It’s easier than ever to make a difference 

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Dec. 1, 2025)—Increasing costs have tightened household budgets over the last few years, with the holidays stretching limited finances to the breaking point. Unexpected setbacks like being laid off, medical bills from illness or injury, or a flat tire can be financially devastating for people who have never asked for assistance before, like Robert*, a Chattanooga area resident who recently experienced unexpected challenges:

“I had just started a new job but didn’t have enough to cover all bills and our electricity has been past due,” Robert* said. “United Way stepped in and helped my family by connecting us to PowerShare. The payment helped us pay our past due electric bill. Thank you!”

The Issue

Robert is one of the many customers who struggle to make ends meet. According to the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the need for help is widespread, with approximately 40% of households in Chattanooga and Hamilton County that can’t make ends meet (unitedwaycha.org/alice).

This holiday season, EPB is relaunching PowerShare to increase awareness about ways we can help address this deep need together. EPB PowerShare is a voluntary program that allows EPB Energy customers to help local families who need temporary assistance paying their electric bill.

How to Help

EPB and TVA recently announced a $180,000 investment into PowerShare to provide help with necessities like food, rent and utilities. Customers can join EPB to help neighbors in need by donating a dollar or more to their monthly electric bill through PowerShare. One hundred percent of customer donations to PowerShare go directly to pay energy bills for customers in crisis. All funds are managed by the United Way of Greater Chattanooga.

To learn more or donate, visit epb.com/PowerShare.

“At a time when many families are focused on buying the perfect gifts for loved ones, others are making difficult choices between food and transportation, medication and heat, or other impossible decisions,” said Karen Thomas, Vice President, Customer Relations, EPB. “Together, through PowerShare, EPB and our customers can make a difference to our neighbors who need our help.”

While the holidays are an especially challenging time for families, PowerShare is a permanent, year-round program with 100% of every donation directed to customers who need temporary financial assistance to pay their energy bill.

Get Help

PowerShare funds are distributed through the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, ensuring that every contribution supports verified local households in need. Customers who need help paying their energy bill can contact the United Way’s free and confidential 211 service:

• Dial 211.
• Text your zip code to 898-211.
• Email 211staff@uwchatt.org.

United Way answered more than 57,000 requests for help through its 211 Helpline last year.

“EPB’s PowerShare is a powerful example of how local partnerships can make a lasting difference,” said Lesley Scearce, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “When people give through PowerShare, those dollars go directly to families right here in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Together, we’re not just keeping the lights on; we’re helping people find stability, dignity and hope.”

*Last name withheld.

About EPB

Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, EPB is a nationally recognized energy and communications provider with a mission to enhance quality of life for the people it serves across its 600-square-mile service area. Starting in 2010, EPB gained notice as a national model for building and utilizing its 100% fiber-to-the-home network to deliver cutting-edge services such as the world's fastest community-wide internet, now with service up to 25 Gig, and the nation's most advanced automated electric grid.

As a pioneer in fiber optic innovation, EPB also launched EPB Quantum℠ to provide access to cutting-edge quantum technology platforms and help innovators bring paradigm-shifting solutions into the real world. With the launch of EPB Quantum Network® in 2023 and EPB Quantum Computing℠ (coming in early 2026), EPB Quantum offers the most comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform in the U.S.

Learn more at epb.com and EPBQuantum.com.

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