A shortfall in the Tennessee Valley Authority's pension fund is affecting electric ratepayers.

The TVA has added nearly $1.3 billion from customers to the find since 2008 when investment markets tanked. However, the federal utility didn't add any money to the fund in 2012.

The fund currently stands at $7 billion and it should be at $11.5 billion. Chief Financial Officer John Thomas says he expects market gains will make up the shortfall in 10 to 15 years.

The federal utility provides electricity to 9 million people in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia.

Tags: electricity, power bills, tennesse valley authority