The dynamic duo: Heating assistance and energySMARTVirginia Natural Gas shows customers the way to energy savings and comfort this winter

October 8, 2009

Norfolk, Va. – October 8, 2009 – This winter’s 23% reduction in the cost of natural gas for Virginia Natural Gas customers compared to last winter will help lower monthly heating bills. With that in mind, Virginia Natural Gas would like to educate consumers on two money-saving initiatives that can reduce their bills even more.
 
The first involves federal energy assistance funds available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP. This program offers a one time payment to a resident’s monthly heating bill and is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services.
 
The application process opens October13 and ends November 13, 2009, and is available for applicants who have a yearly household income less than or equal to 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, published each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  To determine eligibility and apply for the program, residents should contact the Department of Social Services in the locality in which they live or attend one of the Virginia Natural Gas community meetings that will take place during the sign up period.
 
“LIHEAP funds are available to qualified residents every year,” said Robert Duvall, vice president, Virginia Natural Gas. “These funds are obtainable for the home’s primary heating energy source, such as natural gas, electric, propane, or fuel oil.”
 
The second program, energySMART, is a new Virginia Natural Gas energy conservation program designed to help customers save money on their energy bills by reducing their energy usage.
 
EnergySMART includes offers such as a $25 rebate on a seasonal check-up of a home heating system, a FREE customized programmable thermostat, rebates on high efficiency natural gas appliances, and a low-income weatherization program.
 
Performing simple home energy efficiency measures such as a seasonal check-up to extend the life of a heating system, using the recommended manufacturer settings on a programmable thermostat, and switching to high-efficiency natural gas appliances, can significantly reduce a home’s energy usage.
 
The low-income home weatherization component of energySMART includes a partnership between state-certified weatherization agencies – the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project and the Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Network – and Virginia Natural Gas. As part of the program, an energy specialist will assess the homes of qualified customers and provide improvements that will make the home use less energy, which can reduce a customer’s monthly bill. The improvements are provided free to eligible customers and range from adding insulation and wrapping water heaters to inspecting, and potentially replacing, heating equipment. 
 
“Virginia Natural Gas customers can now reduce their monthly energy bills in several ways by combining our energySMART initiatives with LIHEAP funds,” said Duvall. “Our company is committed to providing our customers with tools they need to lower their heating costs, save energy and stay warm this winter,” said Duvall.
 
Virginia Natural Gas representatives will hold informational meetings to help residents apply for LIHEAP funds and the low-income weatherization program. For a complete list of meetings and for details on the energySMART program, customers should visit the Virginia Natural Gas website at www.virginianaturalgas.com.

About Virginia Natural GasVirginia Natural Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to 271,000 customers in southeast Virginia.  For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.

About AGL ResourcesAGL 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 a current 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.
 
Contact:           Tami Gerke
                        Office: 404-584-3873
                        Cell: 404-558-2307
                        tgerke@aglresources.com

Virginia Natural Gas LIHEAP Community Meetings

Second Baptist Church
3307 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607
Tuesday, October 20^th, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
*During the Bread Pantry. 
 
Bank Street Memorial Baptist Food Pantry7010 Auburn Ave. Ste. M, Norfolk, VA 23513
Wednesday, October 21^st, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
*During the Bread Pantry. 
 
Third Baptist Church 1214 Victoria Blvd, Hampton, VA 23661
Saturday, October 24^th, 9am-1pm
*During the Fall Bizarre. 
 
Spurgeon Memorial Baptist Church
5520 Tidewater Dr, Norfolk, VA 23509
Wednesday, October 28^th, 6pm to 7:15pm 

New Beech Grove Baptist Church
326 Tabbs Lane, Newport News, VA 23602
Wednesday, October 14th, 10am - 12pm
*After the Bread Ministry which begins at 9am. 
 
Second Baptist Church
2355 West Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA 23661
Tuesday, October 20^th, 6 pm - 8 pm

Mt. Hebron Baptist Church123 Rip Rap Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Wednesday, October 21^st, 11:30am - 1:00 pm
*During the weekly Bread Ministry.

Shiloh Baptist Church
745 Park Ave., Norfolk, VA 23504
Tuesday, November 3rd, 5:00pm to 7:00 pm

Zion Baptist Church
125 W. County St., Hampton, VA 23663
Wednesday, October 28^th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
*During the Food Bank.