Recently, a friend of mine relocated and bought a house in the Buckhead section of Atlanta, Georgia. He soon discovered that the city that has Braves, Hawks, Falcons and Yellow Jackets, is also home to natural gas deregulation. Being that he had never lived in a city with deregulation, he got in touch with me to find out how to choose his natural gas company.

Knowing that my job lets me know more about the energy industry than most, he mentioned that he was trying to find not just any energy company, but an energy company that gives back to the community. He struggled with how he was going to save and conserve energy, seeing that he had just bought this "big, beautiful Georgian mansion" that he wanted to enjoy.

With many companies to choose from, it might seem hard to make a natural gas choice. I let my friend know a few tips to help with his decision -- tips that I now want to share with you:

• Shop for the best price. It's your right as a Georgian, so use it.
• Know what each plans means. Not sure what "fixed" or "variable" rates mean? Find out so you can save the most.
• Worried about bruised credit making you pay too much? Check out prepaid options to help get your bill lower.
• Conserve energy by being energy conscience. Quick tips include: Use a humidifier in colder months; check your furnace filter frequently; and, lower the temperature setting on your washing machine.

Georgia Natural Gas (GNG) is primed for a major initiative that will donate $1.1 million to assist Atlanta-area seniors with properly weatherizing their homes. The plan also aims to educate residents statewide on energy conservation.

"These organizations face enormous financial challenges to meet the needs of low-income senior citizens," said GNG President Michael Braswell. "We are pleased to partner with them this year to weatherize more than 350 homes of senior citizens. GNG continues to be committed to helping seniors not only through philanthropy but also through our special discounted price plan for low-income senior citizens."

In addition to its weatherization initiative, GNG will donate $100,000 to the Heating Energy Assistance Team (H.E.A.T.), the state's oldest energy assistance fund. Since 1983 H.E.A.T. has distributed more than $15.5 million to nearly 78,000 Georgia households. The GNG donation specifically will fund statewide energy conservation education through print and broadcast materials produced by H.E.A.T.

"We have partnered with H.E.A.T. for more than five years, providing them $1.8 million in direct financial support and encouraging our customers to donate, as well," said Braswell. "H.E.A.T. will do an excellent job of ensuring that consumers throughout the state understand the importance of energy conservation and the low-cost and no-cost steps they can take to save on energy costs."

Georgia Natural Gas is the state's leading natural gas provider dedicated to clean-burning, dependable natural gas, as well as an industry leader in community service with an effort to improve lives through volunteering and corporate donations.

For information regarding Georgia Natural Gas and its community service programs, please see GNG Industry News.

Moving to a new home and need your natural gas service turned on? Or would you like to switch natural gas providers to save money on your energy bills? Sign up with Georgia Natural Gas now and you will receive a $35 Visa® gift card!

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