A Note from the President & CEO
At Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), we strive to create connections and enhance the quality of life in East Tennessee communities so everyone can thrive.
Our mission as the local, notfor-profit utility is to serve our customers as a trusted partner and steward, providing industryleading energy, water, and fiber optic services. This mission drives us in every facet of our operations.
We’re always looking to the future. Our longstanding Century II infrastructure maintenance and replacement program ensures our utility services remain reliable for decades to come. While we’re working to keep our infrastructure up-to-date, we also strive to be on the cutting
edge of the latest innovations that can increase our efficiency and sustainability.
KUB Fiber, our fifth utility division, reached the halfway point in its buildout. We’re connecting customers to high-speed fiber internet for their homes and businesses. In our rural areas, this is the first time many customers have had a wired connection. We’ve also enrolled 253 student households for free KUB Fiber services through our low-income internet assistance program, KUB ConnectED.
Our efforts to support a clean energy future are noteworthy as we strive to bring 400 MW of new-to-the-Valley renewable energy projects online by 2030. This year, the first of three solar sites – part of our TVA Green
Invest commitment – became operational. Locally, KUB Community Solar reached 100% subscribed just one year after launching.
These efforts and many more outlined in this report tell the story of KUB. We’re proud to serve nearly 520,000 customers and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Gabriel J. Bolas II KUB President & CEO
Front L to R: Claudia Caballero, Vice Chair; Cynthia Gibson, Chair Back L to R: Dr. Craig Pickett Jr.; Phyllis Nichols; Celeste Herbert; Ron Feinbaum; Kathy Hamilton
Front L to R: Susan Edwards, Gabriel J. Bolas II, Mark Walker Back L to R: John Williams, Jamie Davis, Tiffany Martin, John Gresham
Mission-Driven
KUB is proud to provide highquality, safe, and reliable electric, fiber, natural gas, water, and wastewater treatment services to nearly 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. As a provider of crucial public services, KUB’s mission is to serve its customers as a trusted partner and steward, providing industry-leading services with a vision to create connections and enhance the quality of life in its communities so everyone can
thrive. This mission and vision is part of the KUB Blueprint, which drives KUB not only in the operations of its utility divisions, but also in its community-centric and environmentally focused decision making through four key values.
Building on its mission and values, KUB established Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. This report includes status updates on the ESG goals.
KUB Values
Customers: KUB provides customers with safe, reliable, and affordable utilities, as well as great customer service and decision making that considers everyone’s needs.
Community: KUB is committed to a cleaner environment, community service, and helping the region grow.
Co-workers: KUB takes pride in the hard work and expertise of its employees, investing in them and putting safety first.
Culture: KUB strives for better every day, holding the organization to high ethical standards and fostering inclusion.
Addison Cable and Brian Yount inspect wastewater system improvement project.
6,135,085
Leslye Hartsell Director of Community Relations
A Mission-Driven Workforce
KUB’s employees are the foundation of its mission-driven culture. KUB is dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent by cultivating an inclusive workplace that prioritizes employee safety and wellness. We offer programs designed to support professional development and provide a comprehensive, competitive total rewards package.
“We focus on the complete employee experience, ensuring that the benefits and opportunities we offer foster a work environment where employees can thrive,” Elba Marshall, Vice President of Workforce Strategy, said. “As a longtime employee of KUB, I’m proud that when it comes to our employees and our customers, we’re always striving to be better.”
Eden Leo and Deanna Unger volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Uniquely Knoxville
KUB has helped Knoxville flourish for decades, providing safe and reliable utilities, doing its part to protect the environment, and connecting with the community. Knoxville prides itself on being a great place to live, work, and play; and KUB does not take its role in that mission lightly.
Through partnerships with local organizations like University of Tennessee Athletics, Zoo Knoxville, and others across its service territory, KUB supports the area’s arts and entertainment district. KUB also sponsors various nonprofit organizations and fosters meaningful relationships with local
schools and universities to connect the up-and-coming workforce to the utility industry.
