A resolution requesting Nashville Electric Service and the Metropolitan Electric Power Board to reconsider the decision to increase electricity rates over and above the increase in wholesale electric costs.

WHEREAS, On February 23, 2006, the Electric Power Board unanimously approved an 8.9 percent rate increase for Nashville Electric Service (NES) customers; and

WHEREAS, 7.7 percent of this most recent rate increase is essentially a pass-through to customers of wholesale electric costs NES must pay to the Tennessee Valley Authority to obtain electricity; and

WHEREAS, this rate increase is on top of an 8.5 percent rate increase approved by NES in October 2005; and

WHEREAS, many NES customers are senior citizens on fixed incomes who are seriously affected by these large rate increases; and

WHEREAS, although the need for additional infrastructure improvements to the electric power system in Nashville is understandable, a rate increase of more than 17 percent within a five month period is a real burden on senior citizens and low-income families; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that NES and the Electric Power Board reconsider the decision to implement such a large rate increase.

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 requesting Nashville Electric Service and the Metropolitan Electric Power Board to reconsider the decision to increase electricity rates over and above the increase in wholesale electric costs.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Decosta Jenkins, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nashville Electric Service, and to each member of the Metropolitan Electric Power Board.

Section 3. That the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nashville Electric Service is further requested to respond to the Council regarding the request identified in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel