Why is my power out, but the streets around me have power?
When storms damage our energy system, the EPB Smart Grid attempts to reroute power to affect fewer people. While it may not look like it makes sense, sometimes damage affects extremely specific areas and it’s not always obvious why the outage is occurring just from looking at the scene.
You can view local maps that are automatically updated in real-time and show you where the outages have occurred, how many households are affected and which areas are being restored, get restoration estimates or updates and monitor repair progress here on our website or by downloading the free MyEPB app to set outage alerts, report outages and view outage maps on the App Store or Google Play.
When storms damage our energy system, the EPB Smart Grid attempts to reroute power to affect fewer people. While it may not look like it makes sense, sometimes damage affects extremely specific areas and it’s not always obvious why the outage is occurring just from looking at the scene.
You can view local maps that are automatically updated in real-time and show you where the outages have occurred, how many households are affected and which areas are being restored, get restoration estimates or updates and monitor repair progress here on our website or by downloading the free MyEPB app to set outage alerts, report outages and view outage maps on the App Store or Google Play.
We highly recommend starting the process with a free EPB Energy Pros℠ Home Energy Checkup to understand which improvements will give you the greatest energy savings. Once you’ve identified a qualifying home energy improvement project, you’ll choose an approved contractor from the EPB & TVA Quality Contractor Network. Only contractors in this network are approved to help you claim rebates. After your contractor completes your project, you will receive an email from MyTVA@MyTVA.com with instructions on how to receive your rebate. You will also be given the option to schedule a FREE EPB Energy Pros℠ Quality Assurance Checkup where we will ensure your contractor’s work meets specifications to help you achieve maximum energy savings.
Yes. A letter of reference from your previous utility may serve in place of a security deposit. Letters must be printed on the utility’s letterhead, authorized by a company official, less than six months old and include a good record of payment for at least 12 months. Also, a co-signer (or guarantor) who is an existing EPB Electric Power customer with a good payment record for at least 12 months may serve in place of a security deposit. The guarantor will be asked to sign an agreement that will remain in effect for one year.
Since every EPB Electric Power customer account uses power before the first bill is received, we require an initial deposit of $200.00 to cover the cost of this power. However, all new applicants for service undergo a review of their credit history and those with a satisfactory credit rating may have the deposit waived or billed on the first month's bill. Customers with less than satisfactory credit will be required to pay a deposit in advance. Deposits may be paid using Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, debit card or cash in person at one of our three convenient locations and must be paid before electric service can be connected.
You will receive emails for when your bills are due. They include the billing amount, due date and a link to paying them online. You can also access previous bills electronically. Make a one-time payment using a credit or debit card or pay by phone or in person or set up autopay for automatic monthly payment.
Part of our Smart Grid system, digital smart meters have the ability to communicate with the power system and measure your electric consumption every 15 minutes. If there is a power outage or unusual consumption at your home or business we can respond immediately and fix the problem. You can view your own consumption, report outages and more on the MyEPB app.
When your project is complete, your contractor will submit your rebate information to TVA EnergyRight on your behalf. TVA EnergyRight will then send you an email from “MyTVA@MyTVA.com” asking you to confirm the details of your project, and claim your rebate. To make sure your rebate is processed within TVA’s redemption timeframe, please provide this information within 60 days. After you submit this information, you should expect to receive your rebate check within 4-6 weeks.
Our Budget Billing option generates a monthly amount due based on your last 12 months of service. At the end of the year, your actual usage will be deducted from the amount you have paid and we will settle any difference in billing (you will receive either a credit or an invoice for the balance due).
To sign up for budget billing, please call us at (423) 648-1372.
No. Indoor airPlus is a third-party certification program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that ensures healthier indoor air quality by recommending certain building practices and product types. While some of the EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide recommendations are similar to those of the EPA Indoor airPlus program, they are not meant to satisfy certification requirements of any kind.
Previous participants have reported an average of $400 per year in energy savings. Plus, they avoided potentially costly repairs, maintenance and healthcare visits due to improved health from better air quality.
Yes. You will, of course, be responsible for all costs associated with any account under your name. If you have been an EPB Energy customer for 12 continuous months with a good payment record, deposits for additional accounts may be waived.
Each outage is unique, but in general, our engineers and crews use well-established practices to put the safety and wellbeing of our community first. In addition to reviewing recommendations created by our Smart Grid, we send teams to assess the damage throughout our community and create an efficient plan that makes sense based on the difficulty of the repairs and what resources are available. We also consider which areas of the community are most at risk without access to electricity. For example, medical facilities tend to take priority over recreational facilities, and so forth. However, this is a complex issue that takes a lot of logistical calculations and considerations to tackle — and what matters most for us is taking care of our community.
We review contractors who provide top-quality services and have the required certifications and licenses. We also hire a third-party inspection service to assess the renovations after they are complete. Another factor we take into consideration when selecting services is how their availability fits in with your timeline and the outlined schedule.
Yes, they can. A manufactured home meeting the requirements described above and the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (FMHCSS) requirements is also eligible for the $2,000 credit. There is also an available credit of $1,000 for manufactured homes that don’t meet the 50% energy saving requirement, but are certified to have an annual level of heating and cooling energy consumption of at least 30%.
This step is not required, and your rebate will not be delayed if you receive a follow-up visit. We do recommend a FREE EPB Energy Pros℠ Quality Assurance Checkup however, to ensure work was done right by the contractor you chose. Plus, customers who choose a EPB Energy Pros Quality Assurance Checkup will receive replacement LED light bulbs throughout their home at no charge!
For those who own rental property, we offer a landlord agreement to keep power on in rental spaces between the time tenants move out and new tenants arrive. The agreement protects the rental property owner from disconnect and reconnect fees. When a tenant discontinues service, EPB automatically switches billing into the property owner's name unless a tenant is disconnected for non-payment of their bill, in which case the next tenant should be advised to contact EPB to have the electric power service switched to their name.
