UNION, N.J., June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Elizabethtown Gas would like to make customers aware of a new energy assistance program that helps residents facing financial hardship to pay their natural gas bills.

Eligible low- and middle-income residents can obtain a one-time benefit of up to $750 for each utility service from the Temporary Relief from Utility Expenses (TRUE) grant program. TRUE is funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

"We want to spread the word to make sure that our customers know what's available if they need help paying their gas and other utility bills," said Don Carter, Vice President and General Manager of Elizabethtown Gas.  

Administered by the Eatontown-based Affordable Housing Alliance, TRUE provides payments directly to utility companies on behalf of eligible customers that may have lost their jobs or are facing other financial difficulties. The program is intended for those New Jersey residents not enrolled in other programs, such as the Universal Service Fund (USF) or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during the last 12 months.

Prospective applicants must meet a series of eligibility requirements, including documentation of household income, notice of past due payments and a history of making regular payments.

For more information about the requirements and to obtain an application, visit ahanjtrue.org or call toll free at 855-465-8783.

About Elizabethtown Gas

Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 276,000 residential, business and industrial natural gas customers in New Jersey. In operation since 1855, the company serves parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Mercer counties. For more information, visit www.elizabethtowngas.com.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As an 85-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 two high-deliverability natural gas storage facilities: Jefferson Island Storage & Hub near the Henry Hub in Louisiana and Golden Triangle Storage in Texas. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

SOURCE AGL Resources