Ricky Junquera, 617.599.7048, ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org
NASHVILLE, TN - Earlier this week, more that 30 faith, labor, environmental and community organizations sent a letter to Governor Bill Lee requesting that he—mayors, utility regulators, and rural electric cooperative, public power and water utility boards—take steps to implement a moratorium on all electricity, water, and telecommunications utility shut-offs, waiver of all late-payment charges, and reinstitution of any services that have already been cut off due to nonpayment.
The coronavirus crisis is already causing widespread job losses across Tennessee, disproportionately hurting low-income households, communities of color, and American Indian communities. These families face difficulties in affording basic utility services, and some have already been disconnected from water and electricity.
“With partners from the Tennessee Valley Energy Democracy Movement, we’ve been tracking shut off stories from residents throughout the state” says Brianna Knisley, Campaign Coordinator for Appalachian Voices. “It’s clear that in spite of TVA’s support and additional federal stimulus for low income assistance programs, there are still power companies in Tennessee who are forcing residents to choose between groceries and their light bill-many residents could be shut off in the coming days.”
The shut off issue in Tennessee is shining a light on a lack of regulatory clarity for local power companies in the TVA footprint. Groups like the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy are also asking for signatures on a letter addressed to TN Congressional Representatives, President Trump and Mike Pence, calling for a comprehensive utility shut off moratorium.
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.