At Cleveland Utilities, we're different. We're a local internet provider that serves the Cleveland, TN, community, which is why it’s important to us to share why we lowered our residential 1 Gig fiber internet price rather than keeping the extra revenue. The answer is simple: we're a community-owned utility. Cleveland Utilities exists to serve the people of Cleveland (not outside shareholders). As a community-owned internet provider, our priorities are different than what you’re used to from other internet companies. Our recent price reduction isn't just about lowering your monthly bill. It's a reflection of our commitment to responsible stewardship, investing in our community, and delivering long-term value to the people we serve. It's one more example of what makes CU Fiber different. Community-Owned Means Customer-Focused Our mission at Cleveland Utilities is simple: provide reliable, high-quality services at a fair price while making investments that strengthen our community. Every decision we make is guided by what's best for the people and businesses we serve. That philosophy shapes every aspect of CU Fiber. When we find operational efficiencies and deliver the same exceptional service at a lower cost, we believe in passing those savings on to the people we work for: you! It’s one of the biggest advantages of being community-owned. Investing in Cleveland's Future Fiber internet is about more than faster downloads and smoother streaming. Cleveland Utilities’ reliable fiber network supports education, healthcare, remote work, economic development, and local businesses right here in Cleveland. Because we're locally owned, every investment we make is focused on what’s best for Cleveland, today and in the future. We're committed to maintaining and expanding our 100% fiber-to-the-home network so our customers continue to enjoy reliable, future-ready internet for years to come. Every improvement we make is an investment in the community we proudly serve. Lower Rates Reflect Responsible Stewardship Lowering the price of our 1 Gig fiber internet service wasn't a temporary promotion or a marketing campaign. It was the result of careful planning, responsible financial management, and our commitment to putting customers first. We seek out efficiencies and look for ways to share those benefits with our customers. When we invest, we invest with Cleveland's future in mind. And when we make decisions, we ask ourselves: "What's best for the community we serve?" Experience the CU Fiber Difference If you've been thinking about switching to fiber internet, there's never been a better time. Take advantage of our reduced 1 Gig pricing. Choose CU Fiber for reliable, community-focused service you can trust. Thank you for trusting Cleveland Utilities. We're proud to invest in our community and serve you one connection at a time.

Cleveland Utilities Authority (CUA) is proud to announce that President/CEO Tim Henderson has received the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA) Outstanding Service Award. One of the association’s highest honors, the award recognizes exceptional leadership and dedicated service to Tennessee’s municipal electric power industry. Henderson received the award during the President’s Luncheon at the TMEPA Annual Conference on July 16 th in Knoxville. The award recognizes individuals who embody the ideals and values of public power leadership in Tennessee. Henderson has demonstrated exemplary leadership, provided outstanding service, and advocated not only for Cleveland Utilities Authority, but also for municipal electric systems throughout the state. Since becoming President/CEO in 2016, Henderson has guided Cleveland Utilities through a period of significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the utility has strengthened system reliability through grid modernization, launched CUA Fiber to provide high-speed internet services to its customers, successfully transitioned to an Energy Authority, and advanced initiatives that enhance infrastructure while keeping customer service at the forefront. “Tim’s leadership has helped position Cleveland Utilities Authority as a recognized leader among municipal utilities in Tennessee,” said TMEPA Executive Director, Brian Solsbee. “His vision, integrity, and dedication to the public power model—and to the customers and community he serves—make him exceptionally deserving of this prestigious recognition.”  “I am truly honored to receive this award,” Henderson said. “The collective work across Tennessee municipalities is what drives our industry forward. This recognition reflects the incredible work of our entire CUA team. Every achievement has been made possible by the dedicated employees who serve our customers each day. It is a privilege to work alongside such an outstanding group of professionals.” CUA and TMEPA congratulate Henderson on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his continued leadership and commitment to public power along with the employees, customers, and community CUA serves.

Cleveland Utilities Conducting Residential Backflow Testing in its Water Service Territory

Cleveland Utilities Authority (CUA) has adopted its FY2027 Budget. Highlights of the approved rate adjustments for the 2027 fiscal year, effective July 1, 2026, are below. These adjustments reflect the increasing costs of providing safe, reliable utility services while supporting continued investment in essential infrastructure. Electric Rates CU customers will see no increase in electric rates. CUA continues to carefully manage operating costs and system investments while maintaining reliable electric service for our community. Water Rates Water rates will include a 5.00% internal adjustment to support the operation, maintenance and improvement of CUA’s water system. Cleveland Utilities Authority purchases a significant portion of its water supply from the Hiwassee Utilities Commission (HUC). HUC approved an 8.7% wholesale rate increase, which will be passed through to CUA customers. For an average residential customer using six units of water, these adjustments will result in an estimated monthly increase of $6.08 (actual impacts will vary based on individual water usage). Wastewater Rates Wastewater rates will increase by 7.00%. This adjustment will help support the continued operation and maintenance of the wastewater system, necessary infrastructure improvements and regulatory requirements. For an average residential customer using six units, the estimated monthly wastewater increase would be approximately $5.39 (actual impacts will vary based on individual usage). Fiber Rates There will be no rate increases for CU Fiber internet service. In fact, the price of CU Fiber’s popular residential 1 Gig package will decrease from $69.99 to $67.99 per month. Current 1 Gig customers will automatically receive the lower rate beginning July 1—no action or phone call is required. CU Fiber continues to provide 100% fiber-to-the-premises internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds, local customer service, no contracts and no hidden fees. Continuing to Serve Our Community Cleveland Utilities Authority understands that rate adjustments affect every household and business we serve. As a public utility, the revenue collected by CUA is reinvested into operating, maintaining and improving the utility systems that serve our customers. CU implements rate increases only when necessary to continue providing safe, reliable services and making essential infrastructure improvements. Our team remains committed to carefully managing costs while maintaining the dependable utility services our community relies on every day. These adjustments will take effect July 1, 2026. Customers with questions may contact Cleveland Utilities at 423-472-4521.

Cleveland Utilities Authority (CUA) has announced an update to its wastewater fee structure aimed at improving fairness and aligning customer contributions with system usage. Beginning July 1, 2026, CUA will transition from its current access fee structure based on water meter size to a wastewater capacity fee structure based on Equivalent Residential Units (ERUs). The change is designed to ensure that all customers contribute equitably based on the wastewater capacity demand they place on the system. Under the new model, one Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is defined as up to 150 gallons per day, which represents the average daily residential wastewater contribution to the system. A single-family residential connection serves as the current benchmark for 1 ERU. Single-family residential connections will continue to pay the current connection fee of $2,200, which is equivalent to the existing 5/8-inch access fee. As a result, there will be no change in cost for new single-family residential connections when the new fee structure takes effect on July 1, 2026. The new ERU rate will be $2,200 per unit effective July 1, 2026. The updated fee model will primarily impact commercial and industrial developments, where wastewater capacity fees will be calculated based on projected flow contributions to the system rather than water meter size alone. For example, a commercial customer projected to discharge 6,000 gallons per day would equate to approximately 40 ERUs (6,000 gallons divided by 150 gallons per ERU). At the rate of $2,200 per ERU, the resulting wastewater capacity fee would be approximately $88,000. This updated approach provides a more accurate and equitable method of allocating system costs, ensuring that customers who place greater demand on the wastewater infrastructure contribute proportionally. The new capacity fee model is based on current development projections. However, CUA acknowledges that future development activity and associated revenues cannot be predicted with certainty and these fees will continue to be evaluated. For additional information about the wastewater capacity fee model, customers may contact Cleveland Utilities Authority at 423-472-4521.

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