LAFOLLETTE, TN – Residents of Campbell County are facing increasing financial strain due to rising electricity costs, a concern voiced directly to the LaFollette Utility Board (LUB) at its Monday evening meeting. Sonya Lee, identified as a “LaFollette Utility Customer,” addressed the board, stating that “families in the community are struggling” with the burden of current rates.
Lee highlighted the economic vulnerabilities within the county, noting that “nearly one in five residents are below the poverty line.” She further emphasized the challenges faced by a significant senior population relying on fixed incomes, high rates of disability, and working families already operating on tight budgets. According to Lee, escalating electricity bills are forcing difficult choices between essential needs like heating, groceries, and medication.
“When the electric bills rise sharply, it is not only an inconvenience, it becomes a crisis,” Lee told the board, urging them to “reconsider the current rate structure.” She proposed exploring affordability programs similar to those implemented by other utilities, specifically a “structured affordability program for low-income households.” Lee also suggested a review of the utility’s fees, advocating for the “monthly point of service fee and base energy charges [to] reflect the economic reality of this rural community.”
Regina Kennedy, LUB General Manager, and board members acknowledged Lee’s concerns and thanked her for attending the meeting. Kennedy explained that the LUB operates under the regulations of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). She also outlined existing assistance programs offered by the utility, including payment arrangements, budget billing – which averages costs over twelve months – and the Caring Neighbors program, overseen by a separate board.
The LaFollette Utilities Board is a municipally-owned entity providing electrical power, water, and wastewater services to portions of Campbell, Claiborne, and Union Counties, serving approximately 23,480 electric, 10,628 water, and 3,637 wastewater customers. The utility purchases its wholesale power from the TVA and obtains its water supply from Norris Lake.
