The state of Tennessee is facing a challenging situation with climbing utility rates and a significant number of households at risk of being cut off from essential services in 2023. One such resident, Cat Grisanti, a 39-year-old store manager in Memphis, found herself in a dire situation when she received an $800 utility bill from Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Despite making just over the limit to qualify for government assistance, Grisanti struggled to pay her bills and even resorted to using her grocery money to cover the balance.
Struggles of Tennessee Residents
Grisanti’s story is not unique in Tennessee, where many residents face challenges in paying their utility bills. In fact, one out of three residents in the South can’t afford their energy bills each month, according to the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. The region’s aging housing stock contributes to the burden, with nearly 57 percent of homes built before energy codes were established.
Utility Disconnections in Tennessee
Last year, over 140,000 households in Tennessee experienced utility disconnections, with some households facing shut-offs multiple times. The situation is particularly concerning in Memphis, where Memphis Light, Gas and Water issued a significant number of disconnections for households in various zip codes.
Rising Utility Rates
Adding to the challenges faced by residents like Grisanti are the rising utility rates in Tennessee. The Tennessee Valley Authority has increased electric rates twice since the pandemic, leading to higher bills for customers of local municipal power companies. These rate increases have raised concerns among city council members and pose a significant challenge for low-income households and residents on fixed incomes.
Disconnection Crisis and Legislative Efforts
The country is currently in the midst of a disconnection crisis, with millions of households at risk of experiencing utility shut-offs. Despite the challenges, efforts to enact legislation to protect residents during extreme weather conditions have faced setbacks in Tennessee and other states in the South. Limited data on disconnections and the lack of transparency in reporting procedures further complicate the situation.
As residents like Cat Grisanti and Chante Benford struggle to make ends meet and keep their essential services running, the need for comprehensive solutions to address utility affordability and access becomes increasingly urgent. The stories of these residents highlight the human impact of the utility crisis in Tennessee and underscore the importance of finding sustainable solutions to support those most vulnerable in our communities.