TVA and Local Utilities Expand Community Support in North Alabama

Collaborative efforts provide funding for nonprofits and public Wi-Fi access

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Local utilities in North Alabama, including Athens Electric, Joe Wheeler EMC, and Decatur Utilities, are partnering with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to bolster community initiatives. The TVA Community Care Fund, launched in 2020, provides dollar-for-dollar matching funds to support 501(c)(3) charities, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond financial assistance, the utilities are also leveraging technology to expand public Wi-Fi access in the region.

Why it matters

These partnerships demonstrate a growing trend of utilities taking a more active role in supporting their local communities, not just through traditional charitable donations, but also by addressing digital equity and empowering nonprofit organizations to enhance their missions. The diverse funding models and community involvement showcased in this story highlight the multifaceted approach utilities are taking to maximize their impact.

The details

Last year, the utilities donated a combined $55,000 to the TVA Community Care Fund, which was then matched dollar-for-dollar by TVA, resulting in a total of $110,000 distributed among 16 local nonprofits in the Athens area. This year, Athens Electric is budgeting $23,000 for the program. Meanwhile, Joe Wheeler EMC is using profits from its Flash Fiber internet company to fund the installation of public Wi-Fi hotspots in Morgan and Lawrence counties, including at football stadiums and potentially Hatton High School. Decatur Utilities (DU) takes a slightly different approach, relying on sponsorships and fundraising events to generate funds, which are then matched by TVA.

  • The TVA Community Care Fund was launched in 2020.
  • In 2025, DU donated $5,000 to the program, which was matched by TVA for a total of $10,000.
  • In 2026, Athens Electric is budgeting $23,000 for the TVA Community Care Fund.

The players

TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a federal agency that provides electricity, economic development, and environmental stewardship for the Tennessee Valley region.

Athens Electric

A local utility provider in Athens, Alabama that is participating in the TVA Community Care Fund.

Joe Wheeler EMC

A local electric cooperative in North Alabama that is leveraging its Flash Fiber internet company to fund community projects, including the installation of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Decatur Utilities

A local utility provider in Decatur, Alabama that is generating funds for the TVA Community Care Fund through sponsorships and fundraising events.

Council on Aging

A local nonprofit organization in Athens, Alabama that received funding from the TVA Community Care Fund.

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What they’re saying

“The program helps offset financial shortcomings for organizations vital to the community.”

— Blair Davis, Athens Utilities Manager

“This is a community service provided by TVA, Joe Wheeler EMC, and Flash Fiber.”

— Michael Cornelison, Spokesman for Joe Wheeler EMC

“We're grateful for the community's support and TVA's contribution, highlighting the vital role these funds play in serving Decatur's residents.”

— Ray Hardin, Decatur Utilities General Manager

What’s next

The utilities and TVA are actively exploring potential recipients for the remaining $18,000 in matching grants available through the TVA Community Care Fund.

The takeaway

This collaborative model between utilities and the TVA demonstrates a growing trend of utilities taking a more active role in supporting their local communities, not just through traditional charitable donations, but also by addressing digital equity and empowering nonprofit organizations to enhance their missions.