by Jeff Tang
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - It's a sad reality to think about, but there are families in Nashville braving these frigid winter temperatures with no heat.
NES officials said the company does everything it can to help families going through tough times, but this is not a good time to reach the end of the rope, with winter fast upon us.
The only light inside Lori Andrews' Donelson home is a candle light, and for a few minutes, our camera light. Their only heat? From each other.
"My daughter and I have been curling up in the bed with seven or eight blankets and comforters, laying together. What else can you do?" asked Andrews.
Nashville Electric Service cut off the Andrews' power Monday morning; Lori has been behind on the bills for months.
"They're not going to turn it on for anything less than $383," said Andrews.
"We work with every customer on a case by case basis to make it as easy as we can, but finally you get to a point where you tell them you have to pay the bill. Its hard to do a lot of times," said NES spokesperson Tim Hill.
This winter, as temperatures dip, NES saID there will be days when hundreds who've received their last warning will lose their heat. That number has inflated due in no small part to the tough economic times.
"We saw in the neighborhood of a 25, 30 percent increase," Hill said.
There are agencies that can hel: the Metro Action Commission expects to assist 6,000 needy families with electric bills between now and next June. NES also has a program called "Project Help" where individual customers can donate money.
Because she's not next in line, and because there are applications to fill out, Lori Andrews will ride this night out by candlelight.
"All I can do is trust God that something will come through," she said.
If you need help, you can contact the Metro Action Commission. Their address is 1624 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208 and their phone number is (615) 862-8860.
For project help, go to http://www.bigbrothersofnashville.org/programs/project-help.html.
Email: jtang@newschannel5.com
