Tennessee bill would change how utility discontinues service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - One of Tennessee’s largest public electric utilities could discontinue a customer’s service more easily under a bill headed to the House floor.

Currently, Tennessee law requires Nashville Electric Service to send a notice in the mail and to make a good faith effort to notify the user in person before discontinuing service for nonpayment.

The bill would allow NES to cut off service after mailing the notice.

Republican Rep. Pat Marsh is sponsoring the bill. He says NES is the only power provider in the state with such requirements. Marsh added that the utility company has cited safety and cost as reasons for the need to change.

A House panel unanimously advanced the bill on Tuesday. It now goes to the House floor.