Friendly Fire

Spring and fall are prime time for prescribed fires across the Tennessee Valley. Any fire may look alarming, but TVA carefully uses these controlled burns to improve our region’s wildlife habitat.

Bees and Butterflies Find New Native Habitat

Pollinators — beautiful, important links in our food chain — find themselves welcome at the Collins River Prairie, a peaceful oasis beneath power lines.

Matching Millions for Communities in Need

TVA and the Valley's local power companies announce a new initiative designed to provide matching funds to new or existing initiatives designed to support or sustain quality of life in our region.

Kingston – A Legacy of Promises Kept

When a coal ash impoundment at Kingston Fossil Plant ruptured 10 years ago, TVA responded immediately — and made a commitment to the Kingston community to restore the area to as good or better as it ever was.

Hike into the New Year

We all do it—we make a resolution vowing to improve our health habits in the new year. What better time to get started than on New Year’s Day? Here’s how to have fun and stay safe while hiking.

How TVA Is Storing Its Ash

Whither the Weather

For a meteorologist at the nation’s largest public utility, there’s a lot riding on the line. Forecasts help determine which generation assets go online so you can stay warm—at the lowest cost—on the coldest days.

The “Plugged In” City

It’s the little city that’s driving big change. Find out how Chattanooga, Tenn., is becoming a model for electric transportation in the Tennessee Valley and—perhaps—across the country.

The Perfect Wave

TVA has long been known for keeping the lights on reliably 99.999% of the time. Theo Laughner, TVA’s 2017 Ike Zeringue Engineer of the Year, sets a new standard of excellence that keeps industry coming to the Valley.

Making Life Better

TVA’s mission is to help make lives better. And how do they do it? We sat down with TVA Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President John Thomas who had the answer: “Low rates.”

How Green Is Our Valley?

With sustainability becoming more important as an economic development recruiting tool, TVA amps its region with the Valley Sustainable Communities program.

Colorful Autumn Hikes

The Tennessee Valley is at its best when fall brings out glorious color in the trees. Here are six spectacular hikes that even the most jaded leafers will absolutely love.

Clean Water, New Fish

Welcome to the Valley! TVA aquatic biologists introduce a new fish species in tributary streams to the Duck River in middle Tennessee: the Tennessee Logperch (Percina apina).

Barging In

Wondering what the safest, cleanest and most economical mode of industrial transportation is? It's the barge—and the waters of the Tennessee River provide safe passage for billions of dollars of goods each year.

Valley Sustainable Communities

What does it mean to be a Valley Sustainable Community? It means meeting a triple bottom line: healthy environment, thriving community and economic prosperity.

Stay Cool, Save Money

Temperatures are on the rise, but that doesn't mean your electric bill has to go up in lockstep. Get smart about your energy use to keep your AC running and your bill under control.

TVA’s World-Class Wonders

Among the lands and lakes TVA manages lie five shining gems: recreation destinations that draw visitors from around the world. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your bucket list.

TVA Shops Small

When you’re the nation’s largest public power company, you do a lot of purchasing. To boost the Valley economy, TVA stayed focused on procuring goods and services from small businesses in 2016—over a billion dollars’ worth.

TVA Prepares Rural Leaders to Bring Home Jobs

How TVA Economic Development is making a difference for the Valley’s smallest and most challenged communities by training a field of educated and informed pros ready to recruit new business.

How You Can Help to Conserve Water

With much of the Valley experiencing a heat wave, conserving water is more important than ever. You can reduce your family's water use by up to 35 percent by following these simple steps.

Gearing Up for Success

Today, the Tennessee Valley is ranked as one of the best places for general manufacturing. Why? Is it the low cost of living? Tax-friendly environment? Skilled workforce? Competitive utilities? Try all of the above.

Bringing Back the Bats

Several species of bats are flying onto the threatened and endangered species lists at alarming speed. That’s why TVA has installed artificial roost habitats intended to boost bat populations in the Valley.

Delivering Reliable Power 24/7

As communities take action to slow the spread of COVID-19, one thing 10-million people across seven states don’t have to worry about is having clean, reliable low-cost electricity from the TVA and its employees working around the clock.

More Rain in March

TVA River Management continues to perform critical functions amid the COVID-19 outbreak due to ongoing above-average rains following the second-wettest February on record.

