December 21, 2009

ATLANTA – December 21, 2009 – Although natural gas prices are down significantly from last year, many families may still have difficulty paying their monthly heating bill.  Atlanta Gas Light reminds residents to apply for federal funds available under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
 
"LIHEAP offers a one-time payment to a qualified resident’s monthly heating bill and is administered by the Georgia Department of Social Services,” said Wendell Dallas, vice president, Atlanta Gas Light. “These funds are obtainable for the home’s primary heating energy source, such as natural gas, electric, propane or fuel oil.”
 
Georgia residents may also qualify for local heating assistance funds available from non-profit agencies. 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 those who need help paying their monthly heating bills.
 
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. Call 2-1-1 for more information.
• 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 that 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 household income of $14,355, or less. Those who qualify receive a monthly credit on their bill. To apply, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.  The application can be found under the energy assistance tab.