Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg), chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, released the following statement this week, advising consumers to be mindful of increased home heating fuel costs this winter:

“Consumers need to take proactive steps to conserve energy. I am releasing a list of tips on how best consumers can meet the challenge of rising costs through conservation. We are aware that the price of natural gas and propane will increase significantly this winter. We are looking into ways that we can help ease the burden to consumers on the state level. By being proactive, consumers can help themselves first before the burden is too great to bear.”

“All Georgians should take advantage of the upcoming sales tax holiday on energy efficient products. The holiday is October 6- 9 and any products selling for $2,500 or less, designated energy efficient by the United States Department of Energy, such as the Energy Star, will be exempt from state sales taxes.”

“Additionally, consumers should contact their gas companies and review payment options, such as prorated billing or locking in their rate, so as to reduce the impact to their wallets this winter. Fixed and low-income customers also should contact their providers and discuss financial assistance programs.”

“While we cannot predict how cold our next winters will be, we must all take proactive steps to conserve energy, help our most needy consumers find financial assistance and alleviate the potential price increases for all Georgians.”

Sen. Seabaugh also co-chairs the Joint Senate and House Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Study Committee, which met yesterday in Savannah to investigate ways that Georgia can more efficiently use Natural Gas and become a better gas producing state as opposed to a gas consumption state.

About Senator Seabaugh

Senator Mitch Seabaugh represents the 28th Senate District which includes Coweta and Heard counties and portions of Carroll and Troup counties. He may be reached at by phone at 404.656.6446 or by email at mailto:mail@mitchseabaugh.com