KUB

Our business is providing utility service, and we are naturally proud of winning awards for plant operations or other technical aspects of delivering utilities. We are just as proud, however, of awards KUB or our employees win for supporting our community or helping protect our environment.

Below are examples of awards that show our commitment to excellent operations and customer service and to making our community a better place to live and work.

2023

TVA presented KUB with EnergyRight Awards for its Fiscal Year 2022, as highlighted in its annual Highlights Report. KUB received a Top Performer Award in the following categories: Home Uplift (#2), Home Energy Assessment (#1), and Improved Energy Equity (#2). TVA also recognized KUB as a FY22 Renewable Leader for KUB’s commitment to solar energy generation. KUB recently launched Knoxville’s first community solar project, which allows customers to support locally produced solar energy. KUB also committed to a 325 MW solar energy investment through TVA’s Green Invest program.

KUB received the Muse For All Core Value Award from the Muse Knoxville. KUB received this award for the various ways it serves the community through partnerships, outreach, volunteer efforts, and service projects. To learn about how KUB gives back to the communities it serves, view the ESG Report here.

2022

KUB currently holds the Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost, quality, safe, and reliable electric service. KUB was among the first utilities to receive this designation in 2020 and has been awarded a second time through 2024. Learn more about KUB's commitment to a greener future at www.kub.org/environment. 

KUB wastewater treatment plants again demonstrated award-winning performance. KUB’s wastewater treatment plants have a long history of excellent performance marked by numerous awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) over the years. In 2022, KUB plants met the 2021 criteria to achieve NACWA Peak Performance Silver Awards at its Eastbridge, Fourth Creek, and Loves Creek Wastewater Treatment Plants, and the Gold Award at its Kuwahee Wastewater Treatment Plant.

KUB received the Tree Line USA award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 21st consecutive year, recognizing KUB's commitment to follow best practices in utility arboriculture in the areas of quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting, and public education.

KUB received the Community Partnership Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its TeenWork program. The award recognizes companies for developing unique connections within the local community with educators, minority facing organizations, workforce systems, or other groups that have yielded demonstrated results in fueling the talent pipeline.

KUB was recognized as a Utility of the Future Today for its Biosolids Management Program by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). The program celebrates the achievements of water utilities that transform from a traditional wastewater treatment system to a resource recovery center and leader in the overall sustainability and resilience of the communities they serve. This is KUB’s third year as a Utility of the Future Today.

KUB received the Super Nova Star of Energy Efficiency Award from the Alliance to Save Energy. The award, which recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals who have demonstrated energy efficiency leadership, was presented to KUB along with community partners Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), City of Knoxville, Tennessee Department of Energy and Conservation (TDEC), and the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC).

KUB received the American Public Gas Association's 2022 Excellence in Environmental Stewardship Award, which recognizes an APGA public gas system that demonstrates excellence in commitment to the environment. Learn how KUB works for a greener future here. APGA also recognized KUB as a 2022 Safety Contest winner for the 2021 calendar year. KUB is committed to ensuring employees have the training and resources needed to complete their jobs safely. KUB also received APGA's Public Gas System Achievement Award, which is presented to public gas systems that have demonstrated a commitment to their community, the natural gas industry, and APGA.

KUB's fleet was recently recognized on the 2022 100 Best Fleets in the Americas list, coming in at No. 64. KUB’s fleet is powered by compressed natural gas, electric & hybrid technology, and E85 flex fuel, representing KUB’s commitment to reducing emissions for improved air quality and saving on fuel consumption.

2021

KUB was awarded with the Green Fleet Award for a second consecutive year. The award recognizes KUB sustainability efforts with its many alternative fuel vehicle types and the publicly accessible compressed natural gas fueling station. More information about KUB's green fleet can be found here.

KUB received an Excellence in Public Power Communications Award for its mobile apps from the American Public Power Association. KUB developed two mobile apps - one for iOS users and one for Android users - to provide more convenience to customers. Through the apps, customers can track their usage down to the hour, pay their bill, and stay up to date on the latest programs and offerings.

KUB was recently recognized by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) with the Award of Excellence in Distribution System Operations, as well two individual employee awards. The AWWA Award of Excellence in Distribution System Operations was presented to KUB for exemplifying best practices in water quality and operational records, maintenance programs and innovation, safety and security, and emergency preparedness. KUB Supervisor in Plant Operations Jimmy England was awarded the Operator Meritorious Award for his technical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and management achievements. KUB Service Advisor Joy Dockery was recognized with the Customer Service Award for her exceptional attention to customer needs, subject matter expertise, and commitment to mentoring.

