Govermental and Non-profit Agencies Offer Help with Natural Gas Bills

February 4, 2002

Energy Assistance Programs Help Low-Income Residents of Chattanooga

With some of the winter season's severest weather still potentially to come, non-profit organizations and state and local agencies are working hard to provide assistance to qualified individuals looking for help with their natural gas bills.

Larry Buie, general manager of Chattanooga Gas Company, said, "Due to challenging economic times, we know there are individuals in Chattanooga who may need assistance with their gas bills this winter. Often, people simply don't know where to go for help, so it's important to point them in the right direction."

Low-Income Household Assistance
A $14.7 million federal grant has been set aside this year to help low income families pay their gas bills. To qualify for this federal assistance, household income cannot exceed 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Maximum income to qualify for assistance ranges from $10,737 for a one-person household to $37,162 for a family of eight or more. Aid is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. The Department of Human Services administers assistance statewide through its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Tennessee DHS offers one-time energy assistance ranging from $100 to $250 during regular winter heating. During the months of January through April, customers who are scheduled for disconnection may qualify for an emergency voucher to avoid having their gas service interrupted.

For more information on LIHEAP, your local DHS County office.

The Chattanooga Area is fortunate to have several organizations that offer assistance for individuals who demonstrate need. The type of aid the agencies offer varies. Chattanooga Gas Company suggests that natural gas customers who think they may be eligible for assistance contact:

• United Way of Greater Chattanooga's First Call for Help -- This information and referral service has trained resource managers to help callers with their questions and determine the most appropriate local agency to refer them to for assistance with their bill. Contact First Call for Help at 265-8000 or visit http://cg.servicept.com/chattanooga.
  
  
• Salvation Army's Share the Warmth Program -- The Chattanooga Area Command of the Salvation Army provides energy assistance to qualified applicants. For more information, contact Salvation Army at 756-1023 or visit http://salvationarmy.chattanooga.net.

Ways to Contribute to Energy Assistance Funds
Harriette Watkins, vice president of community affairs for AGL Resources, parent company of Chattanooga Gas Company, said, "In recent months Americans have shown tremendous generosity in helping those in need during times of crisis. We believe this humanitarian spirit will extend to our neighbors seeking help with their heating bills."

Customers can donate to the United Way's First Call for Help directly through Chattanooga Gas Company. Each month, customers can contribute to the program when paying their gas bill by simply checking the appropriate box on the statement.

To make a financial contribution to Salvation Army's Share the Warmth Program, send donations to: Salvation Army Share the Warmth Program, 800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403