“We’re always looking for new and meaningful ways to pour into the communities we serve in ways that go beyond the essential services we provide,” said Tiffany Martin, KUB Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Talent Officer. “We’re proud that whether our customers are supporting a local fundraiser, admiring local art, or spending quality time with their family rooting for the Knoxville Smokies, they see KUB there with them sharing in the same mission.”
KUB is a proud partner in welcoming the Knoxville Smokies back to town.
Ready for Growth
The Knox County area is experiencing growth like never before, and KUB is working to ensure it continues to meet the energy, water, and connectivity demands across its service territory.
In the electric system, KUB’s Century II infrastructure maintenance and replacement program includes a focus on growing areas with plans in place to add local capacity to seven substations and build two new substations within the next five years. This fiscal year, KUB developed a substation transformer replacement program through which KUB will replace two transformers per year. This new, programmatic schedule for substation transformer replacement is just the latest way KUB is proactively ensuring its electric
demand is met and service remains reliable. This year, KUB upgraded infrastructure to support growing neighborhoods across its service area including Seymour, Powell, and Union County. In the natural gas system, KUB works closely with Advance Knox, Knox County’s growth plan, to ensure KUB Natural Gas is available in areas already experiencing new
development and areas where growth is expected. “KUB has historically met our customers’ demand, and that’s something that will not change,” Doug Miller, Director of Construction & Meters, said. “In fact, we’re strategically working in areas of expected growth to be there when our new customers need us.”
Jamaal Gary and Mark Wallace complete natural gas system improvement work to support growth in KUB’s service area.
18,228
New Customers Across Five Divisions
15
Miles of Natural Gas Pipeline Added
Bridging the Digital Divide Fosters Economic Growth
KUB’s reliable utility services are a selling point for businesses looking to launch or expand in the Knoxville area. The introduction of KUB Fiber to the area makes Knox and the surrounding counties even more appealing, as modern companies rely on high-speed, high-capacity internet. In recent years, reliable fiber internet service has become a key driver for economic development. Not only does KUB Fiber’s performance prove impressive to new businesses, but publicly owned internet also means lower costs and better customer service.
“Access to broadband internet is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. In terms of economic development, broadband opens up a world of opportunities for rural businesses. With reliable connectivity, local entrepreneurs can reach wider markets from right here in Union County, and that’s what we want. By bridging this digital divide, we can empower our residents and unlock their full potential.”
KUB President & CEO Gabriel J. Bolas II speaks at Union County High School as KUB celebrates the completion of KUB Fiber’s buildout in Union County.
Jason Bailey Union County Mayor
‘Second to None’
KUB Fiber is more than halfway through its buildout with more than 102,000 customers in serviceable territory and approximately 1,300 miles of fiber added this fiscal year.
KUB’s high-speed fiber internet provides customers with 1 gigabit upload and download speeds with availability of even faster speeds up to 10 gigabits, as well as television packages and telephone services. Residential and commercial customers alike are benefiting, with KUB Fiber receiving a 98% satisfaction rate.
“Customers know that with KUB Fiber, they’re getting high-speed service, and they also know they don’t have to worry about their service dropping when they need
it most,” Andrew Hmielewski, Vice President of Fiber Engineering & Construction, said. “Whether you’re running a business, helping your kids with online homework, or simply streaming your favorite show, reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to connectivity.”
KUB made significant progress on its fiber rollout in rural areas this fiscal year. With $15 million in funding granted by the State of Tennessee, KUB completed its buildout in Union County. KUB Fiber is also available to all customers in Grainger County and will be available to all KUB customers in Sevier and Jefferson counties by the end of 2025.
22,416 Customers
3,069 Miles of Fiber
99.998% Reliability
Isaac Ridenour installs fiber in North Knoxville.
ESG Goal:
Deploy fiber broadband to provide access to 100% of KUB electric customers by 2030
Current Progress:
KUB Fiber is available to 46% of electric customers
“It is imperative we have stable and reliable internet services. Having KUB Fiber has been a great experience for us at the Knoxville Expo Center. The coverage and stability of the service is second to none.”
-Crystal White, General Manager, Knoxville Expo Center
Amy Love and Rachel Mathes connect with customers at a One Knox block party.
