TVA, EPB preparing for potential ice storm

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- As the winter storm approaches, many are wondering if their lights will stay on during the event.

With an Ice Storm Warning issued for our area, there are concerns over potential power loss due to accumulating ice.

We spoke with EPB and TVA Friday who said they’re ready for whatever at them this weekend.

EPB spokesperson Sophie Moore said, “Well in Tennessee Valley we know that weather can be unpredictable. So that’s why we maintain our automated grid all year round, so that it’s prepared for severe weather in any case.”

EPB says they have 86 additional trucks on standby that they are prepositioning across the area.

They say some trucks will be specifically positioned on Signal and Lookout Mountains, as they have three operation centers across their service area.

They believe their automated grid will prevent power outages in Chattanooga if ice accumulation occurs.

Moore said, “It can detect when damage happens to a line so that it reroutes power automatically. That damage can be from trees or branches, which are the leading cause of power outages in any weather. But also it’s really important that if people can stay home, that they do so because cars versus power poles is a big risk as well for outages.”

Meanwhile, TVA says they have been monitoring the potential of this winter storm for the past 10 days.

They say they have their facilities fully staffed for the event.

The expectation of an ice storm across the region 

Fiedler said, “We’ve been monitoring and ensuring that our power lines are safe and secure by cutting trees and maintaining those right a ways to ensure those trees don’t come into those power lines.”

Fiedler says that TVA has invested billions in increasing the winter resilience of their grid in response to rolling blackouts from an arctic blast at Christmas in 2022.

He said, “Since 2024 we’ve added over 2000 megawatts, and that’s enough power for about 1.1 million homes. But we can’t stop. We need more energy because this is a national security issue.” 

Now is the time to prepare for any potential power outages.

Moore said, “Have your flashlight and your batteries ready. Charge anything important like portable power banks or any medical equipment.”

EPB customers can keep track of outages with the MyEPB app.