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January 5, 2006
Naperville, Ill. – Nicor Gas reminded its customers today that the start of January means there are at least three months left in the winter heating season and there is still time to sign-up for the Budget Plan, employ energy efficiency and evaluate other bill-payment programs to help manage higher gas bills for the rest of the winter. Customers who qualify for financial assistance may still be able to apply for available funds.
For the month of January Nicor Gas has filed $1.09 Gas Supply Charge (GSC). The GSC is the cost Nicor Gas pays for the gas, which is passed through to customers with no mark-up. The costs have decreased slightly from December's $1.13 per therm, but are still higher than January's 2005 - 72 cents per therm.
"With a colder than normal December and the possibility of colder months ahead, we want our customers to know there are available programs to help them manage the remainder of this winter heating season bills. For example, the Budget Plan is a payment option that can assist in managing higher winter gas bills and it is made available to customers," said Chris Suppes, vice president sales and customer care. The Budget Plan helps customers plan ahead by spreading payments over a 12 month period. (Budget Plans are evaluated every four months to update gas prices and usage.)
Customers who do not receive funding from the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), but earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for a matching grant from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program. The Sharing Program is administered by the Salvation Army and funded by direct contributions from customers, employees and Nicor Gas. "This program is intended to lend a hand to customers who need help paying their bills but may not receive other financial assistance programs," said Suppes. For more information, visit Nicor's Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
It is never too late to conserve energy. Customers can save money on their gas bills by implementing a few simple energy savings practices in their homes. Lowering the temperature on the thermostat can help a customer can save money. Every one degree dialed back on the thermostat save between four and five percent on energy bills. A humidifier can make a home feel warmer. Properly humidified air can make a 68-degree room feel like it is 76-degrees. Bathroom vents and range hood fans can drain an entire house of heated or cooled air in just one hour. Customers should make sure to turn them off as soon as they're done using them. Every effort to conserve energy will result in savings on natural gas bills this winter heating season.
For more information on gas costs, financial assistance programs or conservation methods please visit www.nicorgas.com.
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 and reliable natural gas services for over 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. | 
