"EPB's electric rates were raised to cover the cost of two massive storms that damaged the public electric grid in February"
They are using the rate increase to replenish their reserves that was tapped for the fiber build. That money should have never been used for anything but an emergency fund, not to build a fiber network. -- I do not, have not, and will not work for AT&T/Comcast/Verizon/Charter or similar sized company.
