A resolution in support of Project Help and other energy assistance programs.

WHEREAS, rising energy prices of all types, including electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, coal and wood contributed to this past winter's higher than usual home heating bills in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, information reported to state energy assistance offices shows that in the 2000-01 winter season, 4.9 million households requested assistance under federal assistance programs for low-income families, close to 1.1 million more than last winter; and

WHEREAS, electricity and natural gas costs constitute a much higher percentage of the budgets of low to moderate income households; and

WHEREAS, these conditions can create considerable hardship and financial burden, particularly on low income households and/or on households for which heating expenses make up a disproportionate share of their total income; and

WHEREAS, Nashville Gas and Nashville Electric Service should be commended for their leadership and service to area residents in need through the formation and implementation of Project Help for the past 19 years; and

WHEREAS, a number of customers of Nashville Gas Company and Nashville Electric Service have generously addressed the needs of their neighbors by adding contributions to Project Help through their gas and electric bills; and

WHEREAS, The Metropolitan County Council, at its February 20, 2001, meeting, adopted a resolution recognizing that it is fitting and proper that additional revenue, which may be received by the Metropolitan Government as a result of higher energy prices be utilized to provide relief to customers who live on fixed and/or low incomes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as encouraging Nashville Gas Company and Nashville Electric Service to continue to invoke measures to assist low income households and utilize an appropriate means to help lessen the cost of home heating, including, but not limited to, participation in and support of Project Help.

SECTION 2. That the Metropolitan County Council encourages citizens of the Nashville Metropolitan area to join together with Nashville Gas and Nashville Electric Service to support and protect their fellow Nashvillians through donations to local energy assistance programs.

SECTION 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored By: David Briley, Don Majors, Eileen, Beehan, Howard Gentry, Jim Shulman, Ginger Hausser, Lawrence Hall, Earl Campbell, Lawrence Hart, James Dillard, Bettye Balthrop, Feller Brown, Ginger Hausser, Ronnie Greer, Amanda McClendon, J. B. Loring, Bruce Stanley, Tony Derryberry, Phil Ponder, Morris Haddox, Ludye Wallace, Edward Whitmore, Norma Hand, Bob Bogen, Lynn Williams, Janis Sontany, Vic Lineweaver, Ron Turner, Craig Jenkins, Leo Waters

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee
Introduced:	October 16, 2001
Adopted:	October 16, 2001
Approved:	October 17, 2001
By: