Each year, millions of households across the United States face the heart-wrenching choice between paying for essential needs like food, medicine, and housing or keeping the heat on. National Energy Assistance Day shines a vital light on this crisis, raising awareness about crucial programs and partnerships, such as the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), that help families maintain safe, reliable energy during times of financial hardship.

“LIHEAP matters because it is the support system many families count on when they have nowhere else to turn.  LIHEAP matters when a family must choose between buying food for their family or keeping their utilities on.  LIHEAP matters when the cost of living steadily increases but household income does not.  LIHEAP matters when families learn energy efficiency, lowering their overall monthly bills.  LIHEAP MATTERS!” – Roy McLaughlin, Assistant Director, St. Tammany Parish (La.) Department of Health & Human Services

As we celebrate National Energy Assistance Day, Atmos Energy is reinforcing its commitment to Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities by bridging the gap between those in need and available resources. Recognizing that energy is a necessity, not a luxury, Atmos Energy acts as a proactive partner in strengthening this vital safety net.

Energy assistance is more than a bill-paying solution; it is a critical investment in community health and safety. To combat the anxiety of rising energy costs, especially during extreme weather, Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth provides a direct lifeline.

“Energy assistance programs play a critical role in helping families stay safe, healthy, and financially stable, especially as energy costs continue to rise. For many households, these programs are the difference between keeping the lights on or facing difficult choices between necessities like food, medicine, and healthcare. The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program of Dallas County Health and Human Services not only provides short-term relief but also supports long-term stability by helping families manage their energy use and avoid crises." – Deepa Pudupakkam, Program Manager, Dallas County Health and Human Services

Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth program is supported by donations from customers and the company itself, with funds distributed to local nonprofit organizations that provide utility bill assistance. This past year, Sharing the Warmth received customer contributions totaling $1.02 million which were supplemented by Atmos Energy contributions of $3.95 million. This $4.97 million enabled us to partner with 123 nonprofit organizations across our eight states, helping 12,648 eligible individuals pay their natural gas bills. Sharing the Warmth funds are not only used to provide support to customers for utility bills but also home weatherization upgrades and the repair and replacement of customer-owned natural gas appliances and piping.

Despite the availability of aid, many eligible households including seniors on fixed incomes, families with young children, and individuals with disabilities are unaware that help exists. Through intensive community outreach, education, and “Energy Assistance Blitz” events, Atmos Energy connects directly with customers to provide practical, immediate solutions to manage their energy use more efficiently.

“Our goal is to empower our customers with resources they may not have known are available,” says Bree Boyd, Atmos Energy’s supervisor of energy assistance.

National Energy Assistance Day is ultimately about communities supporting each other. By building on current programs and promoting early, proactive applications for help, Atmos Energy aims to prevent anyone from being left in the cold or heat. With flexible payment plans and strong partnerships, the company helps keep short-term financial setbacks from turning into long-term hardships.

As we celebrate this day, it is an opportunity to learn, share resources, and support efforts that make a meaningful difference.

For more information about energy assistance and other bill payment assistance programs in your area, visit atmosenergy.com/assistance.