In response to the frigid temperatures sweeping through Memphis, Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) have jointly issued an "energy conservation alert" effective from 1 p.m. on Tuesday. This alert comes as electrical demand is anticipated to reach an all-time high on Wednesday, posing a strain on the power grid.

With temperatures hovering near zero, the extreme cold has led to an increased need for electricity to heat homes, exacerbating the pressure on the power grid. Last year, customers experienced rolling blackouts during similar cold spells, prompting MLGW President Doug McGowen to emphasize the importance of collective action. "Together, we can all make a real difference," McGowen stated, urging the community to unite in conserving energy.

The current year, however, has seen a different scenario thus far. As of Monday morning, only a few hundred customers out of the total 440,000 were without power. By Tuesday at noon, this number had risen to approximately 1,300, indicating that 99.69% of customers had their electricity restored.

Amidst this favorable statistic, McGowen had already indicated on Monday that an energy conservation alert might be imminent. Now, with the alert in place, it remains crucial for residents to implement energy-saving measures and reduce unnecessary electrical consumption.

As the freezing temperatures persist, it is essential for all residents to prioritize energy conservation in order to safeguard the power grid and sustain electricity supply across the Memphis area.