NES extends grace period for disconnections, offers payment plan for overdue bills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Nashville Electric Service says it’s extending the grace period for disconnections as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. They’re also providing help for customers with overdue bills and offering a payment plan.

The utility company announced Thursday that the grace period for disconnections has been extended through September 30. This includes waiving late fees and absorbing credit card fees.

The announcement comes after Metro officials recently said the city would to revert to Phase Two of its reopening plan.

NES has also partnered with the Tennessee Valley Authority to offer bill assistance to any customer who has lost income because the pandemic. NES has donated $175,000 to the fund, which TVA matched, for a total of $350,000. Customers can apply for the assistance through NeedLink Nashville.

NES says funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“NES realizes the financial hardship our customers are facing during these challenging times, and we want to help. We extended the grace period for disconnections and waived more than 300,000 late fees to date, totaling more than $2.2 million,” said Sylvia Smith, vice president of customer services, NES. “We urge customers who may have difficulty paying their bill to reach out to us and let us help you navigate through payment options.”

NES is also offering an extended payment plan for 12 months, saying customers with an overdue electric service bill will automatically be enrolled in an installment plan with no penalty or interest. Beginning in July, NES says it will evenly distribute past-due balances into 12 monthly payments. These charges will appear on each monthly bill. They say customers who keep up with their payments going forward are assured service. For more information, visit www.nespowernews.com.

NES has also provided the following resources for customers:

Residential

NeedLink Nashville: apply online at www.needlink.org. If you are 75 or older or have no way to apply online, call 615-269-6835.

United Way 211: visit 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.com and 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.

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.