Atmos launching heating assistance program

COLUMBUS - Atmos Energy, a major natural gas supplier in Hall County, is launching its Sharing the Warmth program.

Atmos works with numerous community energy-assistance agencies across the U.S. in coordinating the program. These nonprofit agencies accept applications from people needing assistance and share the available funds according to their established program guidelines.

Atmos supports the program with donations from its employees, contributions of its shareholders and matching funds in many of its service areas.

Contributions in any amount are welcome or Atmos customers may "round up" their payment to the next highest dollar amount and the extra pennies will go to the program.

Sharing the Warmth helps the low-income, elderly, disabled and qualifying families with young children meeting their winter time heating costs. Atmos Energy customers donate to the program's funds and local energy assistance agencies distribute them to customers in need.

Last year, the program helped more than 527,000 Atmos customers with more than $1.1 million in energy-assistance funds.