KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., was in Knoxville today to participate in a roundtable discussion on the future of the Tennessee Valley Authority. The roundtable, held at the University of Tennessee, convened a panel of representatives from area utilities and businesses to discuss TVA’s electricity rates and its ability to be economically competitive now and over the next 20 years.

“I obviously care deeply about the standard of living and quality of life of people here in Tennessee, and I know TVA rates directly impact that,” said Corker. “And as someone who has had the privilege of helping recruit business to our state, I know TVA also plays a critical role in our economic development efforts by providing low-cost, reliable power that is essential to attracting, retaining and growing jobs. Our discussion today focused on how we can ensure TVA is operating and making decisions in a way that will provide competitive power rates in Tennessee now and over the next 20 years.”

Corker joined Senator Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Representative John J. Duncan, Jr. (R-Knoxville) in questioning panel participants, which included:

• Bill Johnson, President and CEO, Tennessee Valley Authority
• Pete Mattheis, Chairman of the Board, Tennessee Valley Industrial Committee
• Wayne Henson, Chairman of the Board, Tennessee Valley Public Power Association
• Alan Beamon, Director, Coal and Electric Power Division, Office of Integrated Analysis and Forecasting, Energy Information Administration
• Dennis Bottorff, former Chairman of the Board, Tennessee Valley Authority; and representatives from Credit Suisse
• Jack Simmons, President and CEO, Seven States Power Corporation

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