ATLANTA, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 1, senior citizens and homebound residents in Georgia can apply for federal assistance funds through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program, administered through the state Department of Social Services, is designed to help reduce monthly heating costs by providing a one-time benefit to low- and fixed-income residents.

"These funds are obtainable for a home's primary heating energy source, such as natural gas, electric, propane or fuel oil," said Steve Lindsey, vice president, Atlanta Gas Light. "Residents are encouraged to apply now before the temperatures begin to drop."

In order to be eligible for federal heating assistance, families must show an income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the Georgia Department of Social Services, over 250,000 households in Georgia received LIHEAP funds in 2010.

Residents who would like more information should contact their county LIHEAP office by calling 2-1-1 in metro Atlanta or Savannah. Customers outside of these areas should contact their local community action agency.

Those who call 2-1-1 also may request a referral to other energy assistance programs that are available. Some of these programs are described below.

• Heating Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.) offers low-income households assistance with their energy needs. Funds are distributed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources through local community action agencies. Call 678-406-0212 or visit www.heatga.org for more information.
• Project Share is a Georgia Salvation Army initiative which provides emergency financial assistance. Call 1-800-257-4273 or visit www.salvationarmy-georgia.org.
• 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.

Atlanta Gas Light, through its parent company AGL Resources and the AGL Resources Private Foundation, donated $300,000 to energy assistance programs in Georgia this past year. The funds are used to assist residents in paying their monthly heating bills.

About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), 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 (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