The Heating Energy Assistance Team (HEAT), a statewide Georgia nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable households meet their energy needs, announces that the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved HEAT's petition for $1.2 million in Universal Service Fund (USF) emergency
heating assistance funding for the 2027-2029 program period.

The PSC approved the petition during its meeting earlier in August under Docket No. 12897, Universal Service Fund Grant Program to Assist Low Income Senior Citizens and Other Low-Income Citizens, ensuring continued emergency assistance for low- income natural gas customers served on the Atlanta Gas Light distribution system. The funding will help HEAT provide critical assistance to households facing natural gas disconnection, restoring service to families in crisis and helping vulnerable Georgians maintain safe and warm homes during the winter heating season.

"Today's approval represents a tremendous investment in the health, safety and well-being of Georgia families," said Nichelle A. Mitchem Adamson, executive director of HEAT. "We are deeply grateful to the Georgia PSC for recognizing the growing need for emergency energy assistance and for its continued commitment to supporting low and moderate-income seniors, individuals with disabilities and families with children throughout our state."

Since receiving its first PSC-approved USF emergency assistance funding in 2015, HEAT has distributed more than $2.26 million in emergency energy assistance to nearly 8,900 low-income households across Georgia. The organization has experienced significant growth in recent years asmore families struggle with rising energy costs and economic challenges.

Under the newly approved funding plan, HEAT anticipates serving approximately 5,250 households between 2027 and 2029, providing emergency assistance to prevent disconnections and restore natural gas service for eligible customers experiencing financial hardship. In addition to expanding assistance efforts, HEAT is enhancing access to its services through the launch of a new online application platform, scheduled to become fully operational before the end of the year. The system will allow applicants to request assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping remove barriers to access for Georgia's most vulnerable residents.

"Our mission has always been to ensure that no Georgian has to choose between heating their home and meeting other basic necessities such as food, medicine or housing," Mitchem Adamson added. "This funding approval strengthens our ability to respond to increasing demand and ensures that more families can receive timely assistance when they need it most."

At the meeting, HEAT extended its appreciation to PSC Chairman Jason Shaw, Vice Chairman Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr, Commissioner Peter Hubbard, Commissioner Dr. Alicia Johnson and Commissioner Tricia Pridemore for their support of emergency energy-assistance programs and their commitment to protecting Georgia consumers.