Nashville Electric Service Faces Allegations of Refusing Assistance During Power Outages
Nashville Electric Service (NES) is under scrutiny for allegedly turning down offers of help from experienced linemen and contractors amid widespread power outages caused by a recent winter storm. Reports indicate that over 109,000 customers in Nashville experienced outages, leaving approximately 250,000 individuals affected by frigid temperatures.
Nashville Electric Service’s Controversial Decisions
Two representatives from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) disclosed to local news that NES did not reach out to their union for assistance or declined offers of help from available crews. This situation raises concerns about whether NES opted for lower-cost contractors instead of accepting aid from qualified union linemen.
Widespread Outages and Community Impact
At the peak of the outage, NES reported significant numbers: over 109,000 households without power. This has left many homes susceptible to dangerously low temperatures.
- Estimated affected population: 250,000
- Outages reported at peak: 109,000
One anonymous IBEW member stated that linemen from other states were willing to assist but were informed that NES had sufficient manpower. “I’ve had a lot of people reach out trying to come to Nashville to help restore power,” he noted. “They keep getting the same answer that NES is full and they don’t need help.”
Questions Surrounding NES’s Response
During a press briefing, NES spokesperson Brent Baker was questioned about the claims of assistance being refused. Baker denied the allegations, stating that NES was following its established partnerships for recovery efforts. However, the utility has yet to provide specifics about any crews that may have been turned away or clarify the role of union status in their decisions.
Community Advocacy and Calls for Action
A petition has emerged, urging NES to hire additional linemen, as the current workforce of approximately 700 workers appears insufficient to tackle ongoing outage issues. Cecilia Prado from the Nashville People Power Committee expressed urgent concerns, stating, “People’s homes right now are in the 30s. It’s going to be single digits outside again. People are going to die.”
Numerous social media posts from local residents echo similar sentiments, maintaining that NES declined assistance from both contractors and union members. Filmogaz.com will continue to monitor the situation and seek further information from NES regarding these troubling allegations.
