Atmos Energy 2008 Annual Report Download - page 24

our regulators to help keep our costs low. By avoiding lengthy,
litigated cases, we forge better agreements and reduce legal
costs that ultimately increase service charges to customers.
Sharing Our Warmth
Our Sharing the Warmth program raises funds for commu-
nity energy-assistance agencies that help those who are
unable to pay their heating bills. Sharing the Warmth
primarily assists low-income working families and elderly
and disabled customers living on xed incomes. Voluntary
donations from our customers and employees are matched
dollar-for-dollar by the company.
Most funding for energy assistance agencies comes from
the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Atmos Energy works with state energy-assistance ocials to
Using laser technologies and special techniques, we’ve
been able to return a number of these sites to safe and
productive community uses. In recognition of our eorts,
the company received the Environmental Excellence New
Technology Award from the Southern Gas Association.
Atmos Energy also is the recipient of the Continuing
Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency for continual improvement in the STAR Program,
a voluntary partnership to reduce emissions of methane. e
company joined the Natural Gas STAR program in 1999.
Keeping Rates Aordable
In our distribution business, which is regulated by cities and
states, we work to establish standards and fair rates for our
service. In rate lings, we try to negotiate settlements with
As a Junior Achievement volunteer in
Glasgow, Kentucky, Operations
Supervisor Butch Chidester taught five
one-hour lessons about “Our City.”
In the final meeting about banking,
Chidester gave each of the third-graders
a calculator.
>
More than two dozen Atmos Energy employees in Murfreesboro,
Tennessee, volunteered their weekends and days off to build a new
Habitat for Humanity home for a local deserving family.
22 | ATMOS ENERGY 2008 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT