Posted: Monday, January 18, 2010 11:08 am

Atmos Energy Corporation advises its customers that energy assistance funds may be available for those who need help paying for heating and weatherizing their homes.

"Atmos Energy is ready to help connect our customers in need with energy assistance agencies,” said Kevin Akers, president of Atmos Energy’s Mid States Division. “Fortunately, the price of natural gas at the well head is much lower than last winter,” Akers said.

“Customers who need help should contact their local energy assistance agency or call us early, rather than wait until the last minute, if they are having trouble paying their bills,” said Akers.

Last winter, Atmos Energy referred more than 55,000 customers to community energy assistance agencies, an increase of 48 percent from the previous winter. Atmos Energy, its customers and employees donated more than $1.2 million in 2009 to help energy assistance agencies through the company’s Sharing the Warmth program. The funds were distributed to assistance agencies in the givers’ local areas.

Atmos Energy customers can find a local energy assistance agency on the company’s Web site at www.atmosenergy.com by clicking on Home Service and on the link for energy assistance agencies. Customers also can call the company’s customer contact center for assistance toll-free at 1-888-286-6700.