Atmos predicts lower gas costs this winter

Atmos Energy Corporation said it expects that most of its utility customers in Illinois could pay lower natural gas bills this coming winter, compared to last year.
“Our residential customers could save, on average, about 5 to 10 percent for the natural gas they use this winter, compared with their gas costs during the past winter,” said Steve Green, manager of public affairs. “These savings result from recent and continued low natural gas prices, more production and Atmos Energy’s ability to utilize underground storage. Experts predict natural gas prices are likely to remain low well into 2011.”
Green said that Atmos Energy does not make any profit on the natural gas it distributes to its utility customers.
“Customers tell us that paying lower natural gas bills this winter is welcome news, considering the current economy and the pressures they feel on their household budgets,” Green said. Atmos Energy is working closely with state energy officials and local energy assistance agencies to help its customers.
Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth program will donate more than $1 million to energy assistance agencies to help low-income, elderly and disabled customers pay their natural gas bills. More than 40,000 Atmos energy customers and employees signed up to contribute to the Sharing the Warmth program.
“We have many caring customers and employees who are concerned about helping members of their community who need assistance,” said Green.
Customers who need energy-assistance dollars may call Atmos Energy at 1-888-286-6700 to learn how to apply for energy assistance.
Atmos Energy customers unable to pay their natural gas bills should call the company before becoming delinquent. Green emphasized, “By calling us to discuss a payment plan, we can work with them to help prevent a service disconnection and can help them find energy assistance that might be available,” he said.
Atmos Energy’s website is www.atmosenergy.com.

energytips offers many easy-to-use online tools and energy-savings tips to help homeowners conserve on energy use, evaluate choices for new appliances and understand the many factors that affect their monthly natural gas bills.
“Every fall, we also encourage our customers to call a licensed plumbing or heating contractor for a winter tuneup of their natural gas furnace and appliances. It’s a matter of safety, of course. Bill, servicing your appliances can also keep them operating efficiently to save cost,” Green said.
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural-gas-only distributor, serving over 3 million natural gas distribution customers in more than 1,600 communities in 12 states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to industrial, commercial and municipal customers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast and manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Atmos Energy is a Fortune 500 company. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.