Heat Drives Need for Electric Bill Assistance

More people need help paying their electric bills because of the hot and humid weather.

Metro Action Commission helps Nashville residents pay their electric bills, especially during the winter and summer months when bills tend to be higher. MAC spokeswoman Lisa Gallon says the increase started in mid-July.

“We started off the month at seeing right around 306 customers, by the end of July we were seeing an average of 441 customers. Right now, we’re looking okay, but as we progress through the summer months, if it’s this type of weather on through September…October, there could be an issue.”

Metro Action Commission determines how much assistance to give a customer based on the number of people in the household and whether there are children or those with a medical condition living in the home.

Its funding comes from the Tennessee Department of Human Services. M-A-C also receives money from Nashville Electric Service, which sets aside $85,000 every summer to help residents pay their bill.

For help paying an electric bill, contact Metro Action Commission at 862-8860, extension 2.