Chattanooga Gas, Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas customers donate $160K to energy assistance programs since start of pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t shut down the generosity of Chattanooga Gas, Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas customers or slowed their contributions to the companies’ energy assistance programs to help their neighbors who struggle to pay their energy bills.

Since March, those Southern Company Gas subsidiaries received $160,000 in donations from customers wanting to help community members facing financial hardship. The funds represent a nearly 20% increase over the donations received during the same period last year.

Despite this challenging time for many in the communities served by Southern Company Gas’ local distribution companies, the number of residential customers making contributions through their monthly gas bills increased by more than 2,000 people.

“Southern Company Gas is very fortunate to have customers in Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia who continuously demonstrate how big their hearts are by regularly giving to help others in need,” said Debra Moss, manager of energy assistance programs for Southern Company Gas. “These contributions are critical, especially during these times of uncertainty. Along with our own corporate giving, we allocate these funds specifically to nonprofit agencies that help eligible customers with their heating bills.”

Customer giving programs complement the COVID-19 relief efforts of Southern Company Gas and its subsidiaries. The Southern Company Gas family of companies and its charitable foundation are investing $2.5 million this year to lessen the health, community and economic impacts of the pandemic.

These efforts include working with relief organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and United Way across seven states, and allocating supplemental low-income energy assistance, with a specific focus on aiding the elderly.

Please visit the customer giving program websites for more information on how to donate or to receive assistance. The Chattanooga Gas Warm Neighbors Program is managed locally by United Way of Greater Chattanooga and The Caring Place. Nicor Gas Sharing Program and Virginia Natural Gas EnergyShare Program are administered by the Salvation Army.