Significant increase in energy assistance funds available this yearAtlanta Gas Light advises residents to apply early for heating assistance November 11, 2008
ATLANTA – Nov. 11, 2008 – President Bush and Congress released $5.1 billion in funds nationally to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) this year, an increase of 36 percent over last year. These additional funds, more than $80 million in Georgia, can reduce energy costs for qualified residents who need assistance. Atlanta Gas Light urges its customers to sign up to participate and make sure they will stay warm this winter.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program designed to assist those in need. The application process begins on December 1st and runs through April 30, unless there is an extension.
"Low- and fixed-income residents need to apply now,” said Wendell Dallas, vice president, Atlanta Gas Light. "Getting the proper paperwork completed early can expedite the process of getting the funds before the temperatures begin to plummet.”
Residents who would like more information should contact their county LIHEAP office by calling 2-1-1 in metro Atlanta, or Savannah. Customers outside of the metro area should contact their local Community Action Agency.
Those who call 2-1-1 also may request a referral to other energy assistance programs that are available. Some of these programs are described below.
- The Home and Heartwarming Program provides weatherization services and natural gas equipment repair or replacement for qualified senior and low-income households on the Atlanta Gas Light system.
- Heating Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.) offers low-income households assistance with their energy needs. Funds are distributed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources through local community action agencies. Call 678-406-0212 or visit www.heatga.org for more information.
- Project Share is a Georgia Salvation Army initiative which provides emergency financial assistance. Call 1-800-257-4273 or visit www.salvationarmy-georgia.org.
- The Atlanta Gas Light Senior Citizens Discount is available for customers who are 65 years of age or older and have a total annual combined household income of $14,355, or less. Those who qualify receive a monthly credit on their bill.
Atlanta Gas Light, through its parent company AGL Resources and the AGL Resources Private Foundation, donated $300,000 to energy assistance programs in Georgia this past year. The funds are used to assist residents in paying their monthly heating bills.
About Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.5 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.
About AGL Resources
AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.
Contact: AGL Resources
Tami Gerke
Office: 404-584-3873
Cell: 404-558-2307
tgerke@aglresources.com