Compare Utility Providers in Knoxville, TN

Electric Providers in Knoxville

Top 2 Natural Gas Providers in Knoxville

Top 11 Internet Providers in Knoxville

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Knoxville

Top 7 Trash and Recycling Providers in Knoxville

Utilities Summary for Knoxville, TN

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	2
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	7
Municipal Electricity:	Yes

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Utilities in Knoxville

Found in the heart of East Tennessee, in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, Knoxville is a vibrant city known for its friendly community, scenic mountain views, and deep-rooted Appalachian culture. It’s home to the University of Tennessee, which brings energy and diversity to the area, and the city boasts a thriving downtown with restaurants, live music, and green spaces. Whether you’re moving to historic neighborhoods like Old North Knoxville, trendy areas like South Knoxville, or family-friendly suburbs like Farragut or Fountain City, you’ll find that Knoxville offers a great blend of charm, nature, and modern amenities.

Electricity in Knoxville

Most Knoxville residents receive their electricity from the Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), which serves over 210,000 electric customers in the city and surrounding areas. KUB operates as a public utility, sourcing power from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility that provides energy across the southeastern U.S. KUB has a mobile app and online portal that make it easy to pay bills, view usage, and report outages.

KUB and TVA offer several energy-saving programs and rebates to promote sustainability and lower monthly bills:

Energy Efficiency and Rebate Programs:

• Home Uplift Program: For income-qualified households, provides free energy upgrades like insulation, HVAC repair, and air sealing.
• EnergyRight Residential Rebate Program (via TVA):
  • Smart Thermostat: $50 rebate
  • Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 rebate
  • HVAC Tune-Up: Up to $150
  • Duct Sealing or Replacement: Up to $300
• Free DIY Energy Kit: Includes LED bulbs, aerators, and other energy-saving tools.
• Home Energy Evaluation: Free or low-cost assessments with personalized recommendations and access to rebates.

These programs make it easier to transition into a more energy-conscious lifestyle while saving money over time.

Natural Gas in Knoxville

KUB is also the primary provider of natural gas in Knoxville, serving more than 100,000 customers. Their natural gas service is safe, reliable, and competitively priced. The KUB mobile app also supports gas customers, allowing for easy account management and usage tracking.

The utility encourages sustainable energy use and offers rebates through its partnership with TVA’s EnergyRight program.

Natural Gas Rebates

• Natural Gas Water Heater (Tankless or Storage): $150–$300 rebate
• Natural Gas Furnace: $250 rebate
• Smart Thermostat (if tied to gas heating): $50 rebate
• Weatherization and Duct Sealing: $150–$300

In addition, KUB promotes conservation through its Gas Safety Education Program, encouraging safe and efficient usage and offering resources for detecting and preventing leaks.

Water Services in Knoxville

KUB also handles water service for the Knoxville area, serving over 90,000 customers. Water is sourced from the Tennessee River, and the city’s water treatment plant is consistently ranked among the top in the nation for quality and safety. KUB focuses on maintaining water quality and sustainability through infrastructure improvements and leak reduction efforts.

Water Conservation Programs

• RainSmart Rebate Program (in partnership with Knox County Stormwater):
  • Rain Barrel: Up to $100
  • Rain Garden Installation: Up to $500
• Toilet Replacement Rebates: Occasionally offered for upgrading to WaterSense-certified toilets (check for availability).
• Water Efficiency Tips & Tools: Through KUB’s site and TVA’s DIY EnergyRight kits (includes low-flow aerators).

The water department also monitors and reports on regional droughts and water usage, helping residents be better stewards of local resources.

Trash and Recycling in Knoxville

Trash collection and recycling services in Knoxville are managed by the City of Knoxville’s Waste and Resources Management Office. If you live within city limits, you’ll be automatically enrolled when you set up water service with KUB. Services include weekly curbside trash pickup and biweekly recycling pickup.

Tools and Unique Services

• “Knoxville Trash and Recycling” App: Lets you set reminders, find pickup schedules, and check what’s recyclable.
• Household Hazardous Waste Facility: Open to residents to safely dispose of paint, chemicals, batteries, and electronics.
• Yard Waste Pickup: Seasonal curbside service for brush, leaves, and small branches.
• Bulky Item Pickup: Free by appointment for large items like furniture or appliances.

Knoxville also offers community-wide clean-up days and sustainability education through its “Zero Waste Schools” and “Keep Knoxville Beautiful” initiatives.

Best Internet Providers in Knoxville

Internet access in Knoxville is widely available, with a mix of high-speed fiber, cable, and 5G home internet options. Most neighborhoods, including downtown and surrounding suburbs, have access to at least two high-speed providers.

AT&T Fiber

• Offers up to 5 Gbps speeds in some areas
• Symmetrical upload/download speeds
• Great for remote work, streaming, and smart homes
• Available in about 85% of the city

Xfinity

• Reliable cable internet with wide coverage (almost 99%)
• Speeds up to 2 Gbps
• TV and mobile bundles available

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

• Wireless internet with no installation or equipment fees
• Download speeds vary from 72 Mbps to 245 Mbps
• Great for renters and short-term residents

WOW! Internet

• Competitive pricing and no contracts
• Speeds up to 1.2 Gbps
• Available in select neighborhoods only, less than 40% of Knoxville

It’s worth comparing speeds and deals by your address to find the best value and performance.

Local Sustainability, Conservation, and Green Energy Programs

Knoxville is a regional leader in environmental sustainability, with a number of city- and community-led initiatives aimed at reducing energy use, cutting emissions, and protecting the area’s natural beauty.

Notable Programs and Initiatives

• City of Knoxville Sustainability Office: Leads efforts on climate planning, energy savings in public buildings, and clean transportation.
• Solarize East Tennessee: Group-purchasing program offering discounts for residential solar installation.
• Green Building Incentives: Builders can earn property tax abatements for constructing LEED-certified buildings.
• Knoxville Area Transit (KAT): Operates hybrid and electric buses, reducing public transportation emissions.
• Tree Knoxville: A nonprofit focused on reforesting urban areas and educating residents on tree care and planting.

The city also publishes a Sustainability Work Plan with updates on climate action goals, making it easy for residents to get involved in green living.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Knoxville

Utility bills can sometimes be a burden, but Knoxville offers several programs to help low-income households or those experiencing temporary hardship. These programs are available through both providers and community organizations.

Provider-Based Assistance

• KUB Project Help: Provides emergency energy assistance during cold months. Funded by customer donations and matched by KUB.
• Levelized Billing: Spreads seasonal spikes across 12 months for consistent bills.
• Utility Payment Arrangements: Flexible options for missed payments or high usage months.

Community & City-Based Help

• CAC (Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee): Administers energy and water bill assistance, home weatherization services, and support for seniors and veterans.
  • LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
  • Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance
• East Tennessee Foundation: Offers grants for nonprofit agencies that can help residents in need.

State-Based Programs

• Tennessee LIHEAP: Federal funds distributed through local agencies to assist with utility bills
• Weatherization Assistance Program: Helps qualifying households improve home insulation and energy efficiency for long-term savings.

If you’re struggling to keep up with bills, start by contacting KUB’s customer service or the local CAC office, they can connect you with the right program quickly.

Knoxville Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Knoxville

Knoxville Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.