AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Atmos Energy announced it will donate $2 million to energy assistance agencies across the eight states in its service area, distributing the funds to provide relief for customers needing help paying natural gas bills, past-due debt, deposits, and service charges.
“The goal of these dollars is to support our neighbors in need,” said Michael Gonzales, Atmos Energy manager of public affairs. “We realize it takes significant resources to support the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, and families experiencing financial hardship with the funds they need to enjoy reliable and affordable natural gas throughout the year. Partnering with a variety of energy assistance programs allows us the opportunity to provide our communities immediate and easy access to funding.”
Atmos Energy noted that those needing help with natural gas bills may qualify for financial assistance from federal, state, and local programs such as the Sharing the Warmth program and the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The company noted that the LIHEAP program releases funds each winter to all states and territories to pay utility bills, and that Atmos Energy further participates in the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition to raise awareness of the energy needs of income-constrained customers.