The Public Service Commission has approved 6.6 million dollars in grants to help pay the winter natural gas bills of over 26,000 low-income Georgians. Grants of up to $250 will be provided to households on the Atlanta Gas Light system from the Universal Service Fund.
The cost of natural gas has increased dramatically over the last several years. This increase is a substantial problem for all consumers. But, it is especially difficult for low income consumers and senior citizens on fixed incomes," according to PSC Commissioner Angela Speir.In the last 10 years since deregulation began, the PSC has distributed more than 59 million dollars in refunds and grants to help low-income customers and senior citizens pay their bills. Deregulation has allowed natural gas retailers to market service through Atlanta Gas Light's system, getting service to most customers in Georgia.
"While the increases may be beyond our control, we do have the ability to help Georgia families and mitigate the problem using the USF. Assisting low-income residential consumers in times of emergency is one of the primary uses of the fund.”
