KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The Tullahoma Utilities Authority Board of Directors approved to continue its participation in the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) Uplift Program.

According to the memo from TUA President Allen Potter, the Home Uplift program enables TUA and TVA to partner together to provide energy upgrades that help low-income homeowners increase the efficiency and comfort of their homes and reduce their energy bills.

“We’ve been doing home uplifts since 2020,” Potter said. “It’s a great way for us to give back to the community.”

Per Potter, homes that qualify for the program typically receive approximately $8,000 to $12,000 each in energy upgrades, which may include HVAC repair/replacement, insulation, air sealing, windows and doors, as well as minor health and safety repairs.

“TVA will provide up to $19,333 in funds this year to TUA, with TUA matching that same amount for a total of $38,666,” Potter said. “This amount should be enough to uplift three or four homes in Tullahoma.”

Potter added TVA may have additional funds available later in the fiscal year for TUA to consider matching to uplift more homes. He then recommended that the board approve continuing its participation in the TVA Home Uplift Program, starting Oct. 1, 2024, with TUA’s portion coming from the TUA Round Up Program, $9,666.50, and TUA Electric Reserves, $9,666.50. Potter said the reason the funds were coming from reserves was because TUA won’t get the amount until later in the year.

The board unanimously approved to continue its participation in the TVA Home Uplift Program with no further discussion.