Energy Rates

For independently powered structures, there’s Second Space.

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Energy Rates

For independently powered structures, there’s Second Space.

Explore Plans

What is the Second Space rate plan?

Second Space is a residential energy rate plan used for certain types of freestanding structures on your property that are not connected to your home’s primary meter and require their own meter.

EPB offers two Second Space Rate Plan options for your additional structure to meet a variety of needs and lifestyles.

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Who is Second Space for?

If you have a detached, powered structure on your property that does not connect to your primary meter, our Second Space Rate Plan is for you. You may fit into one of these scenarios:

Buying a home

Considering a listing with an additional structure? Ask your realtor or the seller whether the property has more than one meter.

Building a home

Building a home that has a powered, freestanding structure? It must be electrically connected to your primary home. If not, you’ll need another meter.

Constructing a detached building

Adding a residential-use structure to your property? If it can’t be electrically connected to your primary home or meter, a second meter is required.

The following structures occasionally need an additional meter if they are powered, cannot be electrically connected to your primary home and meter, and if most of the energy used is for personal or family activities and comfort.

Workshop
Barn
Home Gym
Detached Garage
Guest/Pool House
Pool Pump

Shed
Powered Greenhouse
Playhouse, “Man Cave” or “She Shed”
Art Studio
Additional Shelter or House

All energy usage in the additional structure is billed based on the Second Space Rate Plan option you choose.

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Why do I need a second meter?

EPB uses your property’s meters to measure your energy usage. Ideally, your additional structures are electrically connected to your primary home and meter, and all energy usage is billed based on your selected Residential Energy Rate Plan option.

Occasionally, builders or homeowners can’t electrically connect additional structures to the primary home and meter — which means a second meter is required to power the detached structure.

How does it work?

Explore Second Space Rate Plan Options

Everyone uses energy differently, especially when it comes to freestanding structures on your property. If you have a second meter, you can choose one of the following Second Space Rate Plan options to meet your needs and lifestyle.

Second Space Rate Plan

Pay the same rate for all energy usage in your additional structure regardless of time or season. This plan works best for customers who want the freedom to use energy as needed without worrying about the time.

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Second Space Night Shift Rate Plan

Pay less for night-time energy usage that takes place in your freestanding structure. Works best for those who can shift big energy users, like pool pumps and EV charging, along with other tasks to overnight.

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Second Space Rate Plan

If you choose this option, you’ll pay the same Second Space Rate for all energy usage in your additional structure, regardless of time or season. This rate plan option gives you the freedom to use energy in your additional structure as needed without putting your activities on hold to wait for a more cost-effective time of day.

*

Amount shown is an estimate that includes the variable TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment as of 11/1/24. View the current variable TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment.

Rate Plan

For Second Meters Only

$0.138/kWh*

Same Rate 24/7/365 No Tax Your monthly bill is based on the kWh charge, your energy used and a standard customer charge of $16.55 per month.

Second Space Night Shift Rate Plan

The Second Space Night Shift Rate Plan option gives you a reduced rate and potential dollar savings if you shift the bulk of your energy-intensive tasks that take place in your additional structure to the overnight hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (i.e. "off-peak" hours).

You won’t need to worry about the time of year with Night Shift, but you’ll need to shift significant energy usage in your freestanding structure to nighttime, or more specifically, between the hours of 11 p.m.–5 a.m.

Once enrolled, TVA regulations require you to commit to this rate for one year.

*

Amount shown is an estimate that includes the variable TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment as of 11/1/24. View the current variable TVA Fuel Cost Adjustment.

Day Rate

For Second Meters Only

$0.138/kWh*

4:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (on-peak)

Night Rate

For Second Meters Only

$0.099/kWh*

10:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m. (off-peak) Your monthly bill is based on the kWh charge, your energy used and a standard customer charge of $16.55 per month.

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Frequently asked questions

See below

I have an additional structure — how do I tell if it has a second meter?

If you have a second meter, you will receive two monthly energy bills (one for each meter).

Still unsure? Our local customer service representatives are here help you any time, day or night. LiveChat with us at epb.com or call 423-648-1372.

Is there any reason I may want an additional meter?

Because Second Space energy rates are higher than our standard Residential Energy Rate Plan options, you’ll save more money if your structures are electrically connected to your primary home and meter.

Using one primary meter is the best option for most customers, since you can take advantage of a lower energy rate. The only time you need to add more than one meter is if your additional structures cannot be electrically connected to your primary home and meter.

Why is my third building on a Second Space Rate Plan?

Although it’s called “Second Space,” this energy rate applies to all meters on your property that are not attached to your primary home and meter.

Even if you have a third or even a fourth meter, your energy bills for these structures are calculated based on your Second Space Rate Plan option.

It’s also possible that you have several powered structures that are electrically connected to your primary home and meter, which means your bills are calculated based on your Residential Energy Rate Plan option. If you then add another powered structure that isn’t connected to your primary home and meter, a second meter is mandatory (even if it’s your fourth building rather than your “second”), and you’ll need to select a Second Space Rate Plan option.

If I have two meters, does the Second Space Rate Plan apply to all my energy usage?

No — the Second Space Rate Plan will only apply to the energy you use in your buildings that are connected to a separate additional meter. Your Residential Energy Rate Plan is applied to all energy usage within your home or in structures that are electrically connected to your primary home or meter.

How can I avoid building a structure that needs an additional meter?

Tell your contractor you’d like to electrically connect to your new structure to your primary home and meter.

Need help or have questions? Our EPB Energy Pros^SM are here to help. LiveChat with us at epb.com, call 423-648-1372 or fill out a form to request a free consultation.

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