How City of Chattanooga compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs City of Chattanooga, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Dayton | 11.98 | 9,053 | -0.34 | -$37 |
| Volunteer Electric Coop | 12.19 | 104,387 | -0.12 | -$13 |
| City of Chattanooga (this page) | 12.32 | 164,417 | — | — |
| Duck River Elec Member Corp | 12.50 | 71,342 | +0.18 | +$20 |
| City of Cleveland | 12.53 | 29,331 | +0.21 | +$23 |
| Sequachee Valley Electric Coop | 12.97 | 33,206 | +0.65 | +$70 |
5 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with City of Chattanooga. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than City of Chattanooga customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where City of Chattanooga customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | City of Chattanooga premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bledsoe | City of Dayton | 11.98 | +$37 |
| Rhea | City of Dayton | 11.98 | +$37 |
| Bradley | Volunteer Electric Coop | 12.19 | +$13 |
| Hamilton | Volunteer Electric Coop | 12.19 | +$13 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 12.00 | 12.32 | +2.7% |
| Residential customers | 160,446 | 164,417 | +2.5% |
Ownership: Municipal. Statewide context: Tennessee electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a City of Chattanooga bill
Tennessee is a regulated retail market — City of Chattanooga customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: tn.gov/tpuc.html.
Counties served (TN, EIA-861 2024)
Bledsoe · Bradley · Hamilton · Marion · Rhea · Sequatchie
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is City of Chattanooga more expensive than other Tennessee utilities?
- City of Chattanooga customers paid an average 12.32 cents/kWh in 2024 — 1% below the Tennessee volume-weighted average of 12.42 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from City of Chattanooga?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Tennessee has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (tn.gov/tpuc.html).
- How many customers does City of Chattanooga have?
- 164,417 residential customers in Tennessee in 2024 across 6 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: municipal.