Before a family moves in or a business opens its doors, EPB Energy is already at work, planning and building the electric infrastructure that makes new development possible. This is a foundational part of what every utility does, but EPB Energy’s process is grounded in our mission of enhancing quality of life for people across the Chattanooga area.
Around the country, utilities take different approaches to funding new electric facilities. EPB Energy covers a significant share of those upfront costs, rather than passing them along to developers — costs that often find their way into home prices and business startup expenses.
This fiscal year, EPB Energy provided support for electric facilities for 4,860 new homes and apartment units, and 167 new business locations.
By investing in infrastructure to support housing and economic growth, EPB helps strengthen our community, making it more affordable to find a place to live or start a business and that supports the economic momentum of the Chattanooga area.
For many families across the Chattanooga area, an unexpected expense can make it difficult to cover essentials like groceries, rent and utilities. Through EPB PowerShare, EPB and its customers help neighbors facing financial hardship keep the lights on when they need it most.
In 2025, EPB and TVA invested $180,000 in PowerShare to help provide necessities including food, rent and utilities. Customers also contributed nearly $55,000 to help with energy bills and pledged at least $47,000 for next year.
EPB continues to encourage customer support for PowerShare, with 100% of donations going directly to help neighbors in crisis pay their energy bills. All funds are managed and distributed by United Way of Greater Chattanooga.
According to United Way of Greater Chattanooga, about 40% of households in Chattanooga and Hamilton County struggle to make ends meet. Through PowerShare and United Way's 211 support services, EPB and its customers help local families maintain stability and hope during difficult times.
For the eighth year, EPB's ArtSpark Goes to School channeled student creativity and "learning by doing" into the creation of public art across Chattanooga and Hamilton County. This year's program engaged about 850 students in learning about electricity while creating artwork for public spaces. Since the program began, ArtSpark has engaged about 7,000 students.
Developed in partnership with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Arts-Based Collaborative, ArtSpark Goes to School challenges students to design an artwork to fit the dimensions of a utility box as a way of connecting science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Guided by the theme "What Energizes You?", students explored creativity, problem-solving and design through real-world projects that encourage self-expression while preparing them for future educational and career opportunities.
The program also reflects Chattanooga's growing creative economy and longstanding commitment to the arts. According to ArtsBuild, the local arts community generates $190 million in economic impact annually. With Hamilton County Schools, UTC and community arts organizations, EPB continues to support programs that strengthen connections between education and opportunity while helping students see how creativity can shape their community's future.
This year, the EPB Energy Pros℠ engaged with school leaders and teachers across the Chattanooga area to support their participation in the TVA EnergyRight® School Uplift program. As a result, Normal Park Museum Magnet School – Lower School Campus won a $210,000 grant to support energy-efficiency upgrades at the 136-year-old school building. The investment includes $200,000 for building improvements and a $10,000 Learning Environment Grant developed with input from students and faculty.
Upgrades are projected to reduce energy use by 26% annually while improving comfort and indoor air quality. The improvements are expected to:
Girls Preparatory School also received a $25,000 competitive School Uplift grant for student-led energy-efficiency and environmental engagement initiatives.
Through School Uplift and partnerships with local schools, EPB helps students connect classroom learning with real-world problem solving that benefits the whole community.
