Every family deserves the peace of mind that they will be able to keep their homes warm. As temperatures continue to drop Atlanta Gas Light is committed to providing resources to customers who may need assistance with their winter heating bills.
 
In the past five years, Atlanta Gas Light customers have benefited from receiving more than $5 million in energy assistance funds through a program administered by the Georgia Public Service Commission.  This year alone, Atlanta Gas Light customers will receive over $1.5 million, including more than $250 thousand from the company’s charitable giving to metro area non-profit agencies to help fund energy assistance programs.
 
Recently the company held its first Corporate Giving Empowerment Breakfast event to recognize the hard work and dedication of non-profit agencies who serve those most in need.
 
“We take great pride in our partnerships with local agencies to ensure citizens in the communities that we live and serve can enjoy the comfort and reliability of natural gas,” said Bryan Batson, president of Atlanta Gas Light.
 
The following agencies provide energy assistance for those who qualify:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible customers pay for their winter heating service and may cover certain cooling expense for customers with specific medical conditions.

Eligibility is based on household size and income. LIHEAP is 100 percent federally funded through a grant program from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Early enrollment for seniors and people with disabilities will begin on Nov. 1, 2018, and general enrollment begins Dec. 1, 2018.

Applications for all energy assistance programs can be made through a local Community Action Agency or non-profit organization. The assistance is available in all 159 counties in Georgia.

If a participant qualified for LIHEAP last year, he or she must reapply by submitting the state recertification form, along with all other required documents, to their local agency.
 
For more information about Georgia LIHEAP, call 1-877-423-4746 or visit the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services website for a list of other resources.

H.E.A.T. – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) distributes Heating Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.) funds statewide through local community action agencies. H.E.A.T. funds assist households experiencing a potential loss of energy service or households that are in need of getting service restored. Customers can visit www.heatga.org or call 678-406-0212 to discuss eligibility or donate.

Senior Discount program – Atlanta Gas Light will provide eligible senior citizens with a discount of $14 a month on their natural gas bills. The monthly discount is reflected on the bill they receive from their natural gas provider. For more information on eligibility, please contact your provider.

Hope Works (formerly Resource Service Ministries) – HopeWorks helps low-income widows in the greater-Atlanta area with weatherization assistance for homes, gas furnace repairs and general maintenance. For more information, call 404-872-0167 or visit www.hopeworks4us.org.

United Way – Customers can call United Way’s 211 number for a listing of other agencies that can assist with available funding.
 
Natural gas customers also can take additional action to prepare for the winter heating season by doing the following:

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

Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Use caulk or sealant to insulate areas where a draft might be felt.

Open drapes and shades. Using sunlight is a great way to naturally heat the home during the day.

Close the flue to the fireplace. Closing the flue will prevent warm air from escaping the home.