AGL Resources today announced that it will donate an additional $200,000 to provide energy assistance to elderly and low-income natural gas customers in Georgia. The donation supports a special fund established by the United Way of metro Atlanta as part of its 2-1-1 program. In September 2000, AGL Resources and Williams Energy, an international energy and communications company, teamed up to provide $160,000 for utility assistance through the United Way's 2-1-1 program.

The United Way's 2-1-1 program is an information and referral service that operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week and provides free telephone help to those in need. Its services can be accessed throughout Metro Atlanta by calling 2-1-1. If you live outside Metro Atlanta, please call 1-877-421-1243. Dollars given to the program go directly to those in need of assistance in paying their natural gas bills.

"This donation is a continuation of our commitment to our communities across the state," said Paula G. Rosput, president and Chief Executive Officer of AGL Resources. "When we first funded energy assistance late last year, we did not anticipate how the elevated cost of natural gas and unusually cold winter weather would affect natural gas customers. We now see an even greater need for assistance by elderly and low-income customers. We believe this partnership with United Way is the best way to provide assistance to those who need it the most."

In addition to its own donation, AGL Resources has asked Georgia's nine certified marketers to join its energy assistance effort and has committed to match energy assistance gifts dollar for dollar, up to $200,000. To date, ACN Energy, Georgia Natural Gas, Infinite Energy, Infinite Software, Reliant and The New Power Company (formerly Columbia Energy) have responded to the call to provide energy assistance. Contributions range from $1,000 to $150,000 and reach outside of the natural gas industry. AT&T's local organization in Georgia also has contributed $25,000 to the program.

AGL Resources Inc. is a regional holding company for energy and infrastructure related businesses in the Southeast. The company is the second largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States and serves nearly 1.8 million customers throughout Georgia, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and southeastern Virginia. AGL Resources also is engaged through subsidiaries and partnerships in other businesses, including telecommunications, retail energy marketing, and wholesale and retail propane sales. The company's home page address on the Internet is http://www.aglresources.com/ .

SOURCE: Atlanta Gas Light Company