Customer Impact
KUB aims to close the digital divide with KUB Fiber. Not only has KUB made strides in this effort this year by bringing services to customers in rural areas, but it has also expanded its low-income internet assistance program, KUB ConnectED, to reach even more student households. With funding from the City of Knoxville and Knox County, during FY25, KUB ConnectED grew to serve 253 households with free highspeed KUB Fiber internet.
KUB ConnectED is just one way KUB provides assistance to its customers. KUB has a longstanding commitment to assisting customers in need
through its Customer Counselors, its Project Help emergency energy assistance program, and its Water Savers emergency water repair program.
America Ramirez assists customers with connection to lightning-fast internet.
Focused on the Customer Experience
“KUB Fiber stands out for its quality and reliability, making it an easy choice for customers. But what truly sets us apart is our outstanding customer service, which ensures every experience is seamless,” said Kristy Lund, Manager of Fiber Customer Service.
“With 85 years of trusted support behind us, I’m proud that when a customer calls, they’re greeted by a friendly, helpful representative right here in Knoxville. It’s this personal touch and deep-rooted tradition of excellence that reinforce KUB Fiber’s value.” The same goes for KUB Fiber’s installation process. A unique element KUB incorporated to enhance the customer experience is providing installation appointment times, not windows. This means customers can count on their KUB installer to show up at their scheduled time and have their services online without taking hours away from customers’ days.
KUB Fiber connects with its customers in a number of ways including community sponsorships and neighborhood events. This year, KUB Fiber began offering Wi-Fi connectivity in two Union County gathering spots – Wilson Park and the Farmers Market – free for visitors to use.
Will Barham and Leah Belcher share information at KUB’s Community Expo.
Energy Innovation
Through innovative technologies, KUB is creating a smart, selfhealing grid that avoids and shortens customer outages. After KUB Fiber is installed in a neighborhood, KUB adds smart switches that automatically reroute power around line breaks or other equipment failures.
The increased pace of fiber installation allowed for faster smart switch installation.
This year, KUB installed approximately 150 smart switches and became another year closer to the completion of its smart switch implementation
set for FY30. “A self-healing grid is truly game-changing when it comes to restoring power to our customers,” Tracy Hubbs, Manager of System Operations, said. “There are already portions of our system with technology that restores power without manual work. Where customers would experience a power outage, they’re only experiencing a power flicker.”
Blake Shuler and Nick Bridgeman conduct a site visit to inspect vegetation near electric lines.
Substation Modernization 87% Complete
35% of Electric Customers Served by Fully Automated Infrastructure
10 Million Minutes of Service Interruption Avoided
1,161 Poles Replaced
8 Miles of Transmission Line Replaced
Addressing the Number One Cause of Outages
The leading cause of electric outages on KUB’s system is vegetation, as strong winds can cause trees and limbs to fall into and damage electric infrastructure. To reduce this impact, KUB maintains a Vegetation Management Program through which crews trim vegetation along 1,000 miles annually and remove trees identified as hazardous to electric reliability. This year, KUB expanded its Vegetation Management Program to increase removal of branches that have grown above electric lines. This change will address approximately 15% of vegetation-related outages throughout KUB’s electric system.
A KUB Overhead Construction crew installs a smart switch device on KUB’s electric system.
Powering a Clean Energy Future
KUB supports the development of clean energy resources to foster a greener future for the communities it serves. Just two years ago, KUB Community Solar brought online the first megawatt (MW) of solar energy toward KUB’s goal of 400 MWs. It also signified that the Knoxville area community was eager to support renewable energy, as the project reached 100% subscribed just one year after launching. This year, KUB brought online 70 MW of renewable energy as part of TVA’s Green Invest and Generation Flexibility programs with solar arrays located in Mississippi. In addition to the benefits of renewable energy, KUB’s Generation Flexibility investment has resulted in $1.6 million in cost savings for its customers.
A solar array in Mississippi came online this year as part of KUB’s investment in renewable energy. Photo courtesy of Origis Energy.
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon charges up at KUB’s electric vehicle charging station in Downtown Knoxville.
