When outdoor temperatures rise, air conditioners work harder and run longer, causing a noticeable increase in electricity use. Add to that the fact that many people use electricity at the same times—mornings and early evenings—and the demand on our electric grid goes up even more.

At Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, we partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), our generation and transmission provider, to ensure you have reliable power every time you flip a switch. But our electric grid is part of a much larger system that extends beyond Gibson Electric and even TVA.

During the summer, when demand for electricity spikes across the country, especially during prolonged heat waves, it’s possible for demand to exceed supply. While rare, TVA may ask consumers to temporarily reduce energy use or implement rolling power outages to protect the grid. If that happens, Gibson Electric and TVA will keep you informed every step of the way.

We work proactively with TVA to strengthen our portion of the grid through regular maintenance, system upgrades and disaster response planning. But keeping the grid reliable takes all of us.

To help keep the air conditioner running for your family and neighbors, consider these tips during extreme heat:

Raise your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. The closer it is to the outdoor temperature, the less energy your cooling system uses.

Use major appliances like dishwashers, ovens and dryers during off-peak hours.

Turn on ceiling fans to feel cooler—but turn them off when you leave the room.

Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to reduce indoor heat.

Cook with smaller appliances like air fryers, slow cookers or toaster ovens.

By making small changes during high-demand periods, you can lower your electric bill and help maintain a strong, reliable grid, keeping our communities cool, connected and prepared.