TVA IT on Frontline for Pandemic Safety

A safe, reliable electric system is critical to help mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. TVA's team is on the frontline to keep employees safe and electricity flowing.

High Flying Training

New operators are honing their skills on 3D printed drones before graduating to more advanced aircraft. TVA’s cutting-edge training program incorporates best practices from universities and other power producers.

What's the Point?

Sophisticated 3D images based on millions (and millions) of data points save time, money and injury risk for plants across the Valley.

The Power of 13

TVA has been named by Site Selection magazine among the top 10 utilities in the nation for economic development for its 2017 scorecard: $8.3 billion in corporate investment and 70,000 new jobs for the Tennessee Valley

It's Always Earth Day at TVA

TVA cares for the Earth every day. Learn what we do to care for the land, water, forests and birds of the Tennessee Valley region.

Gallatin Reduces Plant Footprint with New Water System

A new water management system for coal combustion residuals will reduce the future plant footprint of Gallatin Fossil Plant from 435 acres to three — a key step in transitioning from traditional wet ash handling to a state-of-the-art dry handling and storage landfill.

Record-Breaking Rains

The Tennessee Valley has received rainfall for the first three months of 2020 breaking records dating back to 1891, and TVA continues to manage a staggering amount of water.

Savings on TVA Fuel Costs Shared with Consumers

If you’ve ever flipped on a light switch in the TVA service area, then you are a part of the equation that determines what TVA pays for the fuel—like natural gas and coal—that runs our power plants.

The Backbone of the Valley

TVA’s large directly served customers—from steel mills to paper manufacturers to chemical companies—contribute jobs and stability to the Tennessee Valley. Here’s how TVA supports them.

Public Power Heart

From educating children about electricity to helping the less fortunate afford to pay their bills, this community relations coordinator from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation truly lives to serve.

Get Out and About

Just because you're practicing social distancing doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. Now is the perfect time for a solo trip out into nature.

A Stroke of [Economic Development] Genius

Once again, TVA tops the list of utilities for its economic development prowess. This is the 14th year in a row it has been honored by Site Selection magazine for being in the top 20.

Hometown Hero

He’s a championship fiddler, a reserve sheriff’s officer, city councilman, doting grandfather—and, oh yes, an electric operations assistant who keeps Warren RECC service crews working safely.

Energy + Industry = Syngery

Most people recognize that economic success is driven greatly by the availability of reliable, affordable energy. Throughout TVA’s long history, we have delivered just that to our customers across the Valley region.

Stoking the Engine of Industry

TVA’s large directly served customers—from steel mills to national research facilities to military installations—contribute jobs and stability to the Tennessee Valley. Here’s how TVA supports them.

TVA Helps Keep Your Power Bill Low

Sixty-nine percent of the top 100 utilities charge more for electricity than we do in the Tennessee Valley. Why? Here’s the lowdown from TVA Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President John Thomas.

Hiwassee Dam’s Unit 2 Pumps It Up

After five years of inactivity, Hiwassee Dam’s groundbreaking Unit 2 reversible generator/turbine unit is fully back in action, allowing TVA even greater flexibility to generate electricity—or remove it from the grid when needed to help balance base load.

Meet the Dam Doctor

You may think drilling into a dam embankment is an odd way to check its health. To Kristen Smith, TVA senior program manager, core drilling is sometimes necessary to provide her with soil data to ensure that TVA dams will be healthy for decades to come.

TVA Celebrates More Ways to Reduce the Energy Burden for Memphis Residents

TVA and key representatives from the community participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of TVA’s Mobile Unit Weatherization Training Lab.

Attorneys Show Lower-Income Memphians ‘Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way’

Attorneys and other professionals recently partnered to help qualifying lower-income individuals in the Memphis area with estate planning.

TVA Partners with Greater Memphis Chamber to Support Supplier Diversity

An important part of TVA’s mission of service is maintaining a competitive, diverse supplier base that is reflective of The Tennessee Valley region.

TVA Invests in Memphis-area Transmission Project

Reliable power is what we depend on for home, work and school. It brings businesses and jobs to our area.

Amazon Creating 1,000 New Jobs in Memphis with State-of-Art Facility

A new state-of-the-art Amazon fulfillment center in Memphis will create 1,000 new full-time jobs, thanks in part to the partnership between the State of Tennessee, local governments and organizations, economic development agencies, MLGW and TVA.

