On August 23, 2017, the TVA Board approved TVA’s $300 million contribution to the TVA Retirement System for fiscal year 2018. The TVA Board also approved an additional one-time $500 million contribution to be made this fiscal year (fiscal year 2017). This additional $500 million, plus annual credited interest, can be used by TVA in lieu of contributions at any future time at TVA's discretion. (See Section 9B5 on page 64 of TVARS' rules .) It does not increase TVA's long-term funding commitment to TVARS. The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has already pointed out in its March 2017 report that TVA's long-term funding commitment is not enough to ensure the plan’s full funding. The GAO specifically stated that TVA should “propose, and work with the TVARS board to adopt, funding rules designed to ensure the plan’s full funding.” (See the GAO’s recommendations for executive action on page 34 of their March 2017 report .) Why will TVA n...