As EPB continues its year-round partnership with the community to practice environmental stewardship, Chattanooga’s publicly-owned provider of energy and fiber optic communications is encouraging customers to participate in value-added environmental services.
By promoting awareness of these community assets, customers can engage in ongoing environmental efforts to reduce waste disposal in landfills, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“As we celebrate Earth Month, we want to provide our customers with as many opportunities as possible to engage with the community’s efforts to enhance Chattanooga’s quality of life,” said Elizabeth Hammitt, EPB director of community and environmental stewardship. “We encourage our customers to participate in programs that help make our community more sustainable, healthier and efficient.”
During Earth Month, EPB is promoting awareness of these community assets:
· eBills – Customers who sign up for eBills can take advantage of a convenient, reliable billing option that eliminates paper waste. Since January, EPB eBill customers have helped make an environmental impact equivalent to planting 146 tree seedlings and growing them for 10 years. Customers also receive a $10 credit on their Electric Power and Fiber Optics accounts when opting for eBill delivery.
· eScore energy checkups - EPB's energy experts can help customers gain the most value from their electric power by identifying opportunities for energy efficiency. Residential customers can receive a free eScore energy checkup with a list of action items that may include incentives for home improvements. EPB helped thousands of customers during the last year realize energy efficiency benefits and has provided them with 15,000 CFL light bulbs at no additional cost.
· Utility poles and spools – EPB encourages the reuse of spent wooden poles, which can be used for barns, fishing piers, landscaping and other purposes. Used wire and fiber spools can be used for outdoor furniture, art and home projects. These items are available at no cost; customers need to provide their own transportation and record taken items on a sign-out sheet when picking them up at the EPB Operations Center, 1350 E. 8th Street.
· Green tree trimming – Most of EPB’s tree-trimming waste is recycled. Free wood chips are available to customers on a first-come, first-served basis by calling EPB at (423) 648-1372. So far this year, nearly 500 tons of vegetation has been diverted from the landfill. The environmental impact of EPB’s wood chip recycling program has reduced air pollution by an equivalent of nearly a half-million passenger car miles.
· Energy Star set top boxes – EPB Fiber Optics' Fi TV set top boxes are about 60% more energy efficient than the typical STB. The energy savings is equivalent to the annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from more than 800 cars.
· Smart Grid – Chattanooga’s smart grid benefits the environment through electric efficiency and fewer miles driven by EPB trucks. The savings to the environment have been equivalent to over 300,000 pounds of coal burned in 2016. Earlier this year, EPB was the first major utility to be awarded the U.S. Green Building Council's PEER award for advanced smart grids.
EPB customers can sign up for eBill and an eScore free energy checkup by calling 423 648-1372. They can also sign up online and learn more about energy efficiency, payment options and other home services at www.epb.com/home-store/power.