Memphis Leaders Attend Allen Tour and Info Session

Community leaders from all corners of Memphis gathered on a cold January day recently to get a first-hand look at the old Allen Fossil Plant site and its surrounding coal yards, now empty and quiet.

Environmental Investigation Underway at Allen Fossil Plant

TVA is doing what it takes to find the source of arsenic found in shallow groundwater wells at its Allen Fossil Plant near Memphis, and—with human health as the top priority—will do our share to clean up the contamination.

TVA Is Committed to Protecting Human Health and the Environment

TVA is sharing results of new groundwater monitoring samples taken at its coal combustion residual (CCR) sites to identify areas for more study and possible action. TVA has been transparent about its groundwater monitoring programs for years.

Women in TVA Help Teach Girls About STEM

The explosion in the popularity of handheld devices and other technologies is phenomenal; yet, few American girls are gaining expertise in science, technology, engineering and math—STEM—fields.

Location Matters in Coal Ash Storage

TVA wraps up studies to determine whether coal ash impoundments and landfills at its current and former fossil plants are in compliance with the CCR Rule. With one exception, they are.

Bill Johnson Retirement Announcement

Retirement announcement of TVA President & CEO Bill Johnson.

What’s Going on at Allen Fossil Plant?

For a retired asset, there is still a lot going on at Allen Fossil Plant in Memphis, and some decisions to be made about the future of the property. And TVA wants your input.

Getting Ozone Out of Our Valley

Mission accomplished! With Shelby County, Tenn., in compliance, the entire Tennessee Valley now meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 standard for ozone.

TVA Dam Safety Responds to Earthquake

When a magnitude 4.4 earthquake rumbled across east Tennessee on December 12, 2018, near Watts Bar Nuclear Plant and Watts Bar Dam, TVA safety and inspection teams leapt into action, only to find no impacts to any TVA generating facilities or dams.

After the Flood

Did the high water leave litter and debris on your property or in your Tennessee Valley community? Are you seeing shoreline erosion? Find out what you can do.

What Lies Beneath: “Hidden Rivers” Premieres

A TVA-sponsored nature movie goes beneath the surface of the Tennessee Valley’s waters and takes you on a close-up tour of the astonishing variety of life in the water.

Underground Discovery

A long forgotten, 85-year-old underground structure representing a unique piece of TVA history has been discovered at TVA’s Norris Engineering Lab Complex.

Use our MapGuide to Plan a Fall Road Trip

Nothing beats an autumn road trip in the Tennessee River Valley when the seven-state region is blanketed with bursting color and cooler weather. Let TVA and National Geographic help you plan your agenda.

“Fall” for Fishing

Looking to catch monster crappie? There's no time like the present! Here, fishing guides from around the Valley share their top tips for reeling in the three-pounders.

Signs of the Times

Using a painstaking process allowed TVA to restore the unique maps and other plaques installed at TVA dam reservations decades ago. Now their information is available for future generations.

Browns Ferry Competes for Global Energy Award

The Alabama nuclear plant is a finalist for the Global Energy Award after completing a project that allows the plant to safely power an additional 280,000 homes.

TVA Managing Flows From Record Rain

TVA’s River Forecast Center is continuing flood operations and managing lake levels to minimize downstream flooding after record rainfall and heavy runoff over the past weekend.

Green on the Go

When three new EPB-branded electric cars rolled onto Chattanooga streets this week as part of a citywide car share program, it was the culmination of a highly successful partnership to drive change by changing the way we drive.

Turning Memphis Wastewater into Energy

TVA is capturing methane gas from Memphis' T.E. Maxson Wastewater Treatment Plant and transporting it to adjacent Allen Combined Cycle natural gas site where it will be used to help generate clean energy.

Tiny Typo Makes a Big Difference

Backpacks with a misprinted TVA logo find their way to students in need in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. Now they're carrying crayons and textbooks instead of executive training materials.

TVA Gives Tullahoma Aquatic Exhibit an International Flair

Now, thanks to a STEM investment from TVA, a new exhibit at the Hands-on Science Center (HOSC) in Tullahoma, Tennessee, will add a species with exotic flair—the Mexican Walking Fish.

