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Georgia PSC Approves Investment Program for Atlanta Gas Light to Promote Job Growth and Cleaner Air
ATLANTA, March 3 -- The Georgia Public Service
Commission (PSC) today unanimously approved a new economic development and
environmental program developed by Atlanta Gas Light, a subsidiary of AGL
Resources (NYSE: AGL), to encourage smart new investment in Georgia. The new
program, called "Georgia Sustainable Environmental Economic Development
program," or Georgia SEED, is designed to attract and retain jobs, support
projects to reduce carbon emissions and encourage new investment in Georgia.
"Georgia's economy is suffering like our national economy," said Suzanne
Sitherwood, president, Atlanta Gas Light. "The best way to get our economy
moving is to make investments that attract jobs or keep jobs here. Georgia
SEED is a new tool in the state's economic development toolbox that allows
Atlanta Gas Light to invest in Georgia's future at no risk to our customers."
Under the new program, Atlanta Gas Light will contract with existing
business customers or new customers that may be considering expanding into
Georgia. AGL shall have the option to invest its capital to help customers
finance line extensions, new natural gas equipment and equipment
installations.
"Smart investing can generate new business and improve the state's air
quality at the same time," said Hank Linginfelter, executive vice president,
AGL Resources. "Installing new equipment that improves a business's efficiency
or allows it to comply with new carbon emission laws may allow the business to
better control its energy costs. Georgia SEED could make the difference in
whether a struggling business remains open."
AGL and the Georgia PSC will work together to determine how Georgia SEED,
which is a five-year, experimental program, should be designed to best meet
the needs of Georgia business. Although AGL has long participated in state and
local economic development projects, Georgia SEED is a new approach that
allows the utility to expand its ability to meet customer needs while
collaborating with the Georgia PSC to promote jobs and smart environmental
investments.
Georgia SEED offers three potential avenues for contracts: providing
customers with the benefit of a new utility service extension to plant sites;
offering financing for the purchase and installation of new higher-efficiency
gas equipment, such as engines, boilers, fleet vehicles, refueling stations
and gas-fired air conditioning equipment; and discounted utility rates to help
lower overall energy costs.
Georgia SEED benefits are available to customers who can establish
significant economic and environmental benefits for the state. Customers will
have little or no up-front costs and can pay back the investment over the life
of the project.
"We are committed to improving the business climate of the state while
improving the state's environment," said Sitherwood. "Responsible growth can
achieve both goals simultaneously."
About Atlanta Gas Light
Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL),
provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.5 million customers in
Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest
corporations in the state. For more information, visit
http://www.atlantagaslight.com .
About AGL Resources
AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company,
serves approximately 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
http://www.aglresources.com .
SOURCE Atlanta Gas Light
CONTACT: Tami Gerke, AGL Resources, Office: +1-404-584-3873,
Cell: +1-404-358-2307, tgerke@aglresources.com
Web site: http://www.atlantagaslight.com
http://www.aglresources.com
(AGL)
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