"Natural gas prices have

been on the rise, primarily because of increased demand," said Isaac

Blythers, president of AGLC. "This guide to conservation can help

people control their energy usage. It also can help them find answers

to their questions about their consumer rights."

The booklet is much more than

tips on energy efficiency. It contains a wealth of information about all

aspects of natural gas, from safety tips in the unlikely event of a gas

leak to consumer advice on selecting a gas marketer. Much of Georgia's

natural gas market was deregulated in 1998, and consumers are accorded

certain protections under a "Bill of Rights" for natural gas

customers, which is included. The booklet lists marketers approved by

the Georgia Public Service Commission and guides consumers to the GPSC's

Web site, www.psc.state.ga.us, for gas price comparisons.

The booklet also offers invaluable

advice for families who need help with

their heating bills. Help is

available for qualified applicants through:

- The Low Income Home

Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by the

Georgia Department of Human

Resources - 404-656-2323 in metro Atlanta or

toll free at (800) 869-1150.

- The Salvation Army's

Project SHARE - 770-441-6200 in metro Atlanta or

(800) 257-4273.

- Heating Energy Assistance

Team (H.E.A.T.) - 678-406-0212.

- The United Way � Dial

211.

"While we usually do not

get the snow and sleet that are common to our northern neighbors, Georgia

does have its share of ice storms, and this guide even has safety tips

for winter weather," said Blythers. "We have tried to include

everything that a consumer might possibly want to know about natural gas."

The free booklet is available

at Kroger stores in metro Atlanta as long as supplies last. It also can

be found at local community action agencies and public housing authority

offices throughout the state. It can be downloaded online at www.wsbradio.com.