Search

EPB completes power restoration for 60,000 customers – repairs to fiber optic services to continue through weekend


Chattanooga, TN (April 22, 2020; 9:30 a.m.) – EPB confirmed that it has completed the reconstruction of the utility poles, electric lines, and power system equipment that sustained catastrophic damage when tornados and severe weather ripped through Chattanooga last Sunday causing power outages for about 60,000 customers.

“We’ve re-energized all of the power lines necessary to complete the restoration and the smart grid is operating within normal parameters at the system level, but we haven’t yet replaced the smart grid equipment in many areas, so there may be some house-to-house outages that aren’t apparent to us.” said Scottie Summerlin, EPB public relations coordinator. “If anyone is still experiencing a power outage from last week’s storm, please call EPB to let us know at (423) 648-1372.”

Summerlin also highlighted EPB’s continuing effort to restore fiber optic services. “We know connectivity is a top priority especially now,” Summerlin said. “The re-construction effort is a layering process. Electric crews must replace utility poles and restore electricity before fiber optic repairs can be made. We’ve had fiber crews coming in as soon as electric crews complete their work.”

EPB has engaged hundreds of additional fiber installers in the effort to repair internet and other fiber optic services as quickly as possible. Their current focus is re-splicing the main feeder fiber cables which will restore service to thousands of additional customers over the next two days. Once this is done, EPB will work on repairing the smaller distribution fiber lines to bring remaining customers back on-line.

EPB expects to restore fiber optic services to most customers by Friday, but restoration efforts will likely extend through the weekend.

Road Closure Information

As restoration continues please be on the lookout for periodic road closures. These closures are announced by Chattanooga Police Department on Facebook, Twitter, and other news media outlets. Follow the Chattanooga Police Department for up to date information. #roadclosures #CHAPD #PowerRestore

EPB Quick Connect WiFi available to public

For people who need internet access, EPB has installed free EPB Quick Connect WiFi hotspots at 25 locations around the county.  Those locations can be found at epbquickconnect.com

Need EPB Customer Support?

Customers with questions are encouraged to go to EPB.com for the latest information including an outage map.  Customer service representatives are also available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 423-648-1372.

Other Topics

Behind every major economic advancement is a story of strategy, collaboration, and vision. For Chattanooga, Novonix’s decision to invest $1 billion in expanding its battery manufacturing operations was far more than a business deal. It was the result of years…

In March, Unum welcomed its two newest apprentices, part of a groundbreaking regional program called Apprenticeship Works. Yet, for these new apprentices and all future ones to follow, there's a story they need to remember. Two years ago, Emily Daily,…

In today’s race for technological leadership, few regions can claim a true first. Chattanooga just did. With EPB’s $22 million partnership with IonQ to bring a state-of-the-art quantum computer to its existing quantum network, Chattanooga has officially become America’s first…

Last spring, Abhi Sastri traveled to Chattanooga from San Francisco, where his start-up FLUIX was headquartered. He'd been named one of five global startups in the 2024 CO.LAB and gener8tor Sustainable Mobility Accelerator.  Selected among 145 applicants spanning the globe,…

In November 2024, HK Architects hosted its 25th anniversary celebration. Quite fittingly, the party was held at Wheelhouse, HK's headquarters, a perfect example of the way HK design incorporates community building and adaptive re-use planning. HK’s story is remarkable, a…

Tax time. Yes, it’s “busy season” for us accountants, but it’s also the time of year when people outside the four walls of our office building are laser focused on the importance of tax planning. If tax strategies are top of…

Sign up for weekly updates.