American Public Gas Association (APGA) presented KUB with the APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Award for excellence in operating our natural gas utility. The four main areas of evaluation for this award are System Integrity, System Improvement, Employee Safety, and Workforce Development. There were two new areas added in 2020 to the extensive application process this year, which were Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Community Involvement. This year KUB achieved the gold status of the award, which is the highest you can achieve. Out of the 730+ public utilities in APGA, KUB is one of 14 with gold status.

The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) honored KUB with one of two 2021 Sustainable Water Utility Management Award, which recognizes water utilities that have made a commitment to management that achieves a balance of innovative and successful efforts in areas of economic, social, and environmental endeavors. KUB invests in its utility systems and develops and promotes environmentally sustainable initiatives within its operations and through its programs. The utility participates in TVA's Green Invest, the City of Knoxville Mayor’s Climate Council, and the Water Quality Forum to continuously improve its commitment to environmental stewardship and protection of local water sources. KUB’s sound financial structure and management ensure al sustainability initiatives are well-funded and balanced annually.

Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environmental and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers announced that KUB was awarded a Pursuit of Excellence Award as part of the 2021 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. The Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Awards program recognizes exceptional voluntary actions that improve or protect the environment and natural resources with projects or initiatives not required by law or regulation. The Pursuit of Excellence award recognizes past award winners who continue to demonstrate a high regard for environmental stewardship. KUB earned the award due to initiatives including:

Continued commitment to low-income weatherization assistance through Round It Up and Home Uplift
Development of KUB’s new water efficiency program for low-income customers
KUB’s Green Invest solar commitment with a purchase of 502 Megawatts of new-to-the-grid solar power
KUB’s investment to build Knoxville’s first community solar project
Implementation of the Green Switch Match pilot to give customers the option to purchase 100% renewable energy
Supporting adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by being the first TVA distributor to offer an EV charger rebate
Delivery of energy and water savings workshops in our community to youth and adults
Implementation of the new time-of-use rates pilot to provide customers another way to save energy and lower utility bills

More information about the awards and winners can be found here. More information about KUB's environmental efforts can be found in the latest Environmental Report.

KUB was honored to receive the 2021 MLK Diversity Champion Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission on June 17, 2021 for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and community.

The American Public Power Association (APPA) again recognized KUB as a diamond level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) in 2021. KUB achieved a perfect score of 100 points on the recertification. RP3 utilities demonstrate high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and utility system improvement. In addition, the APPA requires RP3 utilities to demonstrate stewardship of utility assets and long-term planning, as well as an ongoing commitment to promoting financial soundness and cyber and physical security.

KUB's fleet was recently recognized on the 2021 100 Best Fleets in the Americas list, coming in at No. 77. KUB’s fleet is powered by compressed natural gas, electric & hybrid technology, and E85 flex fuel, representing KUB’s commitment to reducing emissions for improved air quality and saving on fuel consumption.

In the TVA EnergyRight annual Highlights Report, KUB was honored with the Community Champion Award, which recognizes KUB as an EnergyRight partner who has exemplified the best of leadership, character, volunteerism, and public advocacy; embodied the spirit of EnergyRight programs and servicing the community; and went above and beyond the standard call of duty. The Community Champion Award recognizes KUB's service to the communities we serve and the environment through a variety of programs, such as Energy and Water Saving Workshops, the Savings in the House program in partnership with the City of Knoxville, the smart thermostat pilot program, the electric vehicle rebate program, and Green Switch Match, among other initiatives. View KUB's Community Relations Report here. KUB was also recognized by TVA with the following EnergyRight awards: Top Local Power Company for Total Program Energy (total program kWh savings: 3,523,833), Carbon Reduction, Home EE Energy Efficiency, DIY Home Energy Assessment, Home Uplift, Home Energy Workshops, EnergyRight Industry (Smart Energy Technologies), and Green Power Switch; Savings recognition for DIY Home Energy Assessment and Home Energy Workshops.

2020

KUB's Engineering Building earned LEED Certification, denoting quality and achievement in green building and reflecting the environmental considerations in the building's design and construction.

KUB received the Tree Line USA award from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 19th consecutive year, recognizing KUB's commitment to follow best practices in utility arboriculture in the areas of quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting, and public education.

