A resolution requesting the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to impose additional limitations on the ability of Nashville Gas Company to charge a deposit based upon two billing periods for certain new customers.

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Regulatory Authority has the responsibility for setting the rates and service standards of privately owned telephone, gas, electric and water utilities; and

WHEREAS, Nashville Gas, which is a subsidiary of Piedmont Natural Gas Company, is a private natural gas utility that falls under the regulation of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority; and

WHEREAS, Section 1220-4-5-.14 of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority Regulations for Gas Companies provides that each utility may require from any customer or prospective customer a deposit intended to guarantee payment of bills for service; and

WHEREAS, the amount of such deposit cannot exceed the maximum estimated charge for service for two consecutive billing periods; and

WHEREAS, Nashville Gas requires certain customers, depending upon their credit history, to pay a deposit based upon the highest two months bill at the location; and

WHEREAS, although the deposit is refundable after one year of satisfactory payment history, this onerous deposit amount imposes a serious financial burden on many new customers seeking to obtain natural gas service; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Tennessee Regulatory Authority further limit the amount of deposit that Nashville Gas can charge new customers.

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 the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to impose additional limitations on the ability of Nashville Gas Company to charge a deposit based upon two billing periods for certain new customers.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Sara Kyle, Chairman of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority.

Section 3. 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: Charlie Tygard, Eric Crafton