Energy assistance application deadline is April 30Elizabethtown Gas reminds consumers to act nowMarch 29, 2007
UNION, N.J. -- March 29, 2007 -- As the application deadline for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) approaches, Elizabethtown Gas reminds consumers that energy assistance is still available to help consumers with home heating costs.
“Customers who have not applied and need assistance should call the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline,” said Don Carter, vice president and general manager of Elizabethtown Gas. “We want to spread the word and let consumers know they can get help with their energy payments by taking advantage of energy assistance programs.”
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps families and individuals with their energy bills. LIHEAP began taking applications on Nov. 1, 2006 and will continue accepting them through April 30, 2007. Calls to the United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline are free from any landline or cell phone in New Jersey.
To ensure the company is able to help as many families as possible, Elizabethtown Gas is collaborating with a number of agencies that administer energy assistance programs. Elizabethtown Gas has contributed $20,000 each to the United Way, the Union County Puerto Rican Occupational Center Education Economic Development, the Middlesex County Puerto Rican Action Board, the Northwest Community Action Program, and the New Jersey Shares program.
“We also ask Elizabethtown Gas customers who are having trouble paying their bills to contact our customer service department as soon as possible to discuss a payment plan and avoid a disruption in service.” Carter continued. “Unfortunately, many customers avoid calling. However, the sooner they call, the more options are available to work out a payment plan.”
Editor’s Note: Attached is a list of contact information for the Elizabethtown Gas Customer Service Center and community action agencies.
About Elizabethtown Gas Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources, provides delivery service to more than 266,000 residential, business and industrial natural gas customers in New Jersey. In operation since 1855, the company serves parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Mercer counties. For more information, visit www.elizabethtowngas.com.
About AGL Resources AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.2 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout the nation. 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 Patrice Harris, 757-616-7533 Cell: 757-705-2447 pharris@aglresources.com
Elizabethtown Gas Customer Service Center: 1-800-242-5830
For more information on available Energy Assistance Programs and to learn if you qualify, call the agency in your area:
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs LIHEAP Hotline: 1-800-510-3102
- United Way of Greater Union County: 908-353-7171
- Union County Puerto Rican Occupational Center Education Economic Development (PROCEED): 908-351-7727
Dee Perez -- LIHEAP Manager
- Middlesex County Puerto Rican Action Board (PRAB): 732-828-4510
Vivian Perez -- LIHEAP Manager
- Northwest Community Action Program (NORWESCAP): 908-454-7000
Tracy O’Connor -- LIHEAP Manager
- New Jersey Shares: 973-729-4938
Barbara Gomes -- Program Manager
Consumer Credit Counseling Service: 1-800-251-2227 Elizabethtown Gas Customer who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to reach out to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) by dialing the phone number above or visiting www.cccsinc.org or www.cccsenesespanol.org