EPB receives $32 million power grid grant

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – EPB received some extra help from the U.S. Department of Energy.

“The grant that we received from the Department of Energy is designed to increase our resilience, our power resilience. Which basically means keeping the power on for people,” said Sophie Moore, PR specialist for EPB.

This new grant totaled $32.3 million.

But what are they going to do with it?

“We’re going to be adding 1,300 new electric poles, replacing old ones in need, undergrounding over 100 miles of power lines, and adding six energy storage installations. That’s something that’s fairly new to our community but is widely used across the country to keep energy ready for when you need it,” said Moore.

The new power lines will help increase energy distribution across the entire EPB service area.

Moore added, “It will be across our community. It is not going to be 100 miles in one section, but all over our service area, in the areas that have the most frequent outages.”

They will also be putting overhead power lines underground, which is part of their hope to cut down on power outages.

“One of the biggest contributors to power outages are trees falling on power lines. When you put the power lines underground, you’re eliminating that risk. It makes it more dependable resource for our customers,” said Moore.

High winds and fallen trees can cut power, but so can cold weather. They hope this new underground system and the energy storage units will prevent black outs caused by high usage during colder months.

Moore explained, “We are installing six energy storage facilities throughout our community and in areas that most need them. Especially as we grow that network of energy storage that is really going to help address those moments where the demand is too high and mitigate when we may be approaching a moment like that.”

EPB is glad they can keep the lights on for more Chattanoogans.