For more information or to sign up for this service, please email or call (423) 648-1372 to speak with a customer service representative.
As more and more homebuyers look for energy efficient homes, Zero Energy homes will give homebuilders and existing homeowners a sales advantage over traditionally-built homes. There are also tax incentives available to homebuilders for energy efficient homes built above and beyond EPB’s Zero Energy recommendations. The 2021 Energy Efficiency Tax Credit gives a $2,000 incentive to builders for each new home construction that meets a 50% energy efficient standard and $1,000 per manufactured home that meets a 30% energy efficient standard.
Although your EPB Energy Pros will not perform the upgrades, we will work hand-in-hand with you and licensed contractors to ensure a timely, high-quality installation process. We also use a third-part inspection service to check the quality of the improvements after they are complete.
Smart Net Plus for Business is intended for small businesses who subscribe to an EPB Fi-Speed Small Business internet tier, do not require more than 3 SSIDs and do not need outdoor access to their network. Customers receive one Wi-Fi 6e router (with 3 ethernet LAN ports), and one additional access point (if necessary). Business customers with needs that go beyond those basic specs will find that EPB Hosted Wi-Fi is a great solution for them. Our Hosted Wi-Fi solution is a commercial-grade solution geared toward larger businesses that require specific reporting tools. Hosted Wi-Fi provides anonymous aggregated data of foot traffic within your business, customized login/landing page for SSIDs (with your company brand), multiple SSIDs (network names private or public), greater coverage, and indoor and/or outdoor Wi-Fi. Hosted Wi-Fi also provides a private port on the server to hardwire your business network equipment.
Yes. Just text or call EPB at 423-648-1372 to reschedule your EPB Quality Assurance Checkup at your convenience.
Our Third-Party Notification program helps you avoid service disconnections by having another person, such as a friend or family member, receive copies of bills and other important notices such as disconnect notices.
To designate a person for this notification, please call us at 423-648-1372.
Please call (423) 648-1372 and an EPB representative will be happy to help you.
Information about TVA's Green Power Switch, now known as Green Switch, are coming soon. Please check back for updates.
We need proof of the following to confirm your eligibility:
Your identification, such as:
Driver’s license or State ID
Birth certificate
Immigration documentation
That you own the home (or your consenting landlord owns the home), such as:
Deed
Title
Property tax receipt or bill
All sources of income for all members of your household
An EPB Energy bill you received within the past 12 months with your name as the account holder (or your landlord’s name)
If your power is disconnected for nonpayment, a fee of $35.00 is required to reconnect. Pre-Pay Power accounts may be reconnected by bringing your Pre-Pay Power balance up to at least $50. No reconnection fee is required and services can be reconnected in minutes.
We’ve been the area’s experienced, trusted outdoor lighting provider for over 80 years. With worry-free service that includes installation to operation to maintenance, we’ll keep your outdoor space shining for years to come. See our complete line of available pole and fixture options.
The Smart Grid consists of thousands of computers, sensors and switches which capture and deliver information about power delivery over an 8,000-mile fiber optic network. This automated, self-healing system has the power to proactively identify potential issues and automatically reroute electricity around problem areas in a matter of seconds.
It helps you keep up with your home's energy usage in real time so you can make adjustments in your usage to better manage energy costs. See your current usage and usage history to better anticipate energy bills. Pay your Energy and Fiber Optics bills conveniently and securely through the app. Report outages and opt in to receive notifications of outage restoration progress and alerts when restoration is complete. You can set billing thresholds and be notified when your usage exceeds that amount. You can also sign up to receive notifications of any usage anomalies that may cause unusual usage so you can see if there is a problem. Download the MyEPB app now.
Yes. We maintain street lights for some of the municipalities we serve. Reporting broken street lights not only helps us perform this duty more efficiently, it also helps maintain safer streets in our community. To report a broken street light, contact us by online chat, email or phone anytime day or night.
Restoring your power is our number one priority. The Smart Grid does an exceptional job of instantly restoring power and averting potential outages, but sometimes outages do occur. However, when the Smart Grid system is disrupted by downed trees and power lines and failed equipment, we must dispatch crews of linemen to restore your power manually.
Qualifying “Heat Pump Water Heaters” can earn a EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebate of $500 per unit. Energy Star says Heat Pump Water Heaters use 70% less energy than standard tank water heaters and can save you hundreds of dollars every year on energy costs. They also qualify for a tax incentive of 30% of the purchase price until 2032. When you couple that with available rebates, the unit pays for itself in no time.
Because the goal of Home Uplift is to help community members who have the most the gain from energy upgrades but cannot afford to make them, applicants must meet the income qualifications found here to be considered eligible.
Mail a check or money order to: EPB, P.O. Box 182255, Chattanooga, TN, 37422. Be sure to include your EPB or EPB Fiber Optics account number.
Yes. Tune-ups for existing electric Heat Pumps or Central Air Conditioning systems can earn a $50 EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebate per HVAC system.
Air Source Heat Pumps, including Split Systems, Ductless Mini-Split Systems, and Packaged Air Systems; Central Air Conditioners; Dual Fuel Heat Pumps; Cold Climate Heat Pumps; and Geothermal Heat Pumps – all with SEER2 Ratings of at least 14.2 – may qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates of up to $1,500. See qualifying HVAC systems.
Residential electric rates are determined by many factors, including kilowatt hours used, total monthly fuel costs and operational costs. Click here to see our current residential energy rates, and visit Understanding Your Bill to learn more about how energy rates are determined.
The current Total Monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment used to help determine your energy bills this month can be found by clicking here.
