Sustainability group asking TVA to adjust future planning goals

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A group focused on the energy sustainability of the Southeast put out their response to a plan put out by TVA.

The Southeastern Sustainability Directors Network is a coalition of over a hundred cities including Chattanooga, who collaborate on energy policy.

Today, they issued their response to TVA’s Integrated Resources Plan, which has been an ongoing process by the utility to define their goals for the coming generation.

The coalition’s director, Meg Jamison, said, “We see the IRP, the 2025 IRP, as an essential opportunity for TVA to position itself as a leader in clean energy.”

The IRP is a 260 page document outlining their various goals, especially in the face of growing population across the South.

There is one primary goal that TVA has set that the coalition wants them to focus on.

Jamison said, “In our comments, we really emphasize the need for TVA to fully align its strategies with its 2050 net zero-carbon reduction goals.”

She explained that achieving that means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases that are released versus taking it from the atmosphere.

Jamison said, “We note that TVA’s carbon reduction efforts appear to be limited.”

They believe this is where economic incentives can meet those efforts.

Jamison said, “We looked at a recent report last month that showed that the clean energy sector has produced over 400,000 jobs in Tennessee, and this sector helps reach net-zero carbon emissions.”

There are also several other issues the coalition wants to focus on.

Jamison said, “We see there’s an opportunity to advance energy efficiency investments, demand response programs. Also to consider the impact of gas price volatility, and then to finally last but certainly to incorporate environmental justice into their decision making processes.”

The IRP remains in its public comment period through next Wednesday, and will be finalized next year.