Charge Up in Seymour & Downtown Knoxville
Driving electric became easier for East Tennesseans and visitors in fall 2024, as KUB added two new public electric vehicle (EV) fast charging stations in its service territory. These stations –one in Downtown Knoxville and one in Seymour – fill key alternative fuel corridor gaps on I-75 and Route 441.
These stations were the 99th and 100th added to the Tennessee Valley as part of the Fast Charge Tennessee Network,
a partnership between TVA, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), and Seven States Power Corporation. The downtown fast charging station is the first in the area, expanding public EV charging options in the city. KUB’s Promenade Garage in downtown Knoxville also has four Level 2 charging stations for public use. The City of Knoxville currently offers more than 30 Level 2 EV charging ports throughout the city. Seymour’s newly
installed EV fast chargers are the area’s first public chargers.
Station users praise the stations’ design on PlugShare.com with one user noting the downtown location’s walkability from the river and downtown amenities saying, “This may be my favorite station between Washington DC and Flagstaff, AZ!”
KUB and its partners celebrate the opening of Seymour’s first EV fast charging stations.
Delivering Safe, Clean, and Reliable Natural Gas Service
KUB’s natural gas system continues to grow, with more residential and business customers choosing to add natural gas service each year. Across its system, KUB works to remain a leader in the use of best practices and technologies to ensure a safe, clean and reliable system. These efforts include ongoing emissions measurement, comprehensive leak detection and repair practices, and sustainable operations.
The leading cause of natural gas leaks in KUB’s service area is infrastructure damage caused by third-parties –instances referred to as “dig-ins.” KUB maintains a robust public education program to reduce the number of
dig-ins, and this year, ramped up it’s “Toolbox Talks.” Through these talks, KUB’s Damage Prevention Team surveys the service territory, stopping to talk with excavators. Team members share safe digging information and establish connections to promote safe digging practices before a dig-in occurs. KUB
saw dig-ins decrease during calendar year 2024 due to increased safe digging education and continuous improvement with its damage prevention program.
Tyler Clabo conducts a “Toolbox Talk,” sharing safe digging information with a contractor.
Safety Surveys
7,313 Valve Inspections 1,183 Steel Corrosion
Monitoring Points 93% Polyethelene Pipe
Introducing the Latest Natural Gas Meter Technology
The latest natural gas meter technology was installed on KUB’s system this year, as the first phase of a pilot program began. Through this pilot program, KUB is testing the use of Sensus Sonix IQ ultrasonic meters. These meters provide consumption, temperature, pressure, flow rate, and other safety-related data to KUB versus traditional meters, which only provide consumption data.
A More Resilient Natural Gas System
KUB Natural Gas continues to focus on increased resiliency to reduce the number of areas where a single dig-in could put hundreds of customers out of service. The second longest natural gas extension project in KUB history will be complete summer 2025. This project – the Eastbridge Loop – adds system
resiliency and accommodates planned residential growth in East Knox County and industrial growth at the Eastbridge Industrial Park.
“Increasing resiliency on our gas system not only means fewer customer service interruptions, but it also means more efficient operations for us,” Tim
Kelly, Gas Systems Engineer, said. “We’re especially excited about the Eastbridge project because current customers will benefit, and we’re supporting an up-and-coming area with the most reliable service possible.”
Logan Johnson installs gas main as part of KUB’s Eastbridge expansion project.
Promoting Safety in the Community
KUB’s commitment to safety doesn’t stop at its employees.
KUB promotes utility safety in the communities it serves through various outlets. Underground and overhead construction crews regularly showcase their Power Line Safety and Natural Gas Safety demonstration trailers at local schools and events, as well as at first responder trainings.
First responders and other groups are also invited to attend safety trainings on KUB’s campus. This year, KUB’s natural gas training facility was upgraded to include every piece of standard equipment found on KUB’s natural
gas system to simulate realworld natural gas scenarios. The facility includes a mock residential street, with sheds that represent customer homes hooked up to live natural gas lines to simulate scenarios and help trainees recognize the smells and sounds associated with natural gas while working alongside KUB’s experts. The facility also features an openair shed with nine functional gas meters and two industrial meters that are hooked up to air rather than natural gas to help trainees gain hands-on experience in a no-risk setting.
