WEIS Radio had a chance to catch up with Randal Wilkie, General Manager of Cherokee Electric Co-op, to discuss the extreme heat and how it would be putting a strain on the grid.

Wilkie expressed to us that Cherokee Electric has plenty of capacity for its customers, but just like in the winter time and running your heat, future power bills could be higher due to running the A/C more.

Tennessee Valley Authority says that a record was set this past Thurs. June 16th.  31,617 Megawatts of power was used on this date – a new all time record for the month of June.

Wilkie also gave us a few tips from the TVA to help customers save money during the extreme heat, especially during the peak hours of 1-6pm local time:

• Turn Your Thermostat up just 1 degree and use a fan to circulate the air.
• Close window coverings on the sunny side of your home or office.
• Avoid using ovens, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and other appliances that generate heat until later in the evening.

Cherokee Electric has not had a rate increase in 3 or 4 years.