Atmos Energy has committed $1.5 million to help customers settle unpaid utility bills and past-due debt ahead of the upcoming winter heating season. The funds will be distributed through dozens of nonprofit organizations across the eight states the company serves, including agencies in Kentucky.
“Now is an excellent time for our customers to start getting ready for the winter heating season, and these funds will help our most vulnerable neighbors with the financial assistance they need to pay bills or settle debts on their account,” said Public Affairs Manager Kay Coomes. “Helping our communities stay warm is an essential pillar of our Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities initiative, and this energy assistance donation will benefit the elderly, individuals with disabilities, veterans, families experiencing financial hardship, and others who need immediate and easy access to funds.”
Among the recipients is the Salvation Army, along with St. Vincent De Paul, Bluegrass Community Action Partnership, Lake Cumberland, Multi-Purpose CAA, West Kentucky Allied and Pennyrile Allied Community Services.
Customers can find energy assistance agencies by calling 211 or visiting atmosenergy.com/assistance. Atmos Energy also encourages customers in need of solutions for paying monthly bills or reconnecting service to call its customer service team at 888-286-6700 or visit the Atmos Energy Account Center.
“For customers whose natural gas service has been interrupted for any reason, we urge you to call Atmos Energy now to schedule an appointment for service reconnection, before cold weather sets in,” Coomes said.
In addition to its donation, Coomes said Atmos partners with nonprofits through its Sharing the Warmth program to help cover bills, provide weatherization upgrades, and repair or replace customer-owned natural gas appliances and piping.
Federal programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also provide funding to assist families, while the company’s membership in the National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition supports broader efforts to end energy poverty through advocacy and education.