Mike Bales helps kids try on lineworker safety equipment during a Power Line Safety demonstration.
“With more complex utility systems in homes and businesses, continuing in our education in understanding gas and electric hazards is essential for first responders. KUB’s training center bridges that gap perfectly, providing us with a priceless opportunity to get hands-on with real-world gas and electric simulations.”
Rural Metro Fire attends a first responder training led by Todd Allen at KUB’s Natural Gas Training Facility.
Brandon Douglas Division Chief, Rural Metro Fire
From River to Tap
… and Back to
KUB works to ensure a reliable and clean water supply and wastewater treatment process. KUB treats more than 30 million gallons of water per day at the Mark B. Whitaker (MBW) Treatment Plant. Once customers use water, it enters KUB’s wastewater treatment process through which water is returned to the river free of pollutants. KUB’s state-certified Water Quality Laboratory is a critical step in the water and wastewater treatment processes, as more than 100,000 tests are performed for more than 150 contaminants at various stages of the processes.
As part of Century II, KUB replaces system infrastructure to ensure
River
reliable service for decades to come. A major Century II project is underway in the Fort Sanders neighborhood, considered one of the most challenging areas to perform this type of work due to high traffic volumes, dense residential neighborhoods, and critical commercial customers including the University of Tennessee and two hospitals. Now in its third year, the water portion of the project has entered Phase II and the wastewater portion was completed this summer. Additionally, on the wastewater system, KUB completed replacement of its Jones Street Pump Station and made progress on the replacement of its Walker Springs Pump Station.
Asbury Smith and Nick Shults test valves on KUB’s water system.
“We take our role here in the lab very seriously,” said Jai Jai McLaughlin, Water Quality Lab Analyst. “Whether we’re testing our source water, the finished product, or a sample in the middle of our treatment process, we take pride in the role we play to provide our customers with high-quality water. And we don’t stop there. We go throughout our community testing water quality to ensure that it stays safe for our customers.”
Jai Jai McLaughlin Lab Analyst
11.9 Miles of Water Pipe Replaced
7.9 Miles of Wastewater Pipe Replaced
2,995 Hydrants Inspected
4,351 Water Valves Inspected
Water Savers Program Assists Customers In Need
Along with KUB’s commitment to providing industry-leading water and wastewater treatment services for its customers, KUB’s Water Savers program helps income-eligible customers conserve water and lower their bills. The program offers efficiency improvements and repairs in partnership with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee.
The single-largest construction project in
Ensuring a Reliable Water Supply
In addition to KUB’s infrastructure replacement as part of Century II, KUB maintains a Water Supply Master Plan. This plan is a decades-long initiative to improve resiliency and operational flexibility at the nearly 100-year-old Mark B. Whitaker (MBW) Treatment Plant.
The plan includes the single largest construction project in KUB’s history – a $67 million filters project. The filters project will add six filters and 38 million gallons of filter capacity to the plant, adding resiliency at the facility.
$67 million project
6 new filters
38 million gallons of filter capacity
KUB’s history adds 38 million gallons of filter capacity and enhances water plant resiliency.
“We’re lucky in East Tennessee to have an abundant source of water in the Tennessee River,” Chris Thomas, Manager of Plant Operations, said.
“Through our ongoing maintenance and the major additions to our MBW Treatment Plant, we will continue to serve our growing communities with the highest quality drinking water.”
Chris Thomas Manager of Plant Operations
The nearly 100-year-old Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant provides safe, reliable, and affordable water to the community.
KUB Employees Respond to Hurricane Helene’s Impact
As the provider of essential utility services for customers across 688 square miles, emergency preparedness is a crucial aspect of KUB’s operations. Emergency plans were put to work, as Hurricane Helene swept across the region in September 2024.
