EPB of Chattanooga, in conjunction with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), has demonstrated $5.3 billion in community benefit since 2010 through its automated electric grid and fiber optic network. This impact was determined by a peer-reviewed economic study led by Bento Lobo, Ph.D., head of the Department of Finance and Economics at UTC. The analysis projects this total will grow to $10 billion by 2035, including an additional $1 billion in gains from emerging quantum technology. These investments have yielded returns exceeding six times the original cost, fundamentally changing Chattanooga and attracting tech-focused development.
Community Benefit from EPB’s Network & Grid
EPB’s automated electric grid and fiber optic network have generated a substantial $5.3 billion in community benefit since 2010. A peer-reviewed study by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga projects this impact will grow to $10 billion by 2035. This includes an anticipated $1 billion in gains from quantum technology initiatives. The project has already returned more than six times the original investment cost, demonstrating significant economic return for the community.
From 2011-2024, EPB’s network supported the creation of 10,420 jobs, representing 31% of all jobs created in the area during that time. Additionally, $84.06 million was generated for local schools and public services through payments-in-lieu-of-taxes. EPB also addresses the digital divide with HCS EdConnect, currently providing high-speed fiber optic internet to over 28,000 students and family members at no charge, further enhancing community benefit.
EPB’s investments have also led to significant improvements in service reliability and affordability. The network prevented over 417.7 million minutes of power outages, resulting in customers avoiding more than $945 million in outage-related costs. Customers also saved $334,437,064 on electric and fiber optic services through upgrades and maintained lower rates, supported by revenues from EPB Fiber Optics covering electric infrastructure costs.
Impact of Fiber Optic & Electric Services
EPB’s automated electric grid and fiber optic network have generated a significant community benefit, totaling $5.3 billion since 2010. A peer-reviewed study by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga projects this impact will grow to $10 billion by 2035. This includes an anticipated $1 billion in gains from quantum technology initiatives. The original investment has seen a return exceeding six times its initial cost, demonstrating substantial economic value for the Chattanooga area.
The network’s impact extends to job creation and public services. Between 2011 and 2024, 10,420 jobs were supported, representing 31% of all jobs created in the area during that timeframe. Additionally, $84.06 million was generated for local schools and governments through payments-in-lieu-of-taxes. EPB also bridged the digital divide with HCS EdConnect, providing high-speed fiber optic internet to over 28,000 students and family members at no charge.
EPB’s infrastructure improvements have also delivered direct benefits to customers. The network prevented over 417.7 million minutes of power outages, resulting in an annual outage reduction of approximately 59%. Customers avoided over $945 million in outage-related costs, and received savings of $334,437,064 on electric and fiber optic services. Upgrades included free increases from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps in 2019, and consistently lower pricing per megabit compared to other local providers.
Future Growth with Quantum Technology
EPB’s investments in its fiber optic network, automated electric grid, and emerging quantum technology are projected to generate substantial community benefits. A recent study forecasts a total impact of $10 billion by 2035, building on the $5.3 billion already realized since 2010. Specifically, quantum initiatives are expected to contribute up to $1.1 billion of this future benefit, demonstrating a commitment to innovation beyond traditional energy and internet services.
EPB launched the nation’s first commercially available quantum network—EPB Quantum Network®—in 2022, following an R&D 100 Award-winning quantum security project. This was further expanded with the 2023 opening of EPB Quantum CenterSM, the first U.S. center to provide commercial access to both quantum computing and networking resources. EPB Quantum Computing℠ is slated to launch in early 2026, creating a comprehensive, commercially available quantum technology platform.
These initiatives are projected to support the creation of an estimated 8,000 new jobs between 2026 and 2035, alongside the $5 billion in additional community benefit. EPB’s fiber optic system underwent a $70 million upgrade beginning in 2020, culminating in the 2022 launch of community-wide 25 Gig service, highlighting the continuous investment in cutting-edge technology for its service area.
EPB’s investments in a ubiquitous fiber optic system and the nation’s most advanced automated grid can be noted as one of our community’s most meaningful and impactful investments.
Bento Lobo, Ph.D.
Source: EPBQuantum.com
