Tennessee House Bill HJR0135

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 2/14/23
• Refer: 2/21/23
• Engrossed: 3/7/23
• Enrolled: 2/14/24
• Passed: 2/21/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION to request that the Tennessee Valley Authority address energy issues as they pertain to winter weather events in order to avoid rolling blackouts and power outages.

Impact

The resolution calls upon the TVA to proactively manage energy loads during severe winter weather, thereby aiming to mitigate future occurrences of rolling blackouts. This indicates an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by energy providers in accommodating spikes in energy demand, particularly during extreme cold spells. If enacted, it could lead to more robust energy management strategies that ensure consistent power supply during severe weather, directly impacting laws and policies regarding energy provisioning and emergency preparedness in Tennessee.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 135 (HJR0135) is a resolution aimed at addressing energy issues, specifically in relation to winter weather events that can lead to blackouts and power outages. The impetus for this resolution stems from a severe winter storm on December 23, 2022, which prompted the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to implement rolling blackouts after nearly ninety years. The blackout affected thousands of customers across seven states, raising concerns about the reliability of the power grid under extreme weather conditions.

Contention

While the resolution is primarily a call for action and does not impose specific regulations, it could lead to debates surrounding the effectiveness of current energy management practices and the role of the TVA. Some stakeholders might argue that the TVA needs more stringent oversight or restructuring to handle future demands, while others may contend that such resolutions are symptomatic of a larger systemic issue in energy management. Moreover, the implementation of any strategic changes could be scrutinized regarding their potential costs and benefits to consumers and the environment.