• New TVA EnergyRight program aims to assist rebuilding businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
• Incentive funding available to businesses in 22 counties designated by FEMA as disaster areas across East Tennessee, Western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia.
• Replacing damaged equipment with energy efficient components can help lower businesses’ operating costs.

TVA EnergyRight has developed a Rapid Rebuilding Assistance initiative to provide incentives to qualifying businesses in the TVA service area impacted by the Hurricane Helene weather system—or any other events declared as major disasters by FEMA since Sept. 1, 2024.

A total of 22 counties in TVA’s service territory spanning parts of Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia were designated by FEMA as disaster areas following Helene. That includes Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties in Tennessee; Avery, Cherokee, Clay and Watauga counties in North Carolina; and Lee, Scott, Washington and Wise counties in Virginia.

Through the TVA EnergyRight Rapid Rebuilding Assistance program, projects to replace damaged technologies and appliances undertaken by eligible businesses in those counties will be expedited so customers can receive critical funds for efficient replacement of lighting ($0.10 per kWh), HVAC ($80-$250 per ton) and refrigeration ($100-$200 per linear foot of reach-in cases) equipment in their facilities.

“As businesses in these communities start the process of rebuilding, we want to support them so they can invest in equipment that will save energy and lower their operating cost over the long term,” said Monika Beckner, vice president, TVA Energy Services & Programs. “By investing in energy efficiency, we can build a better tomorrow together.”

Eligibility requirements are as follows:
• Impacted businesses or industries must be located in a FEMA-declared disaster county in TVA’s service area completing qualifying projects on or after the FEMA-declared disaster date of Sept. 1, 2024.
• The incentive application must be received within 24 months of the FEMA-declared date.
• Purchased equipment must meet minimum efficiency requirements.
• Provide invoices, specification sheets and proof of event insurance claim.

Eligible businesses can receive assistance with the program application and identification of contractors. There are no pre-inspections required. Equipment ordered and installed after the disaster and prior to Rapid Rebuilding Assistance application approval is covered. Incentives are paid by check upon project completion.

Interested business owners are encouraged to visit http://www.energyright.com/, email mailto:TVAbusinessincentive@tva.gov or call 866-233-0450.

TVA EnergyRight also offers residential energy rebates for homeowners in need of efficient upgrades. Find out more by visiting http://www.EnergyRight.com/rebates.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.