Knoxville Mayoral Energy Forum to Shine Light on Knoxville’s Energy Issues

Mayoral candidates to answer questions on energy burden, clean energy access, and transparency from KUB

Knoxville, Tenn. —  Today, nonprofit advocacy group Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) will host the Knoxville Mayoral Energy Forum as a part of the organization’s Renew TN campaign. Mayoral candidates, Michael Andrews, Fletcher Burkhardt, Indya Kincannon, Eddie Mannis, Calvin Skinner and Marshall Stair will answer questions and offer solutions on a range of energy topics from rising fixed fees on KUB electric bills to lack of access to clean energy resources, like solar and energy efficiency, that reduce customer bills and promote healthier communities.

In advance of tonight’s forum, SACE Executive Director Dr. Stephen A. Smith noted, “In the past few months, we’ve collected over 3,000 petitions asking KUB to put an end to fixed fee increases that disproportionately impacts low-income and fixed income customers. We’ve also heard over 1,000 stories from Knoxvillians who are unable to control their electric bill because of these rising fixed fees, who would like to see cleaner energy options, and who are unable to interact meaningfully with our local utility, KUB. This forum will serve as a platform to shine a light on the issues that many Knoxvillians face. Knoxville’s next mayor has the power to work with KUB to be more accountable to the public and address these issues with plans to help lower bills for Knoxvillians, create local jobs and make homes and communities healthier.”

Moderator Andre Canty of Highlander Center said, “Almost everyone in my neighborhood growing up in East Knoxville has had to make tough choices on whether to pay their electric bills, pay for necessary medical expenses or to put food on the table. There have been people in East Knoxville neighborhoods who have had to face these tough choices because of high energy burden that has existed in our communities for decades. High energy burden directly contributes to the poverty rate in Knoxville.”

WHAT: Knoxville Mayoral Energy Forum
WHEN: Monday, July 29, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Square Room, 4 Market Sq, Knoxville, TN 37902
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Monday, July 29, 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHY: Provide voters the opportunity hear mayoral candidate positions on energy issues that affect all Knoxville residents
VISUALS: Mayoral candidates on stage with Renew TN banners; a packed room of Knoxville residents with energy-related posters