Because of many factors, TVA’s power rates fluctuate. One factor is TVA’s total monthly fuel cost, which is a mechanism used to recover the cost of fuel (like coal and natural gas) needed to generate power. The total monthly fuel cost is also used to cover the cost of purchasing power outside the TVA service area.
Yes. Low-watt LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs and last up to ten times longer. Installing them in just five of your most frequently used light fixtures can save over $65 a year in energy costs. And, turning off all unnecessary lights saves even more.
Yes! Just tap the "My Bill" link on the home screen of the MyEPB app to see and pay your Energy and Fiber Optics bills online. You can also pay your bills online through the MyEPB portal on EPB.com. Just log in to see and pay both your Energy and Fiber Optics bills.
No — EPB receives funding from grants and TVA to pay for the Home Uplift program, which supports our mission to help our community and environment thrive, promote equity and reduce financial barriers that prevent households from improving energy efficiency.
No. You must replace an existing electric HVAC system with another qualifying electric HVAC system to earn EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates. Only electric water heaters that are replaced with electric Heat Pump Water Heaters qualify for the EPB and TVA rebates. For new home construction, installing qualifying all-electric HVAC systems and Heat Pump Water Heaters can also earn EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates.
If a check or any other payment is returned by your financial institution, we will charge a $30.00 fee for processing the returned payment and require repayment with cash, cashier’s check or money order. Any account with two or more returned payments in a 12-month period will be designated as a “cash only” account. All future payments will need to be made with cash, cashier’s check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
If you need assistance paying your bill, you can make arrangements with us.
Please contact us prior to your bill’s due date to ensure your service remains active.
Only qualified contractors may receive 2021 Energy Efficiency Tax Credits.
For as little as $15 per fixture per month with little or no up-front cost, you can have attractive, energy-efficient LED photocell fixtures located for optimal coverage. See our complete line of available pole and fixture options.
Although we can’t provide an exact time for when your power will be restored after an outage, we can give you a reasonable estimate. You can report outages, view outage maps, get restoration estimates or updates and monitor repair progress here on our website or by downloading the free MyEPB app on the App Store or Google Play.
Yes, with help from an EPB Energy Pro who will inspect your home and work with you to identify the improvements that will benefit you and your family or housemates most.
Yes. Pre-Pay Power enables you to set up an account with an initial $50 payment to be applied against future power use. With Pre-Pay Power, you pay for power before you use it – like putting gas in your car. Add funds to your account 24 hours a day, and receive alerts when your balance is low. With the Pre-Pay Power option, there are no late fees, no disconnect fees, no security deposit and no surprise bills. However, initial connection fees do still apply.
Because of our Smart Grid technology, EPB is able to detect real-time changes in your daily consumption of electric power based on your average daily consumption. This alert can help you detect any issues with components like heating and air units, water heaters, appliances, etc.
Here’s what the Home Uplift process looks like for most recipients:
Phase 3. An EPB Energy ProSM will perform your FREE Home Energy Checkup
Phase 4. We’ll help you select the best energy-saving improvements for you
Phase 5. Let the improvements begin
Phase 6. We’ll perform a quality check and inspections
Phase 7. Get to know your improvements
Phase 8. Enjoy your savings, improved health and increased comfort
Phase 9. Tell us how it went
One year after your upgrade, we will reach out to you with a short survey to get your feedback and make sure you’re enjoying your benefits.
Yes. Only professionals who are part of the Quality Contractor Network are approved by EPB and TVA to complete home energy projects that qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates. Contractors can always register to become part of the network.
Smart Grid restores occur when the technology of the Smart Grid allows us to restore your power without an EPB crew having to drive out and fix any problems near your home. A manual restore is when we drive out and make repairs to the system in order to restore power.
Yes. There’s no limit on how many homes one homeowner can include in the program. However, at some point in the process you will be asked to co-sign a Participation Agreement with each home’s renter to ensure that both contractors and EPB Energy Pros℠ are allowed on the premise to complete work as needed.
We understand that there may be times when paying your bill is difficult. If you need to request a payment extension and you meet the following criteria, you can avoid a disruption in your service by requesting up to a 7-day extension to submit a payment. Requirements include:
Must have received a disconnect notice
Do not have a balance over $600.00
Do not have a returned check for insufficient funds outstanding
Because the goal of Home Uplift is to help community members who have the most to gain from energy upgrades but cannot afford to make them, applicants must meet the following qualifications to be considered eligible:
You must live in a home serviced by EPB
Your EPB account must be in your name (or your landlord’s name, with consent)
Your income must meet the requirements outlined here.
We also need proof of the following:
Your identification, such as:
Driver’s license or State ID
Birth certificate
Immigration documentation
That you own the home (or your consenting landlord owns the home), such as:
Deed
Title
Property tax receipt or bill
All sources of income for all members of your household
An EPB Energy bill you received within the past 12 months with your name as the account holder (or your landlord’s name)
Your home must not be any of the following:
Apartment
Condo, townhome or multi-family dwelling of three or more units
Unoccupied buildings
Manufactured home built prior to 1976
Manufactured home not on a permanent foundation
New home with less than one year of service with EPB
Business or commercial property
Every multi-year license includes a buyback option if the customer requests it anytime during the 20-year expected life. A schedule of the buyback values will be established and published at the time of purchase.
Energy efficiency measure such as more energy-efficient windows, HVAC and appliances, and higher levels of insulation. And, quick access to fiber optic technology through outlets pre-wired in all of your living spaces.
A usage anomaly alert will be sent when there is an unusual spike in your usage that does not appear to be related to the weather. In most cases, it will be identified within a few days of it first occurring. A bill threshold alert could occur due to weather (for example, an extremely cold month in the winter) and will typically only be triggered if aggregate usage is high over a longer time period (like weeks instead of days).
