Significant increase in energy assistance funds available this yearVirginia Natural Gas advises residents to apply early for heating assistance October 7, 2008
Norfolk, Va. – October 7, 2008 – President Bush and Congress released $5.1 billion in funds nationally to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) this year, an increase of 36 percent over last year. These additional funds can reduce energy costs for qualified residents who need assistance. Virginia Natural Gas urges its customers to sign up to participate and make sure they will stay warm this winter. Virginia Natural Gas strives to educate residents about available energy assistance programs and how to apply.
“In Virginia, we have a very limited sign-up period,” said Jodi Gidley, president, Virginia Natural Gas. “We work hard to let our customers know which services are available and how to apply for them so they will have the funds when they need them.”
Customers in Virginia are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP as soon as the sign-up period begins. The application process opens October 14 and ends November 14, 2008. The program is available for applicants who have a yearly household income less than or equal to 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, published each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The following is a list of dates and locations where Virginia Natural Gas representatives will hold informational meetings and help residents sign up for the program. Attendees should be sure to bring proof of income and a copy of their utility bill.
Norfolk
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Shiloh Baptist Church
745 Park Ave., Norfolk
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church
1141 Campostella Rd., Norfolk
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bank Street Memorial Baptist Food
Pantry, 7010 Auburn Ave., Ste. M,
Norfolk
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Queen Street Baptist Church
413 East Brambleton Ave., Norfolk |
Peninsula
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Noon – 1:00 pm
Zion Baptist Church
125 W. County St., Hampton
Friday, Oct. 17, 2008
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Second Baptist Church
2355 West Pembroke Ave.,
Hampton
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
10:30 am – 11:30 am
New Beech Grove Baptist Church, 326 Tabbs Lane, Newport News
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
9:00 am – noon
Third Baptist Church
1214 Victoria Blvd., Hampton
|
Residents who cannot attend the meetings but would like more information or would like to sign up should contact their city department of social services to determine if they qualify:
South Hampton Roads:
Norfolk 757-664-7550
Virginia Beach 757-437-3492
Chesapeake 757-382-2000 |
On the Peninsula:
Hampton 757-727-1800
Newport News 757-926-6601
|
Additional help for winter heating bills may be found at:
- The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project, Inc. (The STOP Organization) is a non-profit community action agency serving South Hampton Roads residents. STOP has years of experience providing services such as energy assistance and weatherization to its low-income population on the Southside. Call 757-858-1360.
- Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Agency (WJCC-CAA) provides weatherization and energy assistance programs designed to assist low-income residents on the Peninsula. Call 757-229-9332.
- Virginia Natural Gas customers having trouble paying their bills are also encouraged to also reach out to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. For more information dial 1-800-251-CCCS.
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to 264,000 customers in southeast Virginia. For more information, visit
www.virginianaturalgas.com.
About AGL Resources
AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 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 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: AGL Resources
Tami Gerke
Office: 404-584-3873
Cell: 404-558-2307
tgerke@aglresources.com