One Great Place to Work

We’ve always known that TVA is a terrific place to work. Now it’s official: TVA has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the best large employers in America.

Developing People and Saving Millions

TVA is investing in training its people on in continuous improvement to cut waste and improve quality and performance. The results are nothing less than phenomenal.

Caring Coworkers

When Andy Mobley was diagnosed with cancer, he was stunned, of course, and faced with a common problem: not enough sick leave to stand up to treatment. Luckily, caring coworkers stepped in to donate leave time to help him regain his health.

TVA Sponsors Eagle Cams

TVA’s favorite pairs of eagles are back in the spotlight. Thanks in part to TVA, you can watch them care for their eggs and hatch their eaglets in real time.

Find “Lucky Shamrocks” and Many Other Wildflowers on TVA Lands

Several wildflowers fall under the “shamrock” moniker, including white clover. Sporting small white or pink-tinged blooms, it thrives from spring to late summer in the Tennessee Valley.

TVA is Setting the Industry Standard for Safe Coal Ash Storage

For decades, coal plants helped power economies and communities across our nation. Now, we must work collectively to manage the legacy of those plants in a safe, responsible and comprehensive way.

Contractor Named to Build Boone Dam Cutoff Wall

TVA has selected Treviicos-Nicholson Joint Venture, comprised of Treviicos South Inc. and Nicholson Construction Company, to build the underground cutoff wall at Boone Dam.

Retrieving a Twisted Tower

TVA sonar technology helps find and retrieve a fallen transmission tower in the Cumberland River.

Helping Our Neighbors Stay #Tennesseestrong

TVA crews are assessing damage and supporting our neighbors after deadly tornadoes occurred in Middle Tennessee on March 3, 2020.

Groundwater Monitoring Results Highlight TVA’s CCR Commitment

TVA is sharing results of the latest groundwater monitoring samples taken at its coal combustion residuals sites to identify areas for additional study and possible corrective action.

TVA River Forecast Center Hustles as Water Flows

TVA river forecasters race to do what they can to minimize flooding across the Tennessee River Valley as heavy rainfall and runoff continue across the system.

TVA Updates Anderson Co. on Bull Run

TVA is committed to providing up-to-date information as we work with the community in Anderson County on the future of Bull Run Fossil Plant. The Tennessee Valley is our home and we remain committed to protecting the communities we serve.

Caution: Wild Waters

With the heavy rains this month, reservoirs levels are high and many dams in the TVA system are spilling water, creating potentially dangerous conditions for heedless recreational users.

Something Greater Than Ourselves

Regardless of which branch they serve, TVA's 100 employees who serve in the Active Guard Reserves are often activated to support wars, conflicts, humanitarian efforts and other situations requiring a military show of force.

Preserving the Legacy

As fossil plants are decommissioned, employees comb through materials in each facility, finding items to repurpose in other plants and creating a bridge to the future from TVA's past.

Winter Adventures Start with MapGuide

Chilly weather is a good time to snuggle under a blanket, but it’s an even better time to explore the wonders of the Tennessee River Valley. Use the MapGuide to plan your next winter activity.

Extreme Turbine Makeover

The recent outage at Kingston Fossil Plant offered a rare glimpse inside turbine and told the story of a rebuild that required more than 35,000 combined man hours from TVA’s precision craftsmen.

NRC Approves Clinch River Nuclear Site for Potential Small Modular Reactors

TVA becomes the first utility in the nation to successfully obtain an early site permit to potentially construct and operate small modular reactors – a carbon-free energy alternative that aligns with TVA’s mission to pursue innovative technologies.

Innovative Research Feeds Elderly in Need

The Fresh Electric Farm is an indoor hydroponic farm that could one day change the way residents select fresh greens--greens grown without the need for soil.

Salamander Surprise!

Searching for bats in a Boone Lake cave yields a surprisingly healthy population of salamander species.

VR Simulation Gets Real

Crane operators train with virtual reality gaming technology without threat of expensive and dangerous mistakes.

Electrifying New EV Models Amaze Test Drivers

As more and more auto manufacturers are giving the green light for the production of electric vehicles (EVs), TVA and the region’s local power companies are doing their part to put more people in the driver’s seat of these new, leading-edge vehicles.

