Chattanooga, Tenn. – Oct. 8, 2020 – As temperatures decrease and energy use grows, Chattanooga Gas wants to help low-income families who may be struggling to pay their energy bills. The company reminds its customers that they may be eligible for financial assistance that could help offset winter heating costs and offers tips to make their home more energy efficient.
“We recognize that colder weather can increase strain on household budgets due to higher energy use,” said Pedro Cherry, president and CEO of Chattanooga Gas. “Especially during this pandemic, we are committed to connecting customers with their local social services offices to identify available assistance programs that can help this winter.”
Enrollment for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded grant program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is underway for eligible customers. The grant provides financial relief to families whose income is below 150% of the poverty line. The financial assistance is available until money for the program runs out, so customers are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible.
Additional funding is available to assist eligible customers impacted by COVID-19 through the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Customers may apply for this program along with regular LIHEAP assistance through local state agencies in their areas.
Customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties can seek support through the following local organizations:
Customers outside of these counties may visit our website for a list of local agencies in their areas or call United Way by dialing 2-1-1, 423-265-8000, or toll free at 1-866-921-3035.
There are also ways to reduce bills in advance. “We encourage all families to be proactive by weatherizing their homes, an easy way to stay comfortable while lowering energy costs,” Cherry said.
For natural gas customers seeking more control over energy consumption and heating bills, Chattanooga Gas offers these tips for energy efficiency:
For more energy efficiency tips, please visit: https://www.chattanoogagas.com/residential/ways-to-save/energy-saving-tips.html
About Chattanooga Gas
Chattanooga Gas is one of seven natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 66,000 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, visit chattanoogagas.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 700,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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Media Contacts
Mekka Parish | Mobile: 404-387-8067 | msparish@southernco.com