It's good to replace HVAC filters every month in order to reduce heating and cooling use up to 10%. Also, make sure registers aren’t blocked by curtains, furniture or rugs to keep your home’s temperature consistent and maximize HVAC efficiency. And, sealing or replacing leaky HVAC ductwork could save 20% or more on energy use.
If you’re building a home, renovating a home or simply making home improvements, you can follow EPB’s Zero Energy Resource Guide recommendations. Some of the recommendations need to be considered early in the homebuilding process, but some can be adopted as renovations or home improvements are made. However, any of the Zero Energy recommendations you follow will help make your home more energy efficient and can improve air quality.
Attic, wall, and floor insulation all qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates of up to $700 per home.
Yes. Switch to Paperless Billing and get a one-time $10 bill credit for each account—that’s a $20 total credit if you convert both Energy and Fiber Optics bills.
Yes. Just download the FREE MyEPB app from the app store to any mobile device. The app lets you see your current usage and usage history so you can better anticipate energy costs. You can even pay your Energy and Fiber Optics bills conveniently and securely through the app. Plus, you can see outages in your area and report an outage at your address. Then you can enable the MyEPB app to send you notifications of outage restoration updates and alerts when your restoration is complete.
An EPB Energy Pro will inspect your home and work with you to identify the improvements that will benefit you most. If you qualify, you can receive up to $10,000 in FREE energy upgrades, including:
Modern, energy-efficient appliances
New heating and cooling system or repairs
Tankless or energy-efficient water heater
New doors or windows
Fresh insulation for floors, ceiling or walls
Sealed air leaks
The Quality Contractor Network includes local providers who are approved by EPB and TVA to provide superior workmanship that meets strict standards for quality. Hiring a trusted professional is key to a successful home energy improvement experience. If you’re a contractor who is interested in growing your business, register to become part of the network.
A notification you receive via the myEPB app when the total charges for your current bill have exceeded a dollar amount that you specify within your app settings.
When power disruptions occur, the EPB Smart Grid jumps into action. Its automated, intuitive design monitors power delivery and reroutes it around problems areas in seconds when a problem is detected. You benefit from drastically reduced outages, maximum uptime and increased productivity.
When your lights blink, that is likely the Smart Grid rerouting power to your location to prevent a power outage. Smart switches immediately detect an outage at your property and deliver power from a separate power source.
Learn more about the Smart Grid on the MyEPB app by selecting "About the Smart Grid" on the home screen.
No. As long as new windows are replacing existing windows, they all qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates of $15 per window – no matter how many your home needs.
Make sure attic insulation thickness is an R-30 rating (11” of fiberglass or rock wool or 8” of cellulose). Prevent air leaks by sealing gaps around door and window frames with weather stripping and caulk. Close fireplace dampers and glass doors to prevent warm air from flying out the chimney. And, turn down the thermostat when you have a fire burning.
To report a broken street light, contact us by online chat, email or phone anytime day or night.
No. Energy Star is a certification program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that EPB simply administers independent of the EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide. Energy Star has rigorous energy efficiency requirements to meet that are not part of this guide. The EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide is simply a list of recommendations based on cost-effective best practices for saving energy here in our community, and not part of any certification program.
Levelized Billing gives you the ability to predict your bill each month. If you've been our customer at your current location for at least a year, we can calculate your monthly bill based on a "rolling average" of your power usage over the last 12 months. That means your bill won't fluctuate very much month to month – and you won’t have to settle up any difference at the end of the year.
To sign up for Levelized Billing, please call us at 423-648-1372.
Yes. Easy-to-read large print bills are available.
Your ACP benefit should appear on your EPB Fiber Optics bill within 60 days after the benefit is applied to your EPB Fiber Optics account. If you have questions, text or call us at 423-648-1372 anytime day or night.
If you are a homeowner acting as your own general contractor, EPB Energy Pro Nate Thomasson can answer your questions about new home energy incentives and the EPB Smart Build Program. You can email Nate at thomassonh@epb.net.
The following structures are not eligible:
Apartment
Condo, townhome or multi-family dwelling of three or more units
Unoccupied buildings
Manufactured home built prior to 1976
Manufactured home not on a permanent foundation
New home with less than one year of service with EPB
Business or commercial property
A free in-home evaluation performed by us. We inspect and report on ten different categories of energy efficiency. We then provide customers with a prioritized list of energy upgrades and a link to a list of approved vendors that participate in the EPB & TVA Quality Contractor Network.
Schedule your free Home Energy Checkup here or call 423-648-1372.
In areas where the crews must repair equipment manually, we concentrate our initial efforts on repairs that will restore power to the greatest number of people in the shortest period of time. We also place emphasis on vital community services such as hospitals, emergency services, and public safety. Please be patient, and we will restore your service as soon as we possibly can.
First and foremost, the Smart Grid has avoided nearly 19 million outage minutes - so far. But in addition, the Smart Grid infrastructure serves as a basis for ongoing research into innovative power delivery, grid security and smart city research - just to name a few. We continue to work the the Department of Energy and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to discover ways this highly intelligent infrastructure can improve quality of life in our community and serve as a best-practice model for other communities.
Log in to the MyEPB portal on the home page of EPB.com. There you can manage your accounts, see your usage, pay your bills and more.
If you are replacing two existing electric units with qualifying models, you can receive rebates for both. Your EPB Energy Pro and your Quality Contractor Network contractor can help you ensure that you are working within the guidelines of the program and meet the requirements for each HVAC rebate. Additionally, you can also earn an additional $300 rebate for sealing, repairing, insulating or repairing your HVAC’s ductwork.
Not at this time. While some of the EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide recommendations are similar to those of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, they are not meant to satisfy certification requirements of that level. The EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide simply provides recommendations for building an efficient, healthy home as cost-effectively as possible based on best practices here in our own community. The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program requirements are significantly higher than our recommendations. Visit https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-ready-home-program to learn more.
