Over 900 households have received home energy improvements through Home Uplift, a partnership of EPB Energy Pros and TVA EnergyRight that helps recipients save an average of $450 per year on energy costs, officials said.
In addition to annual funding provided for Home Uplift by EPB and matched by TVA, the city of Chattanooga invested $100,000 in the program to increase the number of customers reached. With funding from EPB, TVA and the City, EPB Energy Pros expect to complete an additional 100 homes by next summer.
“As we fight inflation and the national affordable housing crisis, we know it’s difficult for long-time residents of Chattanooga to afford the cost of living,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. “The City of Chattanooga is proud to support EPB and TVA's Home Uplift program which makes it possible for working Chattanoogans to lower their energy bills and stay in their homes.”
As part of the program, EPB Energy Pros conduct a thorough inspection to prioritize what improvements will make the biggest reduction in customers’ monthly energy bills. This work can include such improvements as home air sealing, duct replacement, water heater and HVAC replacement, cleaning and tune-up, depending on customers’ unique circumstances. When necessary, the program can also replace doors, heat pumps, water heaters, refrigerators and more. EPB customers can learn more about the program and verify eligibility at epb.com/homeuplift.
“Home Uplift is a special program that TVA has been proud to extend across our service territory, and EPB in Chattanooga has been a leading partner in Home Uplift’s success,” said Bert Robinson, east regional executive with TVA, which celebrated reaching 6,000 homes through the program this summer. “Together, we’re helping our neighbors save money, reduce energy use and create healthier home environments.”
“Home Uplift is one of EPB’s most meaningful programs because we see the immediate relief it provides our customers in need,” said Ryan Keel, president of the Energy and Communications Business Unit at EPB. “It’s an important part of our mission to enhance quality of life by creating long-term household savings, giving people more control over their personal finances to address other needs.”
Since the program formally began in Chattanooga, EPB, TVA, the city of Chattanooga, The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) have invested over $8.6 million in Home Uplift. Across the Tennessee Valley, TVA has invested more than $32.4 million in the program. Locally, Home Uplift evolved from a 2014 Chattanooga community-led pilot led by EPB and green|spaces in partnership with nonprofit, local government partners and philanthropic organizations. The 14-home pilot gave the team valuable insight to optimize savings and community engagement.
EPB Energy Pros share free home energy advice and resources with all customers to help improve efficiency through in-person or phone consultations:
- EPB Home Energy Checkups: In-person visits that provide personalized recommendations about cost-effective ways to make homes more energy efficient.
- 30-Minute Calls with a Pro: Address questions or concerns about home energy efficiency via phone.
EPB Energy Pros can offer expertise on a wide range of efficiency topics to residential customers:
- Home renovations: At customer request, perform Quality Assurance Checkups when projects are complete.
- Appliance advice: Identify energy-efficient appliances for a range of budgets.
- Solar and EV charger installations: Advise on best practices, work with customers during installation, and provide a free, third-party verification of completed work. (EPB does not sell or install solar panels or EV chargers.)
Call 423 648-1372 or visit epb.com/energypros to learn more about home energy efficiency tips or schedule time with an EPB Energy Pro.