Elizabethtown Gas proposes new energy efficiency programs

February 5, 2009

UNION, N.J. – February 5, 2009 –Elizabethtown Gas (ETG) announced today it has filed an application with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to provide a series of energy-efficiency and conservation programs in support of Governor Jon Corzine’s Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP).
 
ETG is proposing a new regional greenhouse gas initiative rider to cover the cost of six energy efficiency and conservation programs totaling approximately $ 14.7 million over two years.  In addition, ETG is proposing to extend two of the programs beyond the initial two years.  This is the second of two initiatives the company has filed with the NJBPU in response to the Governor’s plan.  Earlier, ETG filed a utility infrastructure enhancement proposal with the Board of Public Utilities in response to the state’s request.
 
In October, Governor Corzine presented a comprehensive ESP for New Jersey to enhance the state’s business climate and support short-term employment growth and long term economic prospects. The stimulus package includes provisions for energy companies to invest in programs for utility customers that will encourage energy efficiency, generate jobs and strengthen local economies.
 
“Our new energy efficiency-programs will provide a series of new conservation initiatives designed to assist customers in using energy wisely, lowering their energy costs and reducing the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Don Carter, vice president, Elizabethtown Gas. “The increasing cost of energy and concerns regarding environmental issues make it important to focus on effective long-term solutions. These programs are designed to help educate our customers and facilitate actions that help our customers reduce energy costs and their environmental footprint.”
 
These proposed programs include: 

• Whole house energy efficiency – This program promotes a “whole-house” energy conservation approach by encouraging residential customers to implement a combination of energy-efficiency improvements (i.e., air sealing, eliminating duct leaks, adding insulation and high-efficiency equipment) rather than just a single improvement. This particular incentive has the potential has the potential to have the greatest effect on reducing natural gas consumption for residential customers.
  
• Residential gas HVAC and gas water heater rebates – Customers may be eligible for rebates when they choose a high-efficiency natural gas furnace boiler and/or water heater.
  
• Combined heat and power – This incentive is designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions for large commercial and industrial customers. The goal is to lower dependence on the electric grid system.
  
• Gas cooling  – Rebates are provided to commercial and industrial customers for the installation of gas cooling equipment.
   
• Small and large commercial customer energy efficiency - ETG will provide rebates designed to enhance the New Jersey Clean Energy  SmartStart  program. Small and large commercial customers may be eligible for rebates when installing high-efficiency gas equipment such as gas-fired boilers, furnaces, water heaters and booster water heaters.  

 
ETG also plans enhanced customer outreach to raise awareness of the importance of energy conservation and to educate customers about programs to help them conserve natural gas and lower their energy bills on a long-term basis. 
 
If approved by the NJBPU, the new programs could be launched as early as April 1, 2009. 

About AGL Resources

AGL 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 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.

About Elizabethtown Gas

Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources, provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 273,000 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 
 
Contact:          Tami Gerke, AGL Resources
                       Office: 404-584-3873
                       Cell: 404-358-2307
                       tgerke@aglresources.com