves a commendation for its efforts in holding down the cost of electrical energy. But without the dedication and commitment of the municipal electric systems of Tennessee
(and each employee of each system), your energy costs would undoubtedly be much higher. These public-spirited servants
have two goals constantly on their minds: outstanding service and competitive energy costs.
They’ve done a remarkable job
and continue to do so, often
with little or no recognition.
Summer is upon us and that brings potentially higher electric bills for air conditioning your home. We urge you to use
energy wisely. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees, use ceiling or oscillating fans for improved air flow, and please change your filters on a monthly basis. Closing curtains or blinds on the sunny side of the house can also provide relief as will an annual service check by a reputable air conditioning contractor.
One final note: We maintain a Web site at www.tmepa.org where you can keep up with news from around the state as it affects the electric industry, read about the member systems of TMEPA and view this magazine as well as past issues. We encourage you to visit us “on the Web.” Have a great summer, stay cool and use energy wisely.
Mike Vinson
Executive Director
Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association