In the MyEPB online portal you can manage your account information, pay your bills, see your usage history and much, much more.
Your rebate will not be affected by the outcome of a Quality Assurance Checkup and you will receive your rebate after submitting your information through the link provided in the MyTVA email. Your EPB Energy Pros℠ will work directly with your contractor on the next steps to fix any issues. And after any issues have been addressed and rectified, the EPB Energy Pro℠ will come out to your home for a second time to recheck the work.
Your project installation/upgrade must have been completed by a member of the QCN.
Starting October 1, your QCN may submit rebate claims within 30 days from the completion of your Installation(s) and/or upgrade(s). Installations completed in September will be honored if they are claimed within the 30-day window (for example, projects completed on September 15 must be claimed by October 15).
Since the working arrangement for your project is between you and your contractor, we suggest that you try to work out an agreeable resolution directly with the contractor. The quality of work done by contractors who participate in the Quality Contractor Network is something EPB and TVA takes very seriously. So be sure and complete the survey that’s included during the rebate claim process so we can continually evaluate each contractor’s inclusion in the Quality Contractor Network. And remember, EPB Energy Pros℠ are available for a free Quality Assurance Checkup to ensure your contractor’s work was done right. If the contractor’s work doesn’t meet EPB’s strict standards for quality, your EPB Energy Pros will work directly with the contractor to ensure the necessary modifications are made.
For legal reasons pertaining to your safety and the safety of the Home Uplift team, there are certain types of damage that can disqualify a home from energy-saving upgrades. Your EPB Energy Pro will inspect your home and let you know if your home has damage that affects its eligibility.
You can always follow these cost-effective recommendations to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality in your home. EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide recommendations can be followed individually, when you renovate a home or as you make home improvements, or all at once during new home construction. EPB Energy Pros will be happy to help you every step of the way at no cost. To schedule a free EPB Energy Pros consultation, visit epb.com/energypros or call 423-648-1372.
Your EPB Energy Pro will review several areas of your home that are likely to impact your home's energy. These include: Air sealing, appliances, attic insulation, duct sealing, HVAC, lighting, refrigerator, wall insulation, water heater, windows & doors.
Call 423-648-1372 if you would like to request a FREE Home Energy Checkup.
Enjoy greater comfort, better connectivity, lower energy bills, and higher resale value with a newly-built EPB Smart Build home. This exclusive certification program includes the peace of mind of greener, more energy efficient construction that’s pre-wired for the world’s fastest internet to support all of your connected devices. EPB Smart Build contractors are required to meet certain standards for energy efficiency and fiber optics readiness.
Power Share is a year-round program that provides direct support to Chattanooga area families in need. The program is made possible by our customers who contribute funds through monthly electric power bills, or by making a pledge. All donated funds are given to United Way 211 — an outreach program that qualifies and distributes 100% of contributed funds to local families.
To find out more about contributing to Power Share, call EPB at (423) 648-1372. If you or someone you know is in need, please call United Way 211 by dialing either 211 or (423) 265-8000.
Yes. EPB’s FREE Home Energy Checkup is designed to show you how your home uses energy, and what you can do to improve efficiency. An EPB Energy Pro will come to your home and assess its energy efficiency. We then provide you with energy-saving improvement recommendations and a link to a list of approved contractors who will do the job right. Call 423-648-1372 to request your FREE Home Energy Checkup today!
The home you build should meet the minimum requirements as outlined by the IRS here. An EPB Energy Pro will perform a site visit at your completed home to perform a HERS rating and then send the results off to a third-party certifier for verification. For a fee of $350, we’ll also provide you with this documentation to file with the IRS for the tax credit. You’ll need to complete the necessary forms and documentation and have your home certified.
EPB receives funding from grants and TVA to pay for the Home Uplift program, which supports our mission to help our community thrive, promote equity and reduce financial barriers that prevent customers from making upgrades that improve energy efficiency and comfort.
There’s no catch — Home Uplift provides up to $10,000 per household in FREE energy upgrades that help improve energy efficiency in our community.
Your income and home must match certain qualifications to benefit from this program, as we are trying to help customers in situations where energy-saving updates are out of reach for their budget. To prove your eligibility, you will need to apply here and provide the requested documentation. There are also certain legal requirements your home must meet to qualify, so an EPB Energy Pro will need to stop by your home to perform an inspection and confirm eligibility. We also may ask you to fill out optional surveys about your experience with Home Uplift.
If you qualify for a Home Uplift, the EPB Energy ProsSM will inspect your home and help you select up to $10,000 in energy-saving improvements that you’ll receive at absolutely no cost to you. Upgrades could include anything from new or repaired HVAC units, insulation, energy-efficient appliances, electric water heaters and more.
Most participants reported saving an average of $400 per year in energy costs and experienced improved indoor comfort and air quality — as a result, they had fewer allergy symptoms and illnesses and better sleep quality!
If you or someone you know could benefit from energy upgrades through the Home Uplift program, the application can be found here.
Restoring your power is our number one priority. We ask that you please be patient. We’re working hard to restore everyone's power as soon as possible. You can keep track of outage restorations, report an outage, and more on the free MyEPB app.
Unfortunately, lightning can sometimes strike and cause a surge that damages electrical systems. While we are unable to provide compensation for this type of event, we can help you find a surge protector that will keep your devices as safe as possible. Set up a 30-minute phone call with an EPB Energy Pro℠ for free, unbiased expert advice about surge protection, or watch this video to learn more.
It depends on what caused the outage and how many areas were affected. Thanks to our Smart Grid, many outages can be restored in near real time, with no human intervention. However, sometimes there is so much damage to power lines and equipment that we will need to assess it on site and call in the appropriate lineman crews to fix it manually. In these instances, we will work hard to restore your power as soon as possible. You can report an outage, keep track of outage restorations, and more on the free MyEPB app.
