It’s energy assistance time; don’t be left out in the coldChattanooga Gas reminds residents to apply early for help with monthly heating bills

December 4, 2009

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – December 4, 2009 – Although natural gas prices are down significantly from last year, many families may still have difficulty paying their monthly heating bill.  Chattanooga Gas reminds residents to apply for federal funds available under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP as soon as possible.
 
"LIHEAP offers a one-time payment to a qualified resident’s monthly heating bill and is administered by the Chattanooga Department of Human Services,” said Steve Lindsey, vice president, Chattanooga Gas. “Getting the proper paperwork completed early can expedite the process of getting funds, which can take close to six weeks.”
 
Tennessee residents can apply now through June 15, 2010 for LIHEAP or until funds are no longer available.  
 
Chattanooga Gas is also doing its part to help residents stay warm this winter.
 
“We have donated $45,000 to energy assistance programs in Hamilton County this year and $5,000 to energy assistance programs in Bradley County. These funds are also used to assist customers in paying their monthly heating bills,” said Lindsey.
 
Residents interested in learning how to apply for LIHEAP, or any other heating assistance program, should call 2-1-1 or 866-921-3035.
 
In addition to donating heating funds, Chattanooga Gas recently filed a proposal with the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to create an energy-efficiency program for its customers.
 
“Our goal is to help customers lower their energy usage, save money and reduce their environmental footprint,” said Lindsey.
 
If approved, the program would include free programmable thermostats, rebate programs to encourage customers to purchase high-efficiency appliances and equipment, and weatherization assistance for low-income customers. 
 
About Chattanooga Gas

Chattanooga Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 61,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, please see www.chattanoogagas.com. 
 

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 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 current 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:           Media 
                        Tami Gerke     
                        Office: 404-584-3873
                        Cell:     404-558-2307 
                        Media line: 1-866-757-6646 
                        tgerke@aglresources.com