Atmos Energy Highlights Affordability, Sustainability of Natural Gas on Energy Efficiency Day

DALLAS - Oct. 2, 2024 - "Save money. Cut pollution. Create jobs." That is the simple yet powerful idea behind Energy Efficiency Day, which annually shines a spotlight on efficient ways to meet our energy needs while promoting affordability and sustainability. Following the recent release of its latest Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report, Atmos Energy celebrates energy efficiency today and all year-round with a focus on long-term sustainability that has always been a part of its strategy, which is further reflected in its vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services.

Affordability

Among the many reasons why natural gas is in such high demand is the value it delivers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas is 3.3 times more affordable than electricity, and the American Gas Association (AGA) reports that natural gas is projected to be 30 to 50 percent less than the price of other fuels through 2050. In addition, households using natural gas save an average of $1,132 per year compared to homes using electricity for heating, cooking, and clothes drying. Taken altogether, the low cost of natural gas has saved families a total of $125 billion over 10 years, and commercial and industrial customers have saved more than $500 billion over the last decade by using natural gas. These numbers clearly illustrate the substantial difference that natural gas makes to both families and businesses alike.

Sustainability

Based on an American Gas Foundation study, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from U.S. residential natural gas use could be reduced by as much as 40 percent from 2020 to 2050 through the use of emerging, energy efficient natural gas technologies at about one-tenth the cost of electrification. Atmos Energy's SmartChoiceenergy efficiency and conservation programs offer customers in Louisiana, Mississippi, Colorado, and parts of Texas financial incentives to purchase high-efficiency natural gas equipment, smart thermostats, and home weatherization upgrades that help conserve energy, save money, and reduce environmental impact. In fiscal year 2023:

• 56,929 residential and commercial Atmos Energy customers participated in energy efficiency programs,
• Conserving 2.4 million therms of natural gas, and
• Avoiding 14,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

Also, since 2021 we have partnered with local Habitat for Humanity chapters to build 12 zero net energy (ZNE) homesthat demonstrate the efficiency, reliability, and affordability of natural gas in the eight states we serve. A zero net energy home is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year, meeting green building standards and certifications with rooftop photovoltaic solar panels, high-efficiency ENERGY STAR natural gas appliances, top-rated insulation and windows, and other advanced weatherization features to improve energy efficiency. Not only are ZNE homes beneficial to the environment, but they also showcase Atmos Energy's commitment to providing affordable energy in the communities it serves.

Opportunity

Natural gas is a significant driver of employment and economic opportunity. AGA data reveals that the natural gas industry supports more than 4.1 million jobs nationwide, and in Texas - where the oil and natural gas industry employs 494,593 people - the Texas Oil & Gas Association reveals that every direct job in the industry creates an additional two jobs elsewhere in the Texas economy. This is important because every minute of every day, a home or business is signing up for natural gas service somewhere in the United States.

Atmos Energy proudly joins hundreds of local governments, universities, organizations, corporations, and utilities in celebrating Energy Efficiency Day's yearlong mission to "save money, cut pollution, and create jobs." To learn more about Atmos Energy's comprehensive environmental strategy and the ways it supports a lower carbon future, please review the latest Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report at atmosenergy.com/sustainability.

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