The three easiest ways to report an outage are on this web page, or on your smart phone using the free MyEPB app. You can also contact us by online chat, email or phone anytime day or night to report an outage.
EPB’s cost-effective recommendations include building materials such as advanced framing materials, certain doors & windows, and air filtration systems. The Guide also includes specific HVAC system recommendations, appliance specifications, lighting and air quality measures. Other tips address renewable energy readiness, including EV charging outlets and solar energy analysis and support. An EPB Energy Pro will be happy to answer any questions. You can schedule a free Energy Pro consultation by visiting epb.com/energypros or calling 423-648-1372.
There are some recommendations in the EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide that are similar to the more comprehensive DOE Zero Energy Ready Home and EPA Indoor airPlus certification standards. However, EPB’s recommendations are not intended to meet the requirements of any certification program. They are simply cost-effective tips for building homes with increased energy efficiency and air quality based on best practices here in our community.
Yes, only EPB customers can receive a Home Uplift through EPB. However, TVA does partner with other utilities purchase their electricity, so if you purchase your power through a nearby utility, check their website to see if they offer free energy improvements.
Our current commercial energy rates can be found here. The current Total Monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment used to help determine your energy bills this month can be found by clicking here
EPB residential customers, both homeowners and renters, can take advantage of EPB & TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates for qualifying energy efficiency improvements. If you are a renter, at some point in the process you will be asked to co-sign a Participation Agreement with the owner of your home to ensure that all measures are agreed upon by both parties, and that both contractors and EPB Energy Pros are allowed on the premise to complete work as needed.
Power bills vary depending on the amount of electric power you use. Weather plays the biggest role in your electric bill since your HVAC unit is one of your home's biggest energy users. In the milder months of spring and fall, you are more likely to use less energy than in the colder and hotter months of the winter or summer.
EPB Energy Pros can visit your home and perform a free home energy checkup at any time. Please call 423-648-1372 to schedule your visit.
If you would like to dispute an EPB Electric Power bill that you think is in error, please contact us at (423) 648-1372. We will not disconnect service for nonpayment of the amount in dispute if you notify us before the bill is past due and you pay all undisputed charges before their due date.
EPB’s primary goal is to improve quality of life in our community through products, services and programs that empower our customers and help them thrive. Plus, reducing energy usage helps us lighten energy demands on our Smart Grid, lowering energy costs for our entire community. Improved energy efficiency also helps the environment and local wildlife.
Consider this: in Tennessee, energy bills are disproportionately high for lower income households and take up a greater percentage of their limited income (source). Meanwhile, technological advances have helped make modern appliances and electrics more energy efficient than ever before, but replacing older, less efficient models with new ones is often expensive and out of reach for households with lower income. In other words, the people who could benefit the most from energy improvements that lower their energy bills have difficulty affording these upgrades in the first place. We’re here to serve our community, and helping these customers increase energy savings and improve health and comfort at no cost is one way we can do this.
The Total Monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment is determined by the cost of the natural gas, coal and other fuels used to generate your power. Because of frequent fluctuations in these fuels, TVA makes an adjustment to the “fuel cost” portion of your electric rate each month based on the current market price of these fuels.
The current Total Monthly Fuel Cost Adjustment used to help determine your energy bills this month can be found by clicking here.
To see our complete residential energy rates, click here. To see our complete commercial energy rates, click here.
If you’ve misplaced your rebate check, you may request a replacement by calling 1-855-237-2673.
Solar Share is located along Holtzclaw Avenue across from Warner Park.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
EPB Solar Share is a community-based solar program that offers an easy option for current participants to support renewable energy through solar power. The 4,408-panel Solar Share array is located along Holtzclaw Avenue across from Warner Park and is a partnership between EPB and TVA. Solar Share gives current participants a choice of renewable power that dramatically lowers the barriers to entry for participating in solar power generation.
Since its launch in 2017, Solar Share gained so many supporters, we’re currently sold out of panels. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
Smart Build is a certification program that includes some communications standards in addition to added energy efficiency measures. Its requirements are significantly lower than Energy Star, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, or EPA Indoor Air Plus certification. EPB’s Zero Energy Resource Guide simply provides recommendations for building a super-efficient, healthy home. It is not part of a certification program.
Yes! For example, EPB, Habitat for Humanity, and green l spaces worked together to implement these measures on a Habitat Home in 2019. The home included 98% of the recommendations outlined in this EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide. One year after completion, the homeowner reported energy savings of $230 annually over their previous apartment (the equivalent of $500 annually over the average residential bill in EPB’s service territory). In addition, they reported fewer allergy symptoms and better overall health. Plus, they were able to adopt cost-effective EPB Solar Share panels to offset the grid electricity needed for the home.
Your EPB Energy Pros℠ will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the EPB & TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebate program, or anything energy related. All you have to do is schedule a free EPB Energy Pros Consultation. And for questions regarding the status of your rebate check, please call 1-855-237-2673.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
Solar Share helps current participants feel good about purchasing clean, renewable, sustainable energy. It's an affordable way to invest in a sustainable future without the hassle and upfront costs of installing your own rooftop solar array – which enables renters to participate as well. Plus, there are no contracts, so customers can cancel at any time.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
For current Solar Share participants, there are several options. You can buy a multi-year license for a one-time payment of $578 per solar panel, plus a $10 annual maintenance fee per panel in exchange for a monthly bill credit equal to the generation of the total number of panels licensed. Panel licenses can be sold back to EPB at any time for a depreciated rate. You can lease month to month for $3.50 per panel per month, you will receive a monthly bill credit equal to the generation of the total number of panels you select. This low-cost option can be cancelled at any time.