KUB electric crews worked around the clock for more than three days. Within the first 12 hours, more than 20,000 customers’ power had been restored, and work continued steadily until power was restored to all customers. Meanwhile, and for weeks later, employees in KUB’s Water Division monitored river conditions and adjusted water treatment measures
as needed to ensure the water and wastewater systems remained stable. Despite challenges related to increased river turbidity and elevation, KUB plant operators and personnel were able to manage unprecedented conditions to sustain KUB’s high water quality throughout the event with no impact to customers. “The turbidity levels in the river were extraordinary,” Chris Thomas, KUB Plants Manager, explained. “I’ve been at KUB for 20 years and I’ve never seen turbidity that high, and I’ve never seen high turbidity sustained this long. Our operators are always working around the clock, but with rapidly changing source water conditions, it’s an extra layer of
responsibility because you cannot get behind on it. I’m so proud that we were able to maintain our excellent water quality through this historic event.”
Above: The confluence of the Holston and French Broad rivers shows the difference in source water quality following Hurricane Helene, as the French Broad carried muddy floodwater into the Tennessee River. Below: Spencer Wise talks with customers outside their home while working to repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
38,215 Electric Outages Restored
45 Poles Replaced
26 Transformers Replaced
250+ KUB & Contract Resources
276 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) Max Water Turbidity
100 NTU Sustained Water Turbidity for 14 days
No Water Quality Impact
Left: Craig Reynolds monitors KUB’s water plant after Hurricane Helene swept through the area. Bottom right: Haley Comer works to repair damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
Operating with Excellence
Efficient and sustainable practices are a key aspect of KUB’s operations. Environmental stewardship is one aspect of these practices, as KUB assesses the emission impact of its operations and identifies opportunities for improvement. This includes solar panels on KUB buildings, an alternative fuel fleet, materials reuse, and other operational efficiency improvements.
Above: KUB’s Operations Center leverages advanced data systems and automated technologies to monitor utility systems and make operational adjustments around the clock. Below: Noah Newport operates a drone.
ESG Goal:
Achieve 70% alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) in KUB’s light-duty fleet by 2035.
Current Progress: 56%
Taking to the Sky
KUB is always looking for innovative ways to increase efficiency, and this year, KUB expanded upon the pilot phase of its new in-house drone program. In the Water Division, drones are equipped with mapping technology that increases efficiency of underground construction project management. With drones, KUB creates post-construction drawings to show how, when, and where facilities were installed to provide important information about what occurred during construction, photos of critical
tie-ins, and project videos to keep track of progress. “With these drones, we can get extremely accurate images that can be revisited in a dynamic capacity in the future,” Noah Newport, Water Systems Engineering Project Coordinator, explained. “Teams can go back and take measurements from the drone photos 10 years from now using the post processing software. The ability to collect project inspection and construction information in real time from the air adds a new dynamic to our existing capabilities.”
In the Electric Division, engineers began using drone technology to support design processes. Using drone photography, engineers are able to analyze electric lines and substations from above, increasing efficiency and accuracy in infrastructure planning processes. KUB also has plans to add LiDAR technology to support transmission line design and additional drones to support pole audits and inspections.
Noah Bohrer flies a drone along with TJ Peterson as the company evaluates their use for electric utility applications.
A Long-Term Solution for Lower Utility Costs
KUB has been an advocate for weatherization to improve efficiency and lower utility bills for more than a decade. Weatherization efforts in Knoxville began in 2015 with the creation of KUB’s Round It Up program, through which customers can round their bills up to the next dollar to support weatherization, and the Knoxville Extreme Energy
Makeover (KEEM). Since then, KUB has continued to partner with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, the City of Knoxville, and TVA EnergyRight’s Home Uplift to support weatherization. In 2021, KUB committed to invest $1 million annually, and this year, KUB and its partners celebrated the milestone of 3,000 homes weatherized.
“When I see my monthly bill, I can tell these improvements have made a total difference,” weatherization recipient O’Hara James said. “It’s more comfortable in my home, and I don’t have to turn on the heat as much.”
KUB customer O’Hara James experiences the benefits of weatherization upgrades for his home.
