Our customers’ wellbeing is central to every decision we make at Chattanooga Gas, especially as the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our communities continue to unfold. We are in consultation with the Public Utility Commission, and in support of Tennessee’s State of Emergency, we will continue to suspend service disconnections for nonpayment, going back to March 12, to ensure that those who can’t pay their bills or whose jobs are affected by COVID-19 do not face the added hardship of interruption of services. We are assessing the needs of our communities on an ongoing basis to make sure we’re providing all the support we can, and when normal billing resumes, we will work with our customers to help them handle past-due obligations in a manageable way. In the meantime, we remind customers to visit www.chattanoogagas.com/residential/billing-and-payment-options/energy-assistance-programs.html to learn more about financial assistance programs available.
Our customers’ wellbeing is central to every decision we make at Chattanooga Gas, especially as the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our communities continue to unfold. We are in consultation with the Public Utility Commission and are extending the decision to suspend service disconnections until April 13 to ensure that those who can’t pay their bills or whose jobs are affected by COVID-19 do not face the added hardship of interruption of services. We are assessing the needs of our communities on an ongoing basis to make sure we’re providing all the support we can, and when normal billing resumes, we will work with our customers to help them handle past-due obligations in a manageable way. In the meantime, we remind customers to visit chattanoogagas.com to learn more about financial assistance or payment programs available.
Chattanooga, Tenn. – March 14, 2020 – In recognition that the evolving landscape surrounding the new coronavirus (COVID-19) may cause financial hardship for customers impacted by employment changes or business slowdown, Chattanooga Gas has voluntarily suspended service disconnections for nonpayment for seven days as the company assesses the best path for moving forward for its customers. This suspension will apply to both residential and commercial customers.
“We understand that now, more than ever, our services play a critical role in our communities,” said Bryan Batson, president of Chattanooga Gas. “We stand with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission in our commitment to ensuring that every family and company in our community has the fuel they need to continue heating their homes, cooking their food, taking warm showers and running their businesses.”
Chattanooga Gas offers programs and tools that can help customers take control of their energy bills, including:
Additionally, Chattanooga Gas reminds residential customers of energy assistance options available to support those impacted as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. The following local community agencies can help customers who may be experiencing personal financial strain resulting from the pandemic:
For more information about each of these programs or help managing natural gas costs, please visit chattanoogagas.com.
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About Chattanooga Gas
Chattanooga Gas is one of four 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, please see 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 and 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 Contact:
Mekka Parish
Media Line: 404-584-4165 | Mobile: 404-387-8067 | msparish@southernco.com