NORFOLK, Va. – January 27, 2009 – Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) today launched its new energySMART (Save Money and Resources Today) energy conservation program for customers –– designed to assist customers in using energy wisely and to lower their monthly utility bills. “We are thrilled to introduce the energySMART program designed to make it easy for customers to conserve,” said Jodi Gidley, president, Virginia Natural Gas. “Customers who take advantage energySMART can significantly reduce their monthly natural gas usage and save money.”
The energySMART program offers several ways to make it convenient for customers to conserve.
$25 Rebate on a Seasonal Heating Equipment CheckupA simple way to stay in control of heating bills is by having a seasonal HVAC system checkup. Customers can reduce their energy usage and save money by ensuring their heating systems are running at full capacity and efficiency. As an incentive to customers to schedule a seasonal checkup, Virginia Natural Gas is offering a $25 energySMART rebate to offset the cost.
*This offer is good on seasonal heating equipment checkups completed between Jan.1, 2009, and March 31, 2009. See www.virginianaturalgas.com for additional details and terms.
FREE Customized Programmable Thermostat Customers can better control their expenses by regulating their heat with a programmable thermostat. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, by using the recommended manufacturer settings, consumers can save up to $180 a year. Virginia Natural Gas is offering a free programmable thermostat to residential customers with a gas furnace. Customers can also save with a $25 rebate on the purchase of any programmable thermostat.
High-Efficiency Natural Gas Equipment Rebates A high-efficiency natural gas heating system will keep you warm and draft-free, even on the coldest of days. Natural gas heat is up to 97 percent efficient. That means you can enjoy the warmth without paying for wasted energy. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, water heating is typically the third largest energy expense in your home, accounting for about 14 percent of your energy bill. If your water heater is more than 10 years old, it probably operates at less than 50 percent efficiency. Customers can reduce their energy consumption and save money by installing high-efficiency natural gas appliances.
Virginia Natural Gas customers who purchase or have purchased one of the high-efficiency natural gas appliances listed below, on or after Jan. 1, 2009, are eligible for an energySMART rebate.
Rebate Appliance $500 Furnace (90 percent+AFUE) $500 Tankless Water Heater (.82 percent +EF) $150 Tank Water Heater (.62 percent +EF)
Low-Income Home Weatherization Program For customers with an income at or below 175 percent of the federal poverty level, Virginia Natural Gas has partnered with state-certified weatherization agencies to provide the direct installation of cost-effective energy efficiency measures in customers’ homes (determined on a home-specific basis). Besides weatherization measures, the agency may determine that equipment and appliance repair or aid with appliance replacement is needed. Participants are asked to partner with the program to develop and carry out a household energy-savings Action Plan. All efficiency measures and energy education services are provided free to the customer.
How Do Customers Participate in the EnergySMART Program? For Rebates or FREE Thermostats:
1. Go to www.virginianaturalgas.com and complete VNG’s easy-to-use rebate form or request a FREE thermostat. 2. For rebates, customers should mail in their original receipt and a copy of the completed rebate form to the address on the form. 3. Customers should allow eight weeks to receive their rebate or thermostat.
For Low-Income Home Weatherization:Southside and Hampton residents should call the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project at (757) 858-1397, and Peninsula residents (other than Hampton) should call the Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Network at (757) 229-9389.
Additional programs and initiatives will be phased in throughout 2009. For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com
About Virginia Natural Gas Virginia Natural Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to more than 270,000 customers in southeast Virginia. For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.
About AGL ResourcesAGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. 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.
Contact: Virginia Natural Gas/AGL Resources Tami Gerke Office: (404)-584-3873 24-Hour Media Line: 1-866-757-6646 tgerke@aglresources.com