NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) – Nashville Electric Service announced millions of dollars in additional bill assistance for customers impacted by the pandemic.
During these challenging times, many customers have fallen behind on their power bill and NES wants to help them catch up.
“The Tennessee Valley Authority has given NES a rate reduction credit of $16 million, and we want to give every dollar back to our customers who need it most,” said Sylvia Smith, vice president of customer services for NES, in a news release. “We want customers to know that even if you’re behind, you’re not alone. We are here to help and are teaming up with some of the area’s most respected nonprofits to help us get this funding to customers.”
Breakdown of assistance:
- $6 million in funding, distributed through NeedLink (customers need to apply)
- Up to $650 per eligible customer for past due and installment plan balances
- $10 million in COVID-19 relief that will show up as a credit on customer bills beginning in November and lasting for 12 months
Aside from the $16 million in funding, NES had previously partnered with TVA this summer for the Community Cares Fund, offering $700,000 in assistance through NeedLink, as well as Metro CARES Fund that is offering $10 million to customers impacted by the pandemic. To inform customers of these options and the other nonprofit agencies NES is partnering with to offer assistance, the utility launched a website.
NeedLink is taking applications for the assistance online from 8 a.m. on Mondays through (at least) noon on Thursdays and has streamlined the process to minimize the wait time for approval. Those 75 or older or who have no way to apply online can call 615-269-6835.
Customers can contact NES Customer Relations at 615-736-6900 for assistance with disconnections, account payments, and credit arrangements. For in-person service, customers may visit the NES lobby at 1214 Church St., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Only 25 customers at a time are allowed inside the customer service lobby to meet COVID-19 safety/social distancing protocols. Customers may also handle in-person transactions at the Enbright Credit Union locations located at 2340 Jackson Downs Blvd. in Donelson and 270 Indian Lake Blvd. in Hendersonville.
List of Resources for Bill Assistance:
Residential
- NES Helps: Visit www.NEShelps.com.
- Nashville Response Fund: Visit www.nashvilleresponsefund.com/individuals.
- 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 [email protected].
- Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency: visit www.midcumberland.org.
Commercial
- Tennessee Small Business Development Center: The Tennessee SBDC offers free advice to help you navigate this unprecedented event. Visit www.tsbdc.org/coronavirus for information about financial assistance, tax relief and other valuable resources.
- NFIB: The National Federation of Independent Business has a page dedicated to coronavirus resources and toolkits for small businesses. Visit www.nfib.com/tennessee.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Click on the yellow banner at the top of the page for COVID-19 relief options and additional resources at www.sba.gov/offices/district/tn/nashville.
- United Way: The United Way is working to coordinate with local government, nonprofit and association leaders to provide information and resources as quickly as possible at www.nashvilleresponsefund.com. Click on the link at the top of the page for Small Businesses.
- Hello Alice: Hello Alice is offering $10,000 Business for All grants to small business owners impacted by COVID-19, as well as a business resource center with funding resources and support for small business owners. Go to www.covid19businesscenter.com to apply or find resources.
