WRCB Channel 3 Chattanooga News, Weather | Energy Assistance and Weather Information

Energy Assistance and Weather Information

Eyewitness News is offering ways for you to find assistance with paying your utility bills.  On our "ASK 3" segment, several agencies will be available to answer your questions. 

Here is a list of the agencies and some tips to help cut your energy costs.

BRADLEY-CLEVELAND COMMUNITY SERVICES AGENCY Bradley County

P.O. Box 3297 - 155 Sixth Street, S.E.

Cleveland, Tennessee 37320

423-479-4111

CHATTANOOGA HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT Hamilton County

501 West 12th Street

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402

423-757-5524, 423-757-5544, 423-757-5227.

SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE HUMAN RESOURCE AGENCY

1012 Resources Rd

Dunlap, Tennessee 37327

423-949-2191 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

THE SALVATION ARMY
Chattanooga Area Salvation Army Command
800 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403
423-305-6200

UNITED WAY  2-1-1 

Viewers who dial 2-1-1 can request a referral to both energy assistance and weatherization programs. A United Way representative will guide residents to services based on the region in which they live and available services.

CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING

Residents who are having trouble paying their bills are encouraged to reach out to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). Call 1-800-251-CCCS or visit http://www.cccsinc.org  or http://www.cccsenespanol.org

BUDGET BILLING

CHATTANOOGA GAS CUSTOMERS ONLY

With our Budget Payment Plan we bill you the same amount every month for the next 12 months. This eliminates the "peaks and valleys" in your natural gas bill caused by winter's cold and summer's heat, making household budgeting much easier.  Here's how the plan works:

• We estimate your natural gas usage for the next 12 months, based on your past usage.
• We divide that amount by 12 to determine your monthly payment.
• We review your plan quarterly to make sure your budget amount is keeping pace with your actual usage. In August, we'll adjust your monthly amount as needed for the coming payment year.

This is a free service for residential customers. You may discontinue at any time. Your account must be up-to-date to begin. To sign up, call our Customer Care Center at 1-866-643-4168. 

CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Low or No Cost

• Set your thermostat at 65-68 degrees during the winter
• Open drapes on sunny days and close them at night
• Lower water heater temperature to 120 degrees max
• Close off unoccupied rooms and close heat vents in unused rooms
• Replace and keep furnace filter clean
• Stop drafts - use "draft blockers" at base of doors
• Close the flue damper when fireplace is not in use
• Use cold water setting on washer to rinse clothes
• Shorten duration of showers and repair leaky faucets

Small Investment = Big Return

• Invest in a programmable thermostat
• Have your furnace inspected by a professional
• Replace older, less inefficient appliances with newer, more efficient ones
• Add weather stripping and caulking to doors and windows and add insulation
• Consider adding insulation, particularly if your house is older