CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- The nation's largest public utility is eliminating more than 2,000 jobs as part of a $500 million cost-cutting campaign.<br />
<br />
The Chattanooga Times Free Press (http://bit.ly/1qX1qLU ) reports the Tennessee Valley Authority is making the cuts this year to pare expenses and make electric rates in the Tennessee Valley more competitive with neighboring utilities.<br />
<br />
Most of the staff reductions are being made by not filling vacant jobs and through retirements and resignations by the end of next month.<br />
<br />
TVA President Bill Johnson said this week that the voluntary reduction offers were well received and avoided the need for massive firings, although some employees are being laid off.<br />
<br />
The staff cuts are the agency's largest in more than two decades.
