EPB, the largest taxpayer in Hamilton County, has doubled its payment since going on the Smart Grid, president David Wade said.

The new EPB annual report says the city utility will be distributing over $20.5 million in in-lieu-of-tax money to local governments this September.

About $9 million goes to Hamilton County and about $7 million to the city of Chattanooga.

Other local municipalities also get a generous share.

The payments are made in compliance with the Municipal Electric System Tax Equivalent Law of 1987.

EPB now has 516 full-time electric system employees and 76 full-time Fiber Optics System employees.

EPB has 181,689 electric system customers.

The Fiber Optics System, which provides a major supplement for the electric side, was launched in 2000.