Start by setting your thermostat to 72 degrees. Then move it up 1 degree each day in the summer until you find the highest setting that still maintains your family’s comfort. Then do the opposite in the winter. Each degree up in the summer and down in the winter can save roughly 3% on your monthly energy bill. Don’t go too extreme, however. You do want your HVAC to run regularly throughout the day to maintain healthy levels of indoor air humidity.
Another way to save is when you leave for work, adjust your thermostat up 7-10 degrees in the summer. The savings over those 8-10 hours can add up to roughly 10% off your energy bill. And, a smart thermostat can automatically make those adjustments for you, and efficiently get your home’s temperature back to normal before you arrive back home.
Yes. EPB’s guidelines include Solar Analysis & Support to help customers offset their home’s energy use using renewable energy. Our recommendations may include leasing panels from EPB’s Solar Share program as a cost-effective way to utilize solar without having to install solar panels on their home. And, for homebuilders and homeowners interested in rooftop solar, EPB Energy Pros will consult with them to determine if a solar panel installation is the right option for a particular home and even review contractor estimates so they get the best solution.
Yes. Any qualifying home energy improvements that you make to your home outside of the Home Uplift program may be eligible for EPB & TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates. However, home energy improvements that were made as part of the Home Energy Uplift program do not qualify for EPB & TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates.
Qualified contractors can receive a credit of $2,000 for a home that is certified to have an annual level of heating and cooling energy consumption at least 50% below that of a comparable home. It also must include building envelope component improvements that account for at least 1/5 of the 50% reduction in energy consumption.
There’s no need to spend time shopping, interviewing, reading reviews or calling contractors — our EPB Energy Pros will handle this part of the Home Uplift for you! We work with licensed or certified, highly reviewed contractors and take care of payments and scheduling so you don’t have to. We also hire a third-party inspection service to assess the renovations after they are complete.
Yes. In addition to your refrigerator, they are the most energy-hungry appliances in any home. Always set washer and dryer controls for the load size. Hot water heating accounts for 90% of the energy your washing machine uses, so washing clothes in cold water can save more than $40 annually. And, saving 15 minutes of drying time per load can save up to $34 a year. Plus, a 10-minute shower uses 5 gallons less hot water than filling up a bathtub. Lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F provides plenty of hot water and saves energy. And, installing low-flow shower heads can wash away up to $145 in energy costs each year.
Your security deposit – plus interest – may be refunded upon your request after 12 months of continuous service and a good payment record on residential accounts. If you disconnect your service before your deposit is refunded, the full amount of the deposit and any accrued interest will be applied toward your final bill. Any amount remaining will be refunded to you.
A TVA-preferred air source heat pump is any heat pump that meets certain minimum standards for energy efficiency. In addition to replacing an existing electric heat source, a new, all-electric heat pump must have a minimum SEER2 rating of 15.2 for cooling and an HSPF2 rating of 8.1 for heating. It must also have a variable speed compressor (excluding two-stage compressors), and the system should produce 100% of rated heating capacity without backup heat at 17 degrees outdoor temperature. Cooling capacity cannot exceed 125% of cooling load at design conditions. The system must be installed by a manufacturer-certified installer who participates in our Quality Contractor Network. And finally, the installer must provide a Manual J Calculation 8th edition with their project submission in order to qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates. EPB Energy Pros can help you better understand these requirements.
Please visit the TVA website for instructions on how to apply for QCN participation, and who to contact for more information.
If service is disconnected due to nonpayment, we require that all past due balances be paid as well as any reconnection fees and security deposits.
By accepting electric service from EPB Energy, you agree to comply with all Rates, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures that exist at the time service is started. This includes, but is not limited to, obligation to pay for any electric service provided to you by EPB Energy. Failure to abide by EPB Energy’s Rates, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures may cause your electric service to be disconnected. You further agree to pay all expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, associated with the collection of any unpaid amounts for electric service received by you from EPB Energy. Your obligation upon acceptance of service from EPB Energy is subject to any future amendments or modifications to the Rates, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
If you're planning a project that involves digging in your yard in Tennessee or Georgia, call your state's One Call System first to make sure that there are no buried power lines, gas lines, water lines or phone lines. It's a call that could help you avoid putting yourself and your family in danger, breaking the law and damaging lines. In Tennessee, call 1-800-351-1111. In Georgia, call 1-800-282-7411.
Absolutely! EPB Energy Pros are standing by free of charge to consult with you on EPB Zero Energy recommendations, or anything energy related. To schedule a free EPB Energy Pro consultation, visit epb.com/energypros or call 423-648-1372.
Just call us at 423-648-1372 anytime day or night for billing assistance.
First of all, Solar Share helps you feel good about purchasing clean, renewable, sustainable energy. It's an affordable way to invest in a sustainable future without the hassle and upfront costs of installing your own rooftop solar array – which enables renters to participate as well. Plus, there are no contracts, so you can cancel at any time.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
If you qualify for a Home Uplift, here are some of the ways you could benefit:
Receive up to $10,000 in FREE energy upgrades. Examples of upgrades you could receive include:
Modern, energy-efficient appliances
New heating and col system or repairs
Tankless or energy-efficient water heater
New doors or windows
Fresh insulation for floors, ceiling or walls
Sealed air leaks
Save on avg. $400 per year on energy costs
Avoid costly repairs and maintenance
Improved indoor comfort
Better air quality, which can lead to:
Fewer allergy symptoms and illnesses
Better breathing and sleep quality
FREE EPB Home Energy CheckupSM and a detailed list of the best energy-saving improvements for your home
Nearly 45% of your annual energy use comes from heating and cooling your home. Therefore, showing the outside temperature and usage on the same chart helps you understand how the weather affects your energy bills.
Thousands of computers, sensors and switches capture and deliver information about power delivery over an 8,000-mile fiber optic network. This automated, self-healing system has the power to proactively identify potential issues and automatically reroute electricity around problem areas in a matter of seconds.