KUB was recognized by TVA as an EnergyRight Top Performer in five categories: Efficiency Score Program Energy Efficiency, Efficiency Score Program Self Audit, Home Uplift Initiative, Home Energy Workshops, and Green Power Switch. Between these five programs, more than two million kilowatt hours were saved by customers. KUB has been consistently recognized as a top performer in this program for the last eight years.

KUB recently received Heavy Duty Trucking’s Top Green Fleet award, which recognizes leaders in the industry who save fuel and cut greenhouse gases by adding alternative-fueled, electric or hybrid-powered vehicles to their fleets. KUB was recognized in the November issue of HTD's magazine, which can be viewed online here.

KUB's fleet also recently renewed our Tennessee Green Fleets Certification, which recognizes fleets for their efforts to reduce petroleum consumption, use alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies, and reduce emissions. Certification is based on a scoring system, and KUB currently holds one star.

KUB has been recognized with the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Award for several years. The 100 Best Fleets looks at a variety of components, and this year we received their “Government Green Fleet” subcategory award ranking 42 of 50 recipients. The award is based on fleet composition, fuel and emissions, policy and planning, education, and supporting programs.

KUB's Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate Program was recently recognized by the Tennessee Departments of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) and Transportation (TDOT) at the Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Awards. KUB received the Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Award for the EV Charger Rebate Program, which launched in August 2019. Since the program implementation, KUB has helped over 100 customers purchase an EV Level 2 chargers for their home, a contribution amounting to more than 40 thousand dollars.

The American Public Power Association awarded KUB two Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards. KUB won an Award of Merit in the Print & Digital Communications category for its 2019 Community Relations Report and an Award of Excellence in the Social Media & Website category for its COVID-19 Pandemic Response communications.

The Tennessee Solar Energy Industries Association (TenneSEIA) presented one of two 2020 Solar Champion Awards to KUB. Each year, this award recognizes individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate leadership in support of solar energy deployment in the Tennessee Valley. KUB was recognized for substantial contributions to expanding solar in the region, specifically through the Green Invest program, a first-of-its-kind agreement with TVA to secure 212 megawatts (MW) of new-to-the-grid solar power on behalf of KUB customers.

KUB wastewater treatment plants again demonstrated award-winning performance - KUB’s wastewater treatment plants have a long history of excellent performance marked by numerous awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) over the years. In 2020, KUB was notified that our plants met the 2019 criteria to achieve NACWA Peak Performance Silver Awards at the following facilities: Eastbridge and Fourth Creek.

KUB was designated a Safety Contest Winner for Calendar Year 2019 by the American Public Gas Association (APGA), indicating the lowest number of recordable injuries per man-hours worked.

At the American Public Power Association's 2020 national conference, KUB was awarded the Sue Kelly Community Service Award, which recognizes utilities for their "good neighbor" activities that demonstrate commitment to the local community.

KUB's fleet was recently recognized on the 2020 100 Best Fleets in the Americas list, coming in at No. 70. KUB’s fleet is powered by compressed natural gas, electric & hybrid technology, and E85 flex fuel, representing KUB’s commitment to reducing emissions for improved air quality and saving on fuel consumption.

KUB's new Engineering Building won a 2020 Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchid Award in the category of Environmental Stewardship. During the 2020 awards, the Mary Lou Horner Beautification award was given to KUB’s Miller Building for their continued commitment to beautifying Knoxville by opening their lower level as a storefront. This award is given to a previous Orchids winner that has maintained or enhanced their Orchid-worthy status.

KUB was named a National Association of Clean Water Agencies' (NACWA) National Environmental Achievement Awards 2020 honoree - These awards recognize individuals and NACWA member agencies that have made "outstanding contributions to environmental protection and the clean water community." In 2020, KUB received two awards. The first award was in the Public Information & Education - Video category and recognized KUB's video titled "The Importance of Clean Water." The second award was in the Workforce Development category and recognized KUB's Operator Qualification Program.

KUB’s historic Miller’s Building in downtown Knoxville continues to achieve ENERGY STAR certification - This signifies the building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency and meets strict performance levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

2019

KUB received NACWA Water Resources Utility of the Future Today recognition - This program honors water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. KUB was chosen as a model for utilities of all sizes to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability. KUB was awarded this recognition in 2019 for the second time, under the category of Beneficial Biosolids Use.

KUB was recognized as a 2019 Diversity & Inclusion Champion at the Inaugural Inclusive Knoxville Luncheon and Awards by NowDiversity.org National Organization for Workforce Diversity.

