TVA aiming for more 'low-cost,' clean power

NORRIS, Tenn. —

With no clear national energy policy but new regulations expected, Tennessee Valley Authority executives say they're hedging their bets, hoping to be one of the nation's leading providers of low-cost and cleaner energy by 2020.

"We know changes are coming," including changes in emissions standards, said John McCormick, TVA senior vice president of river operations.

During a recent media tour of Norris Dam, McCormick said the nation's largest public utility wants to lead the country in providing additional power through new nuclear plants, including small modular reactors, and reduce its heavy reliance on coal. In a revised vision approved last August, TVA board members also said they want to lead the nation in improving air quality and lead the Southeast in increasing energy efficiency.