Atlanta Gas Light reminds residents who may have trouble paying their heating bills this winter that assistance is available. There are several energy assistance programs available for Georgia residents, and now is the time to apply.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program designed to assist those in need. For more information residents should contact their county LIHEAP office by calling United Way's 2-1-1 or 1- 800-510-3102.

"We want to spread the word and let low- and fixed-income residents know they may be able to get help with their natural gas bills by completing a LIHEAP application," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president of Atlanta Gas Light. "It is unfortunate to think that help is available and yet there may be eligible customers who do not apply."

Atlanta Gas Light is a natural gas distribution company maintaining a pipeline infrastructure in Georgia, and is available 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies. Natural gas marketers buy and sell the gas delivered to homes and businesses. If customers think they may have difficulty paying their bills this winter, they should call their natural gas marketer to learn more about payment options.

Regulated Provider SCANA Energy provides natural gas service to low-income residents who have been unable to obtain or maintain natural gas service from another natural gas marketer.

Residents who call United Way's 2-1-1 may also request a referral to one of the many other energy assistance programs that are available, including:

  -- The Home and Heartwarming Program provides weatherization services and
     natural gas equipment repair or replacement for qualified senior and
     low-income households on the Atlanta Gas Light system.
  -- The Atlanta Gas Light Senior Citizens Discount is available for
     customers who are 65 years of age or older and have a total annual
     combined household income of $14,355, or less. Those who qualify
     receive a monthly credit on their bill.

  Weatherization

In addition to seeking assistance with heating bills this winter, there are other steps customers can take to prepare their homes for the winter heating season. Atlanta Gas Light offers the following advice for maximum cost savings, safety and comfort:

  -- Add weather stripping and caulking to doors and windows to seal gaps.
     As much as 30 to 40 percent of a home's energy loss is attributed to
     outside air penetrating the house.
  -- Check for appropriate insulation around the pipes, walls, attic and
     floor. Choose the right R-value, which is a measure of insulating
     power. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power, which provides
     greater household energy savings and cost savings.
  -- Turn down the water heater's thermostat setting to about 120 degrees
     and switch to "vacation" setting when the house will be unoccupied.
  -- Use warm or cold water setting when washing clothes and rinse with cold
     water.
  -- Separate heavier clothes (towels, heavy cottons) from the lightweight
     fabrics (synthetics) for more efficient drying.
  -- Install a low flow showerhead. Showers use less hot water than baths.
  -- Close off unoccupied rooms and close heating vents.
  -- Use exterior doors farthest from the thermostat.
  -- Use the sunlight to warm rooms. Close drapes and blinds at night to
     retain heat.
  -- Fully load dishwashers, washing machines and dryers before running.
  -- Install storm or thermal windows and doors.
  -- Install a water heater insulation wrap around the sides of the water
     heater. Never put insulation on the top of the heater or near the
     bottom.

  For more information:
  Atlanta Gas Light: www.atlantagaslight.com
  American Gas Association: www.aga.org
  National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org
  U.S. Department of Energy: www.eere.energy.gov.

  About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources , provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.5 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources , an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.2 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout the nation. As a 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.

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SOURCE: AGL Resources Inc.