Partnership Produces More Solar in the Valley

A new 6MW solar facility at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi includes more than 15,000 solar photovoltaic panels on approximately 38 acres that will produce enough energy to power 750 homes.

Fiber Optic Installation Sheds Light on Valuable Partnership

A project to install fiber optic cable to increase bandwidth and data transmission speeds between dams and locks shows how two federal agencies can partner to reduce costs and improve communications.

TVA Keeps an Eye on Its Ash

TVA monitors its coal ash 24/7, 365 to ensure there are no safety or environmental issues. To that end, it developed the Advanced Technology for Impoundment Monitoring center to immediately identify and respond to any coal ash issues before an emergency can happen.

Paws Up for This Crime Fighting Duo

Crime detectors by day, energetic teddy bears by night: TVA’s new police dogs are on the job, one paw at a time. Their canine sense of smell make Harley and Bronson a valuable addition to the TVA Police team.

Valley Lakes Worth Billions

A study from TVA and the University of Tennessee shows that the annual value of recreation on the Tennessee River reservoir system for the region is nearly $12 billion.

Nearly $1 Billion in Rainfall Damage Averted in February

TVA's skillful management of the Tennessee River system helped avert major damage to the Valley's towns and cities. Read more for insights from the River Forecast Center.

Be Our Guest

April ushers in spring showers—and open house at several of TVA’s dam visitor centers. Come see us to learn more about our history, operations and mission.

Carbon Competitiveness

With climate change increasingly making news, companies are competing on the strength of their carbon footprint. TVA’s Senior Program Manager for Climate Policy Karen Utt is doing groundbreaking work in helping Valley companies more accurately account for the carbon in the electricity they use to establish a competitive edge. Here, she talks about her work.

Trout Fishing the TVA Tailwaters

Like to fish, but bass aren’t your bag? Try the more meditative art of trout fishing. Here’s a Q & A guide to where and how to safely fish for trout in the Tennessee Valley.

An App for Anglers’ Advantage

Join with savvy anglers and download the TVA Lake Info app, and learn to work with the Tennessee River system’s currents. It’s an essential tool for every tackle box.

Flower Power

TVA showcases innovative solar power technology near Chickamauga Dam.

Winter Chills, Outdoor Thrills

Amid cooler temps, the Valley region has plenty on tap for adventure.

Mystery of the Mussels

Biologists partner to bring rare animals back from the brink of extinction.

A Mission to Innovate

Reliability analysis manager Timothy Fritch receives TVA’s Engineer of the Year award.

Balancing the Basin

Drought conditions linger, but spring rains could set the stage for a summer of great recreation.

Megawatts in the Megastorm

TVA’s winter preparedness shines as bitter cold snap fuels record energy demand.

Sandhill Cranes Reign on Reservoirs

This winter, visit the Valley region’s reservoirs to see the majestic migratory sandhill cranes.

Ackerman Ramps up Efficiency, Winterization

TVA teams are nearing completion on the enterprise’s largest improvement at a gas plant.

Baby, It Was Cold Outside

Extreme snowfall isn’t a frequent event in the Valley region – but it’s happened before.

Nifty and Thrifty

Free DIY Home Energy Assessment kits help homeowners and renters save on energy costs.

Warmer Together

Small steps help reduce energy use, saving you money and strengthening the region’s resiliency during peak demand.

Cold Snap Arrives

TVA’s Nick Austin shares a behind-the-scenes look at weather forecasting.

The Race at Cutoff Reach

TVA scientists embark on expeditions to protect globally imperiled plants and animals.

Build a New Year’s Green Routine

TVA’s experts offer their top tips for environmental stewardship in the new year.

Planning Ahead

Public webinar highlights latest information in TVA’s IRP process.

Rare Bird Graces Chickamauga Reservoir

Region's reservoirs welcome birds such as the ancient murrelet, a Pacific seabird that flew in from 3,000 miles away.

Watchers of the Watershed

TVA teams with Native Tribes on river stewardship.

Into the Woods

Recreation and Environmental Justice grants help bring people outside for learning and play.

This Area Is My Home

TVA crews work alongside local partners to repair tornado damage.

Buttoning Up the Winter To-Do List

TVA teams are wrapping up about 3,400 cold-weather upgrades at plants around the Valley region.