NES resumes disconnections, says help is still available

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Electric Service is ending a grace period that allowed customers to push payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, NES says it has multiple ways to help customers.

Disconnections for nonpayment, mounting late fees and credit card fees were waived from March until September 30, but are resuming now. In August, some 55,000 accounts were more than 120 days past due.

However, there are resources for people who need help paying their bills.

NES and the Tennessee Valley Authority have teamed up to create the Community Care Fund, matching contributions worth $700,000 to help pay down bills for customers financially affected by COVID-19. The Community Care Fund is managed by NeedLink Nashville.

Customers can apply online here or, if for those 75-years-old or older and have no way to apply online, can call 615-269-6835.

Additional assistance options are listed below:

• Call NES Customer Relations to talk through payment options.
  • 615-736-6900, Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Visit www.nespowernews.com
• United Way 211: www.uw211.org to chat with an advisor, call 211, or text your zip code to 898-211. Also, United Way has developed a website to guide individuals to available resources for assistance with mental health, food, unemployment and several other issues. Go to www.nashvilleresponsefund.comand scroll down to “Get Help.”
• Metro Action Commission: If you live in Davidson County, apply for energy assistance at www.nashville.gov/mac, or call 615-862-8860 ext. 70100 to request an application to be sent by mail. You can also request an application by emailing maccustomer@nashville.gov.
• Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency: visit www.midcumberland.org.

Back in July, NES began evenly distributing past-due balances into 12 monthly payments. If a customer has been keeping up with payments since then their service will not get shut off.