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February 7, 2008
Naperville, IL – Nicor Gas is encouraging qualifying customers who are challenged by managing their heating costs to apply to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and obtain the full benefit of the additional $29 million in funding. LIHEAP is intended to assist low-income families with managing their energy costs.
As we near the end of the winter heating season, temperatures continue to drop, increasing demand and placing upward pressure on the price of natural gas. For the month of February Nicor Gas has filed for a GSC of 87 cents per therm with the Illinois Commerce Commission, up 10 cents compared to January. The cost Nicor Gas pays for natural gas is passed through to customers with no mark-up, as Nicor Gas does not make a profit on the cost of natural gas. Nicor Gas' natural gas supply costs continue to be among the lowest in the nation.
LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Illinois and is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. 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, go to www.liheapillinois.com, or call the toll-free LIHEAP information line at
1-877-411-9276.
Other Financial Help is Also Available
The Nicor Gas Sharing Program offers one-time annual grants to customers who currently earn between 150% - 200% of the federal poverty level. The program, administered by the Salvation Army, is funded by direct contributions from customers, employees, and Nicor Gas. Customers who wish to make a donation and help other customers in need can do so via their monthly gas bill. If your natural gas bill is electronically transferred, you can call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or log on to your account at www.nicorgas.com/myaccount to pledge a Sharing contribution. To apply for assistance from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, customers should visit their local Salvation Army office.
"With the release of this additional $29 million in funding for LIHEAP, customers who have not yet applied may now do so with the opportunity to receive heating assistance grants," said Kevin Kirby, Vice President of Customer Care for Nicor Gas. "Beyond LIHEAP and the Sharing Program, Nicor Gas also offers customers assistance in bill management. The Nicor Gas Budget Plan is offered to help level some of the highs and lows of seasonal natural gas prices," continued Kirby.
Bill Management Assistance
The Nicor Gas Budget Plan provides a convenient way for customers to pay their natural gas bill every month as well as a great payment option for customers who like to plan ahead. Payments are spread out over a 12-month period and periodically adjusted to correct for future gas prices and expected usage. Customers interested in signing up for the Budget Plan can call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on "Managing Your Gas Costs."
Using Energy Wisely
Nicor Gas also offers many helpful resources, including Energy Depot. Energy Depot can be used to generate a personal energy profile as well as calculate the annual energy costs for customers' complete range of home energy systems and appliances. Customers can also access tips on how to save money on their natural gas bills in "Keeping the Warmth In and the Cold Out," a free guide on how to use energy wisely. Both of these helpful tools are accessible through Nicor Gas' Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
Additional information about these programs can be found at www.nicorgas.com or by calling 1 888 Nicor4u (642-6748).
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 more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com. | 
