Chattanooga's EPB may be in the business of selling electricity, but the municipal utility is touting its success in aiding its customers to use less power through its energy audits and assistance programs.
Last year, EPB helped its customers adopt measures to save 15.6 million kiowatthours of electricity usage, making Chattanooga's municipal utility the number one local power company across the Tennessee Valley Authority seven-state region when it comes to efficient electrification across all TVA EnergyRight programs.
Among the 153 local power companies in the TVA service territory, EPB was named a top performer in 12 categories of helping residential and business customers save money and energy through the TVA EnergyRight program, which helps pay for energy audits by local power companies that distribute TVA power.
"TVA thanks EPB for helping customers embrace the changing energy industry, change their consumption habits and learn about new technologies," Cindy Herron, vice president of TVA EnergyRight., said in a new report for 2021.
EPB was also the number one local power company valley-wide for helping its industrial customers convert 11.4 million kilowatt-hours away from fossil fuels and toward smart energy technologies through the TVA EnergyRight for Industry Smart Energy Technologies program.
"Maximizing efficiency for industrial power users makes a huge impact," John Watts, one of five EPB Energy Pros, said in a statement. "EPB and TVA work with industrial users to create customized, plantwide approaches that help them control expenses, boost their bottom lines and use energy more efficiently, in addition to the environmental benefits."
EPB helped its business customers save 2.8 million kilowatthours through the same program by providing expert guidance, professional energy evaluation tools, research and service to commercial customers while supporting TVA's load optimization efforts.
The EPB Energy Pros also helped Chattanooga area families save 363,000 kilowatthours in 2021 through its Home Uplift program, one of the top-performing programs in the TVA region.
"Home Uplift consists of free home upgrades that increase the energy efficiency and comfort of homes and enable families with limited means to lower their energy bills," Watts said. "Funds are used for HVAC repair/replacement, insulation, air leak reduction, windows and doors, as well as minor health and safety repairs that enable energy upgrades."
The EPB Energy Pros also helped families save 128,000 kilowatthours with its do-it-yourself Home Energy Assessment, an online evaluation where residential customers can input information about their homes and receive a personalized report with energy efficiency recommendations. First-time participants receive an energy efficiency starter kit as well.
EPB was recognized as a top performer for the North Star Award for helping lower the energy burden for underserved communities in the Valley and the Torch Award for increasing participation in the TVA EnergyRight program..
Interested persons can schedule an in-person energy audit at EPB.com/energypros or by calling 423-648-1372.
- Compiled by Dave Flessner who may be reached at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6340