Joint Resolution Calls for Appointment of TVA Board Members with LPC Knowledge

This week, Rep. Greg Vital (R-Ooltewah) introduced House Joint Resolution 626, a measure urging the appointment of new Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board members who understand the operational, financial and strategic realities of local power companies and electric cooperatives. With five open seats on the TVA board and unprecedented growth and energy demand across the Valley, the resolution highlights the need for directors who are aligned with TVA’s core mission and grounded in the day-to-day work of delivering power reliably and affordably to end users.

HJR626 makes a direct case for the inclusion of individuals with firsthand experience in the electric utility industry—especially those currently serving LPCs and cooperatives among TVA’s 153 distribution partners. As the resolution notes, these leaders bring not only technical acumen, but also a deep understanding of how board-level decisions on generation, rates and long-term planning affect both urban and rural communities alike. This is particularly important as TVA navigates challenges related to growth and infrastructure investment.

The resolution also draws attention to governance best practices seen in cooperatively owned generation and transmission utilities, where board members are customers themselves, ensuring alignment between leadership decisions and customer needs. It encourages similar representation at TVA by urging that new appointments reflect the diversity and practical experience of those currently managing power delivery throughout the Tennessee Valley—especially in rural and suburban areas where electric co-ops and LPCs are critical.

The resolution has garnered an impressive list of over 50 cosponsors including Reps. Boyd, Faison, Zachary, Grills, Russell, Gant, Travis, Littleton, McCalmon, Lynn, Capley, Hale, Fritts, Warner, Carringer, Sexton, Alexander, Scarbrough, Lamberth, Barrett, Stinnett, Atchley, Reneau, Sherrell, Davis, Martin G, Hicks T, Powers, Hemmer, Bricken, Reeves, Howell, Hawk, Hill, Bulso, Helton-Haynes, Burkhart, Marsh, Vaughan, Eldridge, Garrett, Jones R, White, Behn, Keisling, Hakeem and Leatherwood.