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2008 News Releases

Atmos Energy Urges Customers to Support "Sharing the Warmth"

DALLAS, Texas -- January 31, 2008 -- Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) today called on its 3.2 million natural gas customers to help in "Sharing the Warmth" by contributing to community programs to aid those in need this winter.

"Atmos Energy customers and employees have always responded in times of need, and we are urging our customers to check the donation box on the back of their monthly gas bill to help others less fortunate," said Junior Aston, Atmos Energy's vice president of governmental and public affairs. "Every dollar contributed to 'Sharing the Warmth' and other energy assistance programs goes to the people who need it most."

Atmos Energy customers, employees and the company donated more than $1.1 million last year to help low-income families, the elderly and disabled stay warm during the winter.

Leveraging Federal Dollars

Local energy assistance contributions supplement the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) providing government funds. In 2007, LIHEAP received $1.98 billion in federal funds.

In January, $590 million was added to previous federal appropriations, bringing the 2008 LIHEAP fiscal year budget to approximately $2.6 billion.

Government estimates indicate more than 5 million people benefit from the federal LIHEAP program annually, but many other qualified families and individuals do not receive any aid because of the limited funds.

"Although government funds are a tremendous help, many people are still doing without so we must all do more and dig deeper," added John Paris, Atmos Energy president for the Mid-Tex Division. "We care about our customers and want them to have the heat and hot water they need, especially during the winter. The generous contributions to Sharing the Warmth by our customers touch many lives."

Customers who expect to have trouble paying their natural gas bill are urged to call Atmos Energy at 1-888-ATMOS-00 to speak with a customer service agent. Paris said the agents can help customers locate a local energy assistance agency and make payment arrangements if necessary.

More than 180 leaders from utilities and members of the National Fuel Funds Network have been in Washington, D.C., this week, lobbying the Senate for more LIHEAP funding.

Energy Efficiency Advice

Atmos Energy customers interested in saving energy and lowering their energy bills can find information about energy efficiency on the company's Web site at www.atmosenergy.com and at www.ManageYourEnergyBills.com. The sites provide:

• a personalized energy-use report and advice with the Energy Profile,
• estimates on the cost to operate home appliances with the Energy Calculator,
• detailed research on many energy topics through the Energy Library,
• an opportunity to ask an energy-related question to experts at the Energy Advisor,
• an analysis of your most recent Atmos Energy gas bill with ClearBill, and
• energy saving tips for your home.

The Mid-Tex Division serves the north-central region of Texas, from Louisiana to Midland and from the Red River to Round Rock, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The West Texas Division of Atmos Energy is a different division, providing service to the Panhandle, Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland, Odessa and surrounding areas.

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country's largest natural-gas-only distributor, serving about 3.2 million natural gas distribution customers in more than 1,600 communities in 12 states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to industrial, commercial and municipal customers in 22 states and manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Atmos Energy is a Fortune 500 company. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.

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