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August 31, 2004
Naperville, Ill. -- Nicor Gas wants senior citizens and the disabled to know about an early enrollment period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). During the special enrollment period of September 1 through October 31, senior citizens (60 years plus) and persons with disabilities can apply for LIHEAP assistance before general enrollment opens to the public on November 1.
LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and state of Illinois. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Public Aid and assists eligible low-income households pay their energy bills. Assistance is presented to qualifying applicants in one annual payment. Income, household size, fuel type and geographic location determine the amount of assistance. To qualify, household monthly income cannot exceed 150 percent of the federally established poverty level. For more information or to apply for assistance, call 1 800 252-8643 or visit nicorgas.com and click on "financial assistance."
Nicor Gas encourages those in need to seek assistance, since experts are anticipating a climate of continued volatile energy costs. Most people who need assistance don't know about LIHEAP and that's why Nicor's helping spread the word about LIHEAP and encouraging customers to seek it out.
Customers who do not qualify for federal assistance can apply for the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, which provides households one time annual grants. To qualify, household monthly income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. Sharing grants are administered by the Salvation Army and you must apply in person at one of their offices. For a list of Salvation Army offices and this year's grant amount, visit the Nicor Gas Web site and click on "financial assistance."
Nicor offers assistance and natural gas costs information at nicorgas.com and both topics will be discussed in customer newsletters, special bill inserts and an awareness campaign that will take place through late summer, fall and winter. Customers are encouraged to read their bills and customer newsletters each month to stay informed about bill payment options, assistance programs and the national situation on gas costs.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor, Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas services for 50 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
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