Chattanooga Gas reminds customers of bill payment assistance resources ahead of cooler temperatures

Company offers tips on how to make homes more energy efficient

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – October 2, 2023 – Chattanooga Gas is committed to providing world-class natural gas service to its customers and that commitment includes ensuring customers have access to bill payment assistance resources to help with their increased natural gas home heating costs as the temperatures drop.

Enrollment for the federal- and state-funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open. The program provides home energy bill payment assistance to income-eligible households. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and income up to 60% of the state median income, which for a family of four equates to a gross monthly income of $4,241.83 or less. To apply for LIHEAP, Chattanooga Gas customers can call Bradley-Cleveland Community Services at 423-479-4111 or the Hamilton County Office of Family Empowerment at 423-643-6434.

The new Chattanooga Gas Shield of Warmth program provides up to $300 in financial assistance grants to income-eligible customers. Additional support of $150 is available to senior citizens 65+ and veterans who qualify for the program. For program eligibility and enrollment, Chattanooga Gas customers can contact The Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga, at 423-305-6200 or visit  csarmy.org/shield-warmth.

The United Way can provide customers with referrals to local organizations that provide bill payment assistance. To reach the United Way, customers can do one of the following:

•         Dial 2-1-1 or 423-265-8000
•         Text their ZIP code to 898-211 to start a text chat
•         Email United Way at 211staff@uwchatt.org

Chattanooga Gas customers can access additional Information about available bill payment assistance programs at chattanoogagas.com/energyassistance.

Here are other resources to help Chattanooga Gas customers pay, manage and save on their bill:

• Payment arrangements can provide eligible customers with more time to pay past-due balances and bring their account current to avoid possible service disconnections. Customers can check their eligibility for a payment arrangement by visiting chattanoogagas.com/myaccount.
• The Budget Plan can help customers with current accounts avoid unpredictable bills from month-to-month. To learn more about the Budget Plan and how it works, visit chattanoogagas.com/budgetplan.

For natural gas customers seeking more control over energy consumption and heating bills, Chattanooga Gas also offers these tips to save on energy costs during the winter heating season.

• Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows customers to set the temperature in their homes while they are away and increase the temperature when they return. 

• Seal Windows and Leaks with Weather-Stripping: For homes with attic access, make sure the door is insulated and seals tight, much like a refrigerator. Use weather-stripping and screen door latches for a snug seal.

• Cover Vents: Covering vents helps keep cold air out of basement or crawl spaces during the colder months. Foundation vents help to keep floors warmer and heating bills lower.

• Install a Water Heater Jacket Cover: A water heater jacket can decrease the cost of heating water by up to 15% by preventing energy loss.

For other ways to save, visit: chattanoogagas.com/residential/ways-to-save

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 70,500 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 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

Media Contacts
Alicia Young
c: 770-658-9728
e: aliyoung@southernco.com   

Salvation Army of Greater Chattanooga
Eric Short
c: 502-777-6640
e: Eric.Short@uss.salvationarmy.org