Maryland energy assistance available nowElkton Gas urges customers to apply for heating assistance this winterNovember 15, 2007
Elkton, Md. – Nov. 15, 2007 – Elkton Gas reminds residents who may have trouble paying their heating bills this winter that assistance is available. One program is The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). This program distributes federal funds administered through the state to help those in need. Residents need to apply now.
“We want to spread the word and let low-and fixed-income residents know they can get help with their natural gas bills by completing a MEAP application,” said Candy Davis, operations manager, Elkton Gas. “Customers need to apply in order to be eligible. It is unfortunate to think there is help available, and yet there may be customers who do not apply.”
Another program available to Elkton Gas customers is the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP). It is a monthly payment program developed for low income families through the Maryland Public Service Commission, and supported by Elkton Gas.
Elkton Gas also supports the Cecil County Heating Assistance Program (CHAP) through a $5,000 donation. This program is the local fuel fund for low income residents of Cecil County. The federal Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) administers the program and places special emphasis on assisting the elderly, the physically challenged, and those who may not otherwise receive assistance.
Residents are encouraged to apply for all three programs by calling 410-996-0270.
Weatherization
In addition to seeking assistance with heating bills this winter, there are other steps customers can take to prepare their homes for the winter heating season. Elkton Gas offers the following advice for maximum cost savings, safety and comfort:
· Add weather stripping and caulking to doors and windows to seal gaps. As much as 30 to 40 percent of a home's energy loss is attributed to outside air penetrating the house.
· Check for appropriate insulation around the pipes, walls, attic and floor. Choose the right R-value, which is a measure of insulating power. Higher R-values mean greater insulating power, which provides greater household energy savings and cost savings.
· Turn down the water heater's thermostat setting to about 120 degrees and switch to "vacation" setting when the house will be unoccupied.
· Use warm or cold water setting when washing clothes and rinse with cold water.
· Separate heavier clothes (towels, heavy cottons) from the lightweight fabrics (synthetics) for more efficient drying.
· Install a low flow showerhead. Showers use less hot water than baths.
· Close off unoccupied rooms and close heating vents.
· Use exterior doors farthest from the thermostat.
· Use the sunlight to warm rooms. Close drapes and blinds at night to retain heat.
· Fully load dishwashers, washing machines and dryers before running.
· Install storm or thermal windows and doors.
· Install a water heater insulation wrap around the sides of the water heater. Never put insulation on the top of the heater or near the bottom.
For more information:
Elkton Gas Light: www.elktongas.com
American Gas Association: www.aga.org
National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org
U.S. Department of Energy: www.eere.energy.gov
About Elkton GasElkton Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 6,000 residential and business natural gas customers in the greater Elkton area in northeastern Maryland. For more information, visit www.elktongas.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
Tami Gerke
Public Relations Specialist
Ten Peachtree Place, 14th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30309
AGL Resources – Turn On The Gas
Offices in: Georgia – Virginia – Tennessee – New Jersey – Maryland – Florida – Houston – Phoenix