ATLANTA – March 29, 2006 – In the past several months, rising costs have affected many natural gas and electricity customers across the United States as the nation’s supply was altered following numerous disastrous storms along the Gulf Coast. Therefore, the financial impact was felt at many levels, and ultimately the ripple has made its way through utilities to customers.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) plays significant role in assisting low-income customers, and additional funding is being requested by various organizations on behalf of utilities and customers, according to The Chartwell Report on Energy Assistance Programs and Awareness.

Encouraging energy conservation can be a win-win for customers and utilities alike. Tools such as energy audits can serve as an educational instrument for customers, while effective weatherization measures can lower customers’ bills. Some utilities have assembled kits with necessary items or provided discounts on products to lower a home’s energy usage, according to the report.

Keeping customers informed of upcoming and current changes with a consistent message can be effective in encouraging customers in need to take advantage of various assistance options, as noted in The Chartwell Report on Energy Assistance Programs and Awareness.

The Chartwell Report on Energy Assistance Programs and Awareness is available to members of Chartwell's Premier and Customer Care Research Series and to non-members for $395 For information regarding the Customer Care Research Series or Chartwell's Premier membership, contact Bill Grist at (404) 237-9099 or (800) 432-5879. A free table of contents and summary of this report can be downloaded at www.energylibrary.com.

Recently released reports include:

• The Chartwell Customer Care Center Report 2006;
• Serving Special Customer Segments: Second- language, Critical Care and Special Needs Customers;
• The Chartwell Report on Captivating and Satisfying the C&I Customer;
• The Chartwell Report on IVR Applications and Speech Technologies 2005;
• Transactional Customer Surveys: Listening to the Customer to Improve Service Levels; and
• Web-based Customer Service in the Utility Industry 2005.