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Harriman utility update: fiber billing to begin Dec. 1, gas transport costs passed through, ARPA water projects under construction
Summary
Harriman Utility Board staff reported test fiber customers and a Dec. 1 billing go‑live, a $13 per MCF gas transport cost increase to be passed through to customers, ARPA-funded water upgrades underway, and a new multi-page bill format being mailed to customers.
HARRIMAN, Tenn. — Utility staff updated the Harriman City Council on Nov. 4 about broadband and utility operations: the fiber network has test customers and will begin billing Dec. 1, a gas transportation cost increase will be passed directly to customers, and ARPA-funded water projects are in active construction.
Harriman Utility Board representative Candace reported about 15–18 test fiber customers are connected and the utility will begin charging for service on Dec. 1, prioritizing those on an interest list of roughly 801 households. A fiber hut near Midtown (at the new sewer pump station along Pine Ridge Road) is scheduled for installation around Nov. 18. "Starting December 1st, we will be billing for service and ramping up our new connections as fast as we can," she said.
Candace also said East Tennessee natural gas costs increased at the transportation level; Harriman is passing an approximately $13 per MCF transportation cost through to customers dollar‑for‑dollar. She said this is not retained by the utility and affects everyone on that pipeline.
On water projects, staff said two ARPA‑funded water contracts are under construction (including replacement of the Wolf Ranch water pumping station and work toward Oakdale Highway) and the ARPA funds must be spent by September of the following year. Staff reported work behind a local medical office is essentially complete, pending vacuum testing of a manhole.
Utility billing changes: the utility will mail an insert explaining a new multi‑page bill format that breaks out electric and water service details to improve customer transparency.
Procurement vote: separately during new business the council approved purchase of four LG QV613 workstations to replace aging computers necessary to run Windows 11 for key staff functions; the city manager noted the Local Government quote included service and warranty that staff prefers. The motion carried on roll call.
