April 28, 2000

Atlanta Gas Light Company (AGLC) today announced that it has launched a pilot program in the city of Quitman, Georgia, which will assist the city with the development and implementation of a structured process to enhance its 33 mile gas operating system. Quitman, a city of approximately 5,300 and located in southeast Georgia in Brooks County near Valdosta, is not served by AGLC. Service, during the test period, is scheduled to begin May 1.

The range and scope of services AGLC will provide to the city of Quitman, based on the Minimum Federal Safety Standards (MFSS), include: operations maintenance support; corrosion control; development of a work management plan; and gas accountability. AGLC will also develop and manage a compliance inspection plan, including an initial corrosion evaluation.

AGLC completed its site inspection of Quitman's gas operations in February. Based on the information gathered from the site visit it was determined it would be economically beneficial to the city of Quitman for AGLC to assist in the operations and management of their gas operating system.

"For more than 150 years Atlanta Gas Light Company has built its reputation on the safe delivery of natural gas into homes and businesses throughout the state of Georgia and southern Tennessee," said Melvin D. Williams, director of new business development for AGLC. "This new business venture is a win-win situation for the city of Quitman and for Atlanta Gas Light Company. Also, since we already serve the neighboring communities it makes sense for us to provide our service in Quitman, too.

"We look forward to expanding this program to other municipalities in Georgia where it is mutually beneficial for AGLC and the municipality.".

"I am very pleased with the partnership that has been established between the City of Quitman and Atlanta Gas Light Company," said Danny Herring, Quitman City Manager. "Ultimately the services provided by the utility will be a cost savings for our city's operating budget."