Our growing fiber network
With 77,000 residential and 6,500 commercial customers and counting, it’s apparent more people are recognizing the value and quality of EPB Fiber Optics. We’re pleased to be delivering our services to many new businesses and residents each year, including those living in many apartment buildings, or multi-dwelling units (MDUs), where our services were previously unavailable. In the last fiscal year, we saw a nearly 65% increase in MDU sales, contributing over 3,000 new subscribers to our EPB Fiber Optics products.
Mike Giles Fiber Technician
Latara Patton Customer Service Representative
A secure investment in our future
As our Fiber Optics business grows, it is generating more revenue that flows back into our electric system every year, contributing to the electric system’s continued strong financial position. This financial strength, paired with sound management and other factors, led Fitch Ratings to assign EPB’s electric system bonds an AA+ rating this past year. With the newly upgraded bonds, we were able to refinance our debt and secure lower interest rates, leading to $19.8 million in savings.
Meanwhile, the success of our fiber optics system has allowed us to pay down its debt more quickly and manage the cost of running the business even more effectively.
Our most meaningful measure of success
This year, we were recognized by Consumer Reports for our Internet and television services, as well as by our very own Chattanooga Times Free Press readers as the “Best of the Best” for the fifth year in a row.
From a survey of over 172,000 subscribers, Consumer Reports dubbed EPB a “bright spot” in telecom service. Our Internet service scored high for value, reliability, and speed, while we topped the ranking for television service, receiving particularly high marks for reliability, channel selection, and equipment. Chattanooga Times Free Press readers also voted us Best ISP, Best Satellite and Television Provider, and Best Customer Service of 2016.