ESG Goal: Support community weatherization efforts to reach milestone of 4,500 homes by 2030
Current Progress: 3,187 homes
weatherized
Community Engagement Supports Efficiency
KUB hosted its first Residential Energy Services Summit this year in partnership with United Way and TVA. This summit connected over 35 participants from local organizations that serve the Knoxville community’s energy needs. Sessions aimed to strengthen coordination and awareness of resources such as KUB Energy & Water Savings Workshops, weatherization assistance, TVA EnergyRight offerings, and more.
Rocky Hill Elementary School students pose for a photo with EnergyRight Monsters’ “Spark” after an Eye Spy Energy Kids Workshop. KUB offers free Energy & Water Savings Workshops in partnership with EnergyRight customized for adults, children, and teens.
Employees Give Back
As part of KUB’s commitment to the community, employees make an impact in ways that go beyond their daily roles.
KUB’s Volunteer Time program provides full-time employees eight hours of paid time annually to volunteer at local nonprofits. An employee group called KUB Cares organizes special events that promote Volunteer Time. These events include agency fairs, which give employees a chance to meet representatives from nonprofits across KUB’s service area, and weeks of service.
Employees from across the company also organize an annual fundraiser supporting the United Way of Greater Knoxville. A planning committee, KUB Cares, and KUB’s Employee
Association fundraise for more than a month in many ways, including a kickoff event and celebration event.
The KUB Environmental Employee Team identifies ways to support the community with environmental initiatives throughout the year. This year,
the team worked with KUB Cares to incorporate environmentally focused Volunteer Time efforts into the spring Week of Service, which coincided with Earth Day. This team also organized a partnership with Trees Knoxville this year to plant 18 trees in a local park.
JaNay’ Turner and other employees prepare the community garden for spring at the KUB Community Solar site.
4,689 Hours of Vol Time in 2024
$193,800 Raised for United Way in 2024
$2.49 Million raised for United Way since 2013
“Our employees are eager to volunteer in the community, and as part of KUB Cares, we like to organize times like the weeks of service where employees from different departments can come together and support various organizations in need.”
Cameron Rowlett KUB Cares representative
Cindi Roberts and other employees volunteer at Zoo Knoxville.
TeenWork Connects Students to Job Experience for 30 Years
KUB has invested in the Knoxville area’s future leaders for 30 years through its TeenWork career readiness program. KUB TeenWork provides high school juniors with resources and education to help them succeed after high school, whether they enter the workforce or begin college. Along with educational sessions, TeenWorkers interview for placement in a paid summer internship at KUB or a local business partner to gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting.
Throughout three decades, more than 550 KUB TeenWorkers have completed the program. In recent
years, KUB expanded the program to serve more students per year than ever by partnering with additional high schools and local companies to increase internship opportunities. Along with neighboring utility companies West Knox Utility District and First Utility District of Knox County, KUB partners with Covenant Health to provide healthcare-related internships, the Knoxville Chamber for economic development opportunities, and as of this year, Zoo Knoxville for students interested in animal science. Throughout their internship, TeenWorkers are paired with a mentor to serve as a resource for the summer.
TeenWorkers are given opportunities to return to KUB for college internships, utility apprenticeships, and even full-time positions. There are currently 12 former TeenWorkers employed at KUB.
Above: Rick Rice and Chatty Cannon talk with TeenWorker Faith Imani about summer internship opportunities. Below: TeenWork mentor Amy Kennedy and TeenWorker Elianni Stewart review work.
12 Former TeenWorkers Employed Full-Time
21 KUB and Partner Mentors
From TeenWorker to Full-Time Employee
James Dendrinos works in KUB’s Fiber Network Engineering Department, and just three years ago, he was a KUB TeenWorker. “I never really had any experience in the workforce,” James said reflecting on his time as a TeenWorker. “When I interviewed, I got placed with Eric, and that was the best thing that could have happened.” James added that seeing his mentor, Eric Rhyno, enjoy his job at KUB made him want to pursue a career at in the utility industry beyond TeenWork.
Above: TeenWorker Jesus Flores gains hands-on experience in KUB’s Transportation Department. Below: Eric Rhyno and James Dendrinos pose for a photo.
