EPB's Gig2.5 internet gives customers the bandwidth they want

EPB's newest internet offering, Gig2.5, delivers 2,500 Mbps of broadband capacity, more than twice as fast as EPB's world-famous Gig-speed service. At a residential price of $97.99 per month including professionally installed Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi, the service delivers future-proof internet speeds at the best available value. After being launched in December 2023, customers responded enthusiastically with nearly 2,000 subscriptions in the first seven months.

“EPB is committed to keeping our community on the cutting edge by exceeding expectations and maximizing options on our network with service up to 25 Gig.”— Katie Espeseth, EPB Vice President, New Products

By including Smart Net Plus, which provides whole-home Wi-Fi optimized to customer needs, EPB ensures that Gig2.5 subscribers get the full value of the world's fastest community-wide internet service. Installed and monitored by EPB Tech Pros^℠, Smart Net Plus uses the most current Wi-Fi 6e technology and equipment. Smart Net Plus also comes with the HomePass app which allows customers to easily manage their home network. As a result, Gig2.5 customers enjoy continuing support and other features to ensure they have the best possible experience.

New Smart Net Plus for Business helps small businesses navigate networks

As businesses of all sizes navigate increasingly complex demands to protect against cyberthreats, manage connected devices and keep data secure, EPB launched Smart Net Plus for Business in May 2024. Professionally installed and maintained by EPB Tech Pros^℠, Smart Net Plus for Business subscribers benefit from comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage, equipment management and online security. They also have the ability to manage their network with the touch of a finger using the WorkPass app—all for just an additional $25 per month.

The WorkPass app helps customers monitor, modify and manage their network, including how they receive information, view customer insights, monitor network threats and more.

As with all EPB services, customers can enjoy Chattanooga's only 100% fiber optic network for delivery of ultrafast, symmetrical broadband capacity and unlimited, local award-winning support 24/7/365.

EPB and TVA launch new EnergyRight^® Home Energy Rebates

The new EPB and TVA EnergyRight^® Home Energy Rebates can save customers thousands of dollars on valuable home energy improvements like new HVAC units, windows, water heaters, insulation, ductwork and more. EPB launched the program in October 2023 with a full-scale marketing campaign designed to help benefit as many local people as possible by reducing their monthly energy bills while making their homes more comfortable and improving air quality.

As of the end of June 2024, EPB led the Tennessee Valley region in per capita participation. More than 2,170 homes have benefited from the program by earning $585,000 in rebates which are projected to help them save an estimated 1.4 million kWh in energy usage.

EPB Energy Pros^℠ support customers throughout the process, including identifying what projects will save them the most money, providing guidance for getting the largest available rebates and completing Quality Assurance Checkups when projects are complete.

“The EPB and TVA EnergyRight Home Energy Rebate program helps customers save money twice—first by applying rebates to the upgrades they make at home, and second by enjoying the energy savings that come with them for years to come.”— Elizabeth Hammitt, EPB Director, Residential Energy and Environmental Solutions

To qualify for rebates in most cases, customers must use a contractor who has gone through the process of qualifying for the Quality Contractor Network. Recognizing this as an opportunity to leverage the program to generate more positive economic activity in the Chattanooga area, EPB has engaged with local companies to more than triple the number of area businesses that are included in the network while providing them with free advertising through our promotional efforts.

At the community level, improving energy efficiency among individual customers also helps reduce overall peak demand across the Chattanooga area. This keeps energy costs lower for everyone since TVA's energy pricing includes a charge for the highest level of energy demand in any given month.

Enhancing customer support through innovation

For the eighth consecutive year, local electric customers have ranked EPB as the Best Midsized Utility in the South through J.D. Power's Survey of Residential Customer Satisfaction. Beyond 24/7/365 local support, EPB continues to incorporate innovative new methods to serve customers.

For example, EPB recently enhanced technology to help customers reach the source of information they need more quickly.

• More responsive IVR technology helps customers reach support faster through automated prompts and responses.
• Text for support allows customers to conveniently text Customer Relations instead of calling, which reduces on-hold times.

“…EPB employees across the company continually work to deliver outstanding customer experiences during every interaction, whether in-person, by phone or online.”— Karen Thomas, EPB Vice President, Customer Relations

EPB also supports customers by helping them enjoy more efficient services, especially through Levelized Billing, which helps make bills more predictable.