CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 20, 2023) – As the number of people who drive electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow, EPB will install two fast chargers with two charging ports each at its substation in East Ridge, Tenn. at the corner of Camp Jordan Parkway and Lenora Road. The site is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)’s Fast Charge TN Network with the goal to have fast-charging stations at least every 50 miles along Tennessee’s interstates and major highways.

“East Ridge has experienced tremendous growth and, with that, increased interest in businesses and activities," said City of East Ridge Mayor Brian Williams. “As we continue to make East Ridge a special place to live, work and play, it’s critical to meet the transportation needs of the people who choose our community. Thank you to EPB for considering our city as an important piece of our state’s energy infrastructure.”

New EV fast chargers will be located on EPB’s property with capacity to charge a maximum of four EVs at one time. The property offers a convenient location near area destinations for residents, commuters and travelers visiting or passing through Chattanooga. Each direct current fast charging (DCFC) station will charge most EVs up to 80% in approximately 40 minutes.

“Tennessee’s air is cleaner as measured by federal air quality standards than it has been in generations, and a clean environment helps drive economic development,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young. “TDEC is partnering with TVA and EPB on the development of this station to continue Tennessee’s environmental and economic momentum while further entrenching our state as the epicenter of the electric vehicle transition.”

In 2022, TDEC awarded $5.2 million in grant funding among 12 projects (including EPB’s) to install fast charging infrastructure across the state.

“Adding fast charging stations to one of our area’s busiest corridors along the I-75/I-24 interchange will serve nearby residents and commuters as well as the thousands of travelers who pass through the area every day,” said EPB President & CEO David Wade. “With EV sales projected to represent 40% of new vehicles sold by 2030, having more charging stations available gives drivers confidence they will be able to access power when they need it.”

EPB expects work to begin in early 2024 with chargers ready for public use by the end of August 2024. EPB will also provide wayfinding signage so EV drivers can easily locate the stations.

“We’re committed to working with local power companies like EPB to meet the valley’s energy needs in homes, at work and on the road,” TVA East Region Vice President Carol Eimers said. “We appreciate EPB’s careful consideration of how to increase access to charging stations in southeast Tennessee and boost confidence among current and prospective EV drivers.”

Locally, EPB Energy ProsSM provide expertise to customers considering the purchase of an EV or installing at-home charging stations. Energy Pros are available for consultations by phone or video call to address questions or concerns. They can also complete in-person or virtual EPB Home Energy CheckupsSM for EPB customers with personalized recommendations about EVs and cost-effective ways to save energy. All Energy Pro services are available to homeowners and renters at no charge. Book an appointment at epb.com/energypros or call at 423-648-1372.

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City of East Ridge Boilerplate

The City of East Ridge is located in southeast Tennessee, a suburban community of 21,000 people bordering Chattanooga, Tennessee.

TDEC Boilerplate

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) exists to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Tennessee and to be stewards of our natural environment. Our department is committed to providing a cleaner, safer environment that goes hand-in-hand with economic prosperity. Learn more at tn.gov/environment.

TVA Boilerplate

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

About EPB

With the mission of “enhancing quality of life in our community,” EPB is a municipal utility that delivers world-class energy and connectivity services to Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding area. In 2010, EPB completed a 100% fiber optic network accessible to all its customers as the basis for launching America’s first community-wide Gig-speed internet. The company still operates the world’s fastest community-wide internet service today at speeds up to 25 Gig. EPB also utilizes Chattanooga’s fiber optic network as the communications backbone for the most advanced and highly automated power distribution system in the United States. In 2022, EPB continued its commitment to keeping Chattanooga on the cutting edge by establishing our nation’s first commercially available quantum network—EPB Quantum Network℠ powered by Qubitekk, which aligns local job creation efforts with the national priority to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology.

Since switching the lights on for its first electric customer in 1939, EPB has grown to serve a 600-square-mile service area with cutting-edge infrastructure that integrates power distribution and telecommunications. At the same time, EPB keeps customer benefit at the center of all its efforts, earning recognition from J.D. Power as the #1 Mid-Sized Utility in the South for the last eight consecutive years based on customer satisfaction ratings. Learn more at epb.com.