KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The country’s largest public utility will rely more on natural gas, renewable energy and even energy efficiency in the future.
The Tennessee Valley Authority’s board of directors Friday unanimously approved an Integrated Resource Plan that will serve as a roadmap for how the utility meets its customers’ energy needs over the next 20 years.
As part of the plan, energy efficiency is viewed on a level playing field with other forms of power for the first time.
CEO Bill Johnson told the board efficiency currently makes up about 5 percent of the utility’s portfolio, and he expects that to rise to 10 percent by 2025.
Also by 2025, the utility projects that 60 percent of its electricity will come from non-carbon emitting sources, including nuclear.