KUB’s biosolids program was again certified by the National Biosolids Partnership (NBP) at its highest platinum level - KUB’s program first received NBP Platinum certification in 2011. The NBP is a non-profit alliance, formed in 1992, to advance environmentally sound biosolids management practices. It partners with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), Water Environment Federation (WEF), and the EPA.

KUB also maintained its certification in the Tennessee Green Fleets Program - This program is administered by the Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition (TCFC) and recognizes efforts to reduce petroleum consumption, use alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies, and reduce emissions. KUB serves on the Board of the TCFC and has been a Gold Partner since 2004.

KUB was again recognized by the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Program - The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program again recognized KUB’s fleet as one of the 100 Best Fleets in 2019, with KUB ranked number 93. KUB first received Best Fleets Recognition in 2009 and has been recognized as either an “Honorable Mention” [2010-2012, 2017] or “Best Fleet” [2009, 2013-2016, 2018] each year since then.

KUB was again voted a “Favorite” green business in Knoxville - In 2019, KUB was again voted a “Favorite” in the Knox News Best of Knoxville “Green Business” category. KUB has been voted a “Favorite” in the “Green Business” category each year since the category was created in 2015.

KUB wastewater treatment plants again demonstrated award-winning performance - KUB’s wastewater treatment plants have a long history of excellent performance marked by numerous awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) over the years. After more than 18,000 total compliance checks in 2018, our plants met the criteria to achieve NACWA Silver Awards and WEA Operational Excellence Awards at the following facilities: Eastbridge, Loves Creek, and Fourth Creek.

TVA recognized KUB with EnergyRight and Renewable Solutions Awards - KUB customers helped reduce energy use by over 4.7 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in TVA’s 2018 fiscal year. That is enough energy to power 400 homes for a year. KUB achieved status as a top performer in the following programs in TVA’s FY 2018: Green Power Switch: Second; Efficiency Score Energy Efficiency: Fourth; Efficiency Score Self Audit: Fourth.

Tree Line USA Utility Award annually awarded since 2001 - The Arbor Day Foundation’s national award recognizes utilities that show a commitment to the well being of trees through quality tree care, employee training, and consumer education about suitable tree-planting near utility lines. KUB has received this honor annually since 2001.

2018

Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA) Community Service Award – This award recognizes TMEPA utilities that are committed to enhancing the quality of life for the community, both as an organization and through employee involvement, while also demonstrating continuous effort in providing outstanding customer service and elevating Public Power. KUB was one of three utility systems to receive this award. These prestigious awards are given in three groups and based on the number of meters. KUB was recognized in the large system category.

2018 Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award - In 2018, KUB, along with TVA, CAC, the City of Knoxville, Alliance to Save Energy, and Socially Equal Energy Efficient Development (SEEED), received the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Knoxville Partnerships for Low-Income Weatherization. The award highlights the positive impact of RIU and the Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover (KEEM) for energy efficiency retrofits of nearly 1,500 low-income homes since 2015, and it also recognizes the outreach and education initiatives that have shared information about ways to lower utility bills and conserve energy.

TVA Top Performer in Promoting Renewable Energy and Efficiency – In TVA’s 2017 fiscal year, KUB customers helped reduce energy use by nearly 13 million kilowatt hours. That is 4.8 percent of all EnergyRight® Solutions program savings. With that, KUB ranked fourth among TVA distributors for total program savings in the Valley.

Salvation Army Helping Hands Award - KUB received the Helping Hands Award at the Salvation Army of Knoxville annual awards dinner. The award recognizes KUB employees for their hard work on behalf of the Salvation Army over many years. KUB employees support the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, serve as bell-ringers during the holidays, and more.

In 2018, KUB’s commitment to our community was recognized through the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA) Community Service Award. Volunteer East Tennessee also named KUB 2018 East Tennessee Corporation of the Year, recognizing our outstanding commitment to community service.

The American Public Power Association (APPA) once again recognized KUB’s electric system as a diamond level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) - KUB maintains its Diamond recognition in the APPA Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) program. In 2015, The American Public Power Association (APPA) recognized KUB through its Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) program as a utility that demonstrated high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria within each of those four RP3 areas are based on sound business practices and recognized industry leading practices. KUB achieved Diamond recognition, the highest level of the program, with its first application.

The American Public Gas Association (APGA) named KUB to its System Operational Achievement Recognition (SOAR) Program - The program honors natural gas distribution utilities that demonstrate commitment to excellence in the areas of system integrity; system improvement; employee safety; and workforce development. KUB is a Silver level winner and remains a member of the program through 2020.

