TVA says its energy efficiency initiatives in 2012 saved enough energy to power more than 35,000 Tennessee Valley homes for a year. It says this is the fifth year in a row the utility has exceeded its efficiency goals.
The energy saved this year alone offsets a 900 megawatt power plant, according to TVA officials.
That boils down to savings on your electric bill.
"We expect over the next six or seven years to offset another thousand megawatt power plant, and this is all really good in keeping our overall costs to serve electricity in the valley down," said Bob Balzar, TVA's vice president for energy efficiency and demand response.
TVA is able to bring energy use down by encouraging homeowners and businesses to be more energy-efficient. That means turning off the lights when you're not in a room, weatherizing your home, and using energy-efficient appliances.
TVA says the type of light bulbs you use can also save on energy costs.