Tennessee Valley Authority CEO Jeff Lyash announced plans to retire “no later than the end of the fiscal year” after running the federal power authority for nearly six years.
“For the past six years, it’s been my privilege to serve with an experienced, talented team at TVA,” said Lyash. “TVA truly is a special place — created more than 90 years ago to improve the quality of life for more than 10 million people across this region. That mission of service continues to be our focus today.”
President Donald Trump criticized Lyash’s high salary back in his first term and the announcement comes less than two weeks into his second, but TVA’s press release was a standard retirement announcement and the end of the fiscal year means he could stay on until this fall. TVA is not taxpayer funded and gets its revenue from power sales.
“I grew up in the small coal-mining town of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and I cannot think of a better place than TVA to close out my career serving people just like those in my hometown,” Lyash said. “While I’m looking forward to my next chapter, spending more time with family, grandchildren, and friends, I will miss our TVA team and the relationships we’ve built across this region.”
Before joining TVA, Lyash was the CEO of Ontario Power Generation and worked for years at Duke Energy and Progress Energy.
Lyash was appointed to the job in April 2019 and since has run the country’s largest public utility with a focus on building strong partnerships, including with the TVA region’s 153 local power companies, and managing sustained growth.
“Jeff’s knowledge and experience make him one of the top leaders in the energy industry,” said TVA Board Chair Joe Ritch. “Jeff has done more than lead one of the nation’s top power providers, he has helped drive an industry forward. His vision has positioned TVA well for the future, and he has built a legacy that will endure.”
TVA has below average electricity rates and it has been meeting ever-growing demand, with more than 3,500 MW of new generation under construction or online as of early 2025. The authority saw its all-time peak this January when demand hit 35,319 MW.
Lyash positioned TVA to be a leader on new nuclear power, with the authority winning approval for an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to possibly build a small modular reactor. TVA is leading an application with 11 industry partners and the state of Tennessee for an $800 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to build that SMR.
“Nuclear is the most reliable and efficient energy the world has ever known, and TVA is uniquely positioned to help drive this forward,” Lyash said. “Advanced nuclear technologies will play a critical role in our region and nation’s drive towards great energy security.”