Award-Winning Service
KUB’s utility systems are consistently recognized nationally by industry groups for excellent operations and exceeding standards. KUB is also recognized for its continued commitment to sustainability efforts and commitment to the community. Below are noteworthy awards KUB holds.
• American Public Gas Association System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR)
• American Public Gas Association Community Service Award
• American Public Gas Association Safety Management Excellence Award
• American Public Power Association Reliable Public Power Provider Designation
• American Public Power Association Smart Energy Provider Designation
• American Public Power Association Safety Award
• Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Environmental Justice & Equity Utility Management Award
• Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies Sustainable Water Utility Management Award
• Arbor Day Foundation Tree Line USA Award
• National Association of Clean Water Agencies Peak Performance Awards
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification
• Utility of the Future Today Recognition from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Water Environment Federation, the Water Environment Research Foundation, and WateReuse
• Water Environment Federation Water Heroes Award
• Pinnacle Impact Business Award from the Knoxville Chamber
• 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Program and NAFA Fleet Management Association
• Green Fleet Awards
KUB Consolidated Financial Position
Change in Net Position (Earnings)
$66.4 Million
$20.9 Million
$19.3 Million
Outstanding Bonds
KUB Senior Staff members discuss the financial plan.
Electric Division by the Numbers
226,224 customers
689-square-mile service area
5,570 miles of service lines
64 substations
6,135,085 MWh total purchased power
$497 million purchased power cost; 70% of sales
1350.5 MW peak day (January 21, 2024)
3,359,500 kVA peak capacity
12,000 kWh annual use by the typical residential customer
$4.43 per day for the typical residential customer
Fiber Division by the Numbers
22,416 customers
689-square-mile service area
3,069 miles of fiber
98% customer satisfaction rate
Natural Gas Division by the Numbers
111,101 customers
298-square-mile service area
2,609 miles of distribution mains
14,229,374 dth total purchased gas
$59 million purchased gas cost; 46% of sales
169,458 dth peak day (December 23, 2022)
157,381 dth system capacity
600 therms annual use by the typical residential customer
$2.01 per day for the typical residential customer
$66.4 million positive change in net position
$483 million outstanding debt (revenue bonds)
43.9% debt ratio
4.24X debt service coverage
$718.1 million operating revenues
$151.9 million capital infrastructure investment
Aa2 Moody’s Bond Rating
AA- Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating
$3.9 million negative change in net position
$39.6 million outstanding debt (Payable, interdivisional loan from Electric Division)
$17 million operating revenues
$20.9 million positive change in net position
$64.8 million outstanding debt (revenue bonds) 16.2% debt ratio 4.86X debt service coverage
$128.9 million operating revenues
$21.7 million capital infrastructure investment
Aa2 Moody’s Bond Rating
AA Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating
Water Division by the Numbers
84,262 customers
188-square-mile service area
1,417 miles of distribution mains
1 treatment plant
28 storage facilities
26 booster pump stations
62.9 million gallons rated capacity
36.9 million gallons reservoir capacity
13.1 billion gallons treated water per year
35.9 million gallons/day average flow
44,880 gallons annual use by the typical residential customer
$1.09 per day for the typical residential customer
Wastewater Division by the Numbers
75,540 customers
249-square-mile service area
1,349 miles of wastewater mains
4 treatment plants
6 storage facilities
80 lift stations
14.4 billion gallons treated water per year
39.41 million gallons/day average flow
66.4 million gallons rated capacity
44,880 gallons annual use by the typical residential customer
$2.42 per day for the typical residential customer
$19.3 million positive change in net position
$208.4 million outstanding debt (revenue bonds)
43.2% debt ratio
2.70X debt service coverage
$76.6 million operating revenues
$52 million capital infrastructure investment
Aa1 Moody’s Bond Rating
AAA Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating
$29.8 million positive change in net position
$438 million outstanding debt (revenue bonds)
48.8% debt ratio
2.33X debt service coverage
$119.3 million operating revenues
$30.8 million capital infrastructure investment
Aa2 Moody’s Bond Rating
AAA Standard & Poor’s Bond Rating
