KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Utilities Board hosted a community expo at The Change Center on Wednesday, giving people a chance to learn more about career opportunities, bill assistance and more.
Their booths included a kids' activity station, which taught young children about how power is generated and distributed across the area. There were also booths that explained KUB's bill assistance programs, aimed at helping community members keep their lights on regardless of their finances.
One program, called Project Help, is meant to help families in need pay utility bills during the winter. KUB also offers free energy and money-saving home upgrades for eligible customers. That program can give people new or repaired HVAC units, insulation, appliance, water heaters or more.
There are also low-income home energy assistance programs available in counties across East Tennessee. More information about those programs is available on KUB's website.
During the expo, KUB also discussed its new fiber internet program. The program is rolling out across the region as crews build out the infrastructure. Only some areas can sign up for their fiber internet as of 2023. KUB developed an online tool people can use to check if the broadcast system is available in their neighborhood.
The broadband system provides gigabit download speed and upload speeds, beating out plans that many other companies offer in the area. KUB said they are offering it for $65 per month.
At the expo, KUB also discussed ways people can conserve energy and be more environmentally conscious.
The expo lasted until 7 p.m. Wednesday night.