No — unfortunately we will need proof that your landlord has provided consent since they own the property. However, if you need our support, we can provide communication materials that you can show your landlord and help explain how the program benefits you both.
You must choose vendors who participate in the Quality Contractor Network and have been approved by EPB and TVA to complete home energy projects that qualify for EPB and TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates. Contractors can always register to become part of the network here.
Ask your builder if they are a Smart Build participant. If not, they can join the Smart Build program by calling 423-648-SMRT to speak with a Smart Build consultant.
No. Home energy upgrades that were made as part of the Home Uplift program do not qualify for EPB & TVA EnergyRight® Home Energy Rebates.
Just call us at 423-648-1372 anytime day or night for billing assistance.
Since storms are not within our control, we are unable to compensate customers for perishable foods that expired during a storm. That said, here are a few things you can do to prevent your food from going bad and protect yourself from food poisoning.
Typically a “Net Zero Energy” home refers to a residence that utilizes onsite renewable energy generation, such as solar energy, to offset its energy use. The EPB Zero Energy Resource Guide simply recommends solar energy to help offset energy use. For homebuilders and homeowners interested in rooftop solar, EPB Energy Pros can consult with them to determine if a solar panel installation is the right option for a particular home and even review contractor estimates so they get the best solution. Or, customers may utilize EPB’s Solar Share community solar as a cost-effective and convenient way to utilize solar energy to offset the energy use they use without installing solar panels on a home.
If we do not receive payment by the 16th day after your billing date, a late fee will be added to your balance, and your account will be considered delinquent. The late fee is 5% on the first $250.00 of the amount owed, and 1% on the remaining balance above $250.00. A reminder notice will be mailed, indicating the amount of payment due. Payment must be received by EPB Electric Power within seven days of this reminder notice in order to avoid disconnection of your service. Please note that EPB Electric Power field representatives cannot accept payments. If you foresee difficulty in paying a bill, call us at (423) 648-1372 and we may be able to extend your payment deadline. In special circumstances, we may also be able to direct you to social service agencies for financial assistance.
The total power output of the entire array is nearly 2 million Kilowatt Hours per year – which could supply the annual energy needs of approximately 130 average homes.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
Homeowners and Renters within EPB's service territory can see if they qualify and apply by visiting this site.
For your convenience, we offer several Pay Stations at various locations within our service area that accept payment by cash, check, credit or debit card. You can also make payments at one of our three convenient locations:
EPB Brainerd Branch 830 Eastgate Loop - Drive-thru only Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EZ-Pay Kiosk and equipment return available 24/7
EPB Hixson Branch 2124 North Point Blvd. - Drive-thru only Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EZ-Pay Kiosk and equipment return available 24/7
EPB Main Office 10 West M.L. King Blvd. - LOBBY CLOSED - No contact, curbside EZ-Pay Kiosk on the Market Street side (across from Miller Park) available 24/7
No. Your electricity cost is determined by your home or business’ power meter reading each month. If no power is being delivered to your address, like during an outage, your meter automatically stops until power is restored. When your meter isn’t running, there is no power use to bill during that period of time.
More than 600 EPB customers in Chattanooga have received up to $10,000 in energy-efficient upgrades. After receiving these upgrades, they reported an average of $400 in energy savings, fewer allergy symptoms and illnesses, and better breathing and sleep quality.
Unfortunately TVA no longer offers rebates for replacement Water Heaters. However, our EPB Energy Pros will be glad to help you find the right energy-efficient water heater for your home.
For current Solar Share participants: Each solar panel within the array is estimated to produce approximately 37 kWh per month. Determine the percentage of your business's energy use you want to receive as a solar credit and multiply that by your average monthly energy use. For example, if you want 25% of your company's power use to be solar, and your average use is 1,600 kWh per month, you would license 11 panels (1600 x .25 = 400/37 = 10.8).
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
An EPB Energy Pros℠ Home Energy Checkup is not required to participate in the program. However, we are always glad to visit your home or chat with you on the phone free of charge to help you determine which energy-saving upgrades would help improve your home’s comfort and energy efficiency – while earning you the biggest possible rebates.
The waitlist for your FREE Home Energy Checkup, which is the first step in the process, varies from weeks to several months or more. The EPB Energy Pro who contacts you will offer you the earliest available appointment for the evaluation. If your home meets the program’s qualifications, we’ll offer you a list of upgrade recommendations. Once you select your improvements, we’ll coordinate the upgrades and estimate the implementation timelines. We’ll then work with your schedule to complete them as quickly as possible.
You can either help your housemate fill out the application or ask them to provide proof of consent.
Renters can receive a Home Uplift by providing proof of their landlord’s consent. However, the following structures are not eligible:
Apartment
Condo, townhome or multi-family dwelling of three or more units
Unoccupied buildings
Manufactured home built prior to 1976
Manufactured home not on a permanent foundation
New home with less than one year of service with EPB
Business or commercial property
The Solar Share array includes 4,408 solar panels on 3.8 acres. The total power output of the entire array is nearly 2 million Kilowatt Hours per year – which could supply the annual energy needs of approximately 130 average homes.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
For current Solar Share participants: Charges will appear the month after you sign up with credits appearing the month after that. For example, if you contact EPB and sign up on July 15 for a panel, you will see the CHARGE on your AUGUST invoice (the next month and all following months). The CREDIT will appear on your SEPTEMBER invoice (approximately 2 months after you sign up and all following months). Why? During the first month after your purchase, your panel is generating electricity. That generation is accumulated throughout the month and then credited on your next bill. If a customer opts for the multi-year license, this is a one-time only charge.
EPB Solar Share is currently sold out due to popular demand. Sign up for email updates to be among the first to hear about new renewable energy projects.