The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies recognized KUB’s water system with a Platinum Award for Utility Excellence - The award signifies KUB’s progress in implementing effective and successful utility management. KUB was one of only three utility services that was chosen to receive the award in 2018.

KUB received its highest ranking in 100 Best Fleets Program - The 100 Best Fleets in the Americas program again recognized KUB’s fleet in 2018, with KUB receiving its highest ranking ever at number 73. KUB first received this honor in 2009. The 100 Best Fleets award program recognizes peak performing public sector fleet operations in North and South America. The program also identifies and encourages ever-increasing levels of performance improvement within the fleet industry.

KUB Voted a “Favorite” Green Business in Knoxville - In 2018, KUB was again voted a “Favorite” in the Knox News Best of Knoxville “Green Business” category. KUB has been voted a “Favorite” in the “Green Business” category each year since the category was created in 2015.

KUB received National Association of Clean Water Agencies’ (NACWA) Water Resources Utility of the Future Today recognition - This program honors water resource recovery facilities for community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. KUB was chosen as a model for utilities of all sizes to achieve more efficient operations, enhanced productivity, and long-term sustainability.

KUB was named a Department of Energy’s Sustainable Wastewater Infrastructure of the Future Program member - This program aims to catalyze the adoption of innovative and best-practice approaches in data management, technologies, and financing for infrastructure improvement. As a member, KUB seeks to improve the energy efficiency of their participating water resource recovery facilities by at least 30 percent and integrate at least one resource recovery measure.

2017

Top Workplaces Award -The Knoxville News Sentinel Top Workplaces list showcases 30 outstanding Knoxville area businesses. Companies are measured on several qualities such as company leadership, career opportunities, workplace flexibility, compensation and benefits, and the impact company policies have on the innovation, productivity and morale of its workforce.

East Tennessee Wellness Roundtable Gold Status - Recognizing employers that exemplify excellence in wellness.

Miller's Building Received ENERGY STAR Certification for the third consecutive year

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environment Association Performance Awards:
Eastbridge Wastewater Treatment Plant: NACWA Platinum 11 and WEA Operational Excellence [Eastbridge first qualified for Platinum (no violations for 5 successive years) in 2010 and has remained violation free since.]
Loves Creek: NACWA Gold, WEA Operational Excellence
Kuwahee: NACWA Gold, WEA Operational Excellence
Fourth Creek: NACWA Gold, WEA Operational Excellence

APPA Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) - KUB maintains its Diamond recognition in the APPA Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) program. In 2015, The American Public Power Association (APPA) recognized KUB through its Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) program as a utility that demonstrated high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement. Criteria within each of those four RP3 areas are based on sound business practices and recognized industry leading practices. KUB achieved Diamond recognition, the highest level of the program, with its first application.

KUB Received Tree Line USA Utility Award - The Arbor Day Foundation’s national award recognizes utilities that show a commitment to the well being of trees through quality tree care, employee training, and consumer education about suitable tree-planting near utility lines. KUB has received this honor annually since 2001.

TVA 2016 Top Performer Award, presented May 18, 2017, for efforts to promote renewable energy and efficiency.

KUB Recognized by the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Program - KUB’s fleet received an Honorable Mention from the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas Program for 2016. KUB first received recognition from the program in 2009 and has been recognized as either an “Honorable Mention” [2010–2012, 2016] or “Best Fleet” [2009, 2013–2015] each year since then.

KUB Recognized as 2017 Tennessee Green Fleet - On May 23, Tennessee Clean Fuels (TCF) recognized KUB as one of six new fleets in its Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program. The Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program uses performance-based metrics to analyze fleets’ vehicle- and fuel-use data and compare it with use from the previous year. Fleets receive points based on achievements in reducing gasoline use and carbon emissions and increasing the use of alternative fuels and fuel economy strategies. Through using alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies in 2016, the combined efforts of the six new inductees are equal to saving 140,000 gallons of petroleum and preventing over 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. KUB achieved reductions by using vehicles powered by electric-hybrid technology, compressed natural gas, E-85 fuel, and a 5% biodiesel blend.

Salvation Army Helping Hands Award; Ongoing Volunteer Activities - KUB recently received the Helping Hands Award at the Salvation Army of Knoxville annual awards dinner. The award recognizes KUB employees for their hard work on behalf of the Salvation Army over many years. KUB employees support the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, serve as bell-ringers during the holidays, and more.

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Award-Winning Service and Commitment