Nashville Electric Service is stepping up for customers still feeling the financial hit from January’s devastating ice storm. The utility announced a $1 million donation to NeedLink Nashville on Friday, expanding a bill assistance program for residents who are having trouble keeping up with their electric payments.

The program works through an existing partnership between NES and NeedLink. Customers who qualify can receive temporary help covering their bills, but an application is required. NeedLink handles both the application process and the distribution of funds, making it the central point of contact for anyone seeking relief.

There are several ways to apply. Customers can submit an application online at NeedLink.org or send one in by mail. Seniors age 75 and older, along with anyone who is medically homebound, can call 615-269-6835 to make special arrangements. For those who prefer to apply face to face, NeedLink accepts in-person applications on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their office inside Westminster Presbyterian Church on West End Avenue.

NES has also launched a dedicated website to help customers explore all available payment options: NESHelps.com. Anyone with questions or who needs guidance can also call NES directly at (615) 736-6900 and speak with a customer advisor who can walk them through the resources available.

The announcement comes as NES continues to face scrutiny following the January storm, which knocked out power to roughly 230,000 customers. The utility had only 160 linemen on staff when the outages hit, and the CEO’s future with the company remains uncertain after the city council delayed a vote on her removal.