Three natural gas companies have announced they will donate a total of $25,000 to HopeWorks, a program that replaces gas furnace or gas hot water heaters for low income seniors. The HopeWorks program is funded by Universal Service Fund grants approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission.
 
Constellation, a leading national energy company that provides natural gas in Georgia, has pledged $10,000. Georgia Natural Gas, an affiliate of Southern Co., has pledged $10,000. SCANA Energy, one of the largest natural gas marketers in the state, has pledged $5,000.
 
All three companies have said giving back to the communities they serve is a priority.
 
“More than 168,000 seniors in Georgia are living below the poverty level, and when a gas furnace or gas water heater stops working, replacing it might not be financially feasible,” said Kevin Klages, Constellation’s senior vice-president, Mass Markets. “Constellation is committed to giving back to the communities we serve and we’re grateful that we’re able to help support HopeWorks in their efforts to assist in the repair of these appliances - at no cost to the seniors.”
 
“Georgia Natural Gas® is proud to support the mission and the work of HopeWorks -- enhancing the lives of low-income seniors by providing much-needed home maintenance,” said Georgia Natural Gas CEO Mike Braswell. “That way, seniors may lead fuller, more independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. We’re grateful that HopeWorks shares our dedication to helping seniors in the local community.”

 
“SCANA Energy is pleased to again support HopeWorks in their outreach to low income seniors in our communities,” said SCANA Energy General Manager J. Brett Newsome. “From help with weatherization of homes to ensuring furnaces are in good working order, HopeWorks provides a valuable resource to seniors in the greater Atlanta area and we’re gratified to be able to assist them.”
 
Public Service Commission Vice Chairman Tim Echols appreciated the corporate citizenship showed by all three companies.
 
“When businesses here in Georgia consider community service a corporate goal, it is a sure sign that this state is a great place to live and work,” said Commissioner Echols. “When HopeWorks and other programs that help seniors and low-income residents are teamed up with corporate sponsors, everybody wins.”