EPB hopes to prevent future outages with $32 million grant

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The U.S. government announced $3.5 billion in grants will go to energy grids across the country. The Chattanooga area will receive $32 million from that grant.

EPB stated that this funding will strengthen their local power services and add new jobs. They also hope to use these funds to prevent future power disruptions.

The U.S. Department of Energy made the announcement of this funding on Wednesday. EPB has already described how this funding will positively impact the Chattanooga power grid and economy.

EPB said they will match this new funding as well. The company will add energy storage, transition 101 overhead powerlines to underground, and replace more than 1,000 old power poles.

According to the company, they will prioritize these efforts in areas that experience power outages and disruptions most often.

“Every EPB customer will benefit from these projects,” said EPB President and CEO David Wade. “Anytime we can reduce the potential for damage in areas that experience frequent outages, that frees up more resources to respond more quickly to problems across the community.”

EPB states this will also increase local job opportunities with training and other programs.