AGL Resources Supports National Fuel Funds’ Washington Action Day for Energy Assistance

January 31, 2005

WHAT:  Representatives of Atlanta-based AGL Resources will travel to Washington, DC to support the National Fuel Funds Network Washington Action Day for LIHEAP (low income home energy assistance program). AGL Resources representatives as well as representatives from the American Gas Association and other natural gas utilities from across the country will spend the day meeting with members of the House and Senate to secure full LIHEAP funding for this year and to begin laying the groundwork for funding for the next fiscal year.

AGL Resources’ Beth Reese and Joyce Hull will meet with representatives from the offices of Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, D-NJ; Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., D-NJ; Congressman Donald M. Payne, D-NJ; and Congressman Zach Wamp, R-TN, to advocate for additional energy assistance funding to ensure that the needs are met for constituents in their respective areas.

According to the National Fuel Funds Network, the gap between the need for adequate home energy and the ability to secure it remains very real for millions of Americans. The gap is an issue of public policy because the federal government administers LIHEAP. LIHEAP is subject to yearly Congressional appropriations. Congress has provided as much as $2 billion annually, and LIHEAP serves only about 20 percent of those eligible.

Since its founding in 1984, the National Fuel Funds Network has been a vociferous advocate for increased LIHEAP funding. The Network engages members and other organizations in what have become yearly struggles to maintain barely adequate funding for LIHEAP. National Fuel Fund Network members are calling for a $3.4 Billion LIHEAP appropriation for FY 2005.

WHEN:  Tuesday, February 1, 2005, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

WHO:  Beth Reese, vice president for customer service, AGL Resources
Joyce Hull, energy assistance coordinator, AGL Resources

WHERE:  Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

NOTE:  A news conference will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with representatives of the National Fuel Funds Network and members of the House and Senate to discuss the importance of increasing funding for LIHEAP. Location for the press conference is at the corner of Delaware and Constitution Avenue – across from the Russell Senate Office Building

CONTACT:  For more information about the National Fuel Funds Network, contact www.nationalfuelfunds.org