Tennessee Valley Association is one of the largest public power companies in the United States. Operational for more than 70 years, TVA generates more than 33,000 megawatts of electricity every month. Through 158 locally owned distributors, the organization provides electrical power to more than 8.5 million residents of Tennessee. Established by the United States Congress, it also provides antiflood and navigation services on the Tennessee River, and promotes agricultural and industrial development. Tennessee Valley Association s power-service area covers more than 80,000-square-miles in the southeast, including Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. Its employees are stationed at various offices and plants in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Tenn., and Muscle Shoals, Ala. Additionally, the orgnization operates various regional customer-service centers, watershed teams and offices in economic development regions, more than 40 coal-fired, combustion turbine, nuclear and pumped-storage plants, and over 29 hydroelectric dams. It offers sells power top more than 55 industries and federal agencies.