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October 6, 2009
Naperville, IL – Nicor Gas wants customers to know that the winter heating season has officially begun, but there is still time for customers to prepare before colder temperatures arrive. For customers, this means it is time to begin to look at your budget and plan for energy needs, financial assistance options, and no cost and low cost energy savings options.
While natural gas prices are currently lower than they were during the same time last year, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is reporting that prices will begin to increase in November as space-heating demand picks up this winter and economic conditions improve. Nicor Gas has filed an October gas supply charge (GSC) of $.39 per therm with the Illinois Commerce Commission, up 6 cents compared to September. The cost Nicor Gas pays for natural gas is passed through to customers with no mark-up; the company does not make a profit on the cost of natural gas.
“With natural gas prices at a low not seen since 2002, some customers may not feel the urgency to budget for the upcoming cold weather, however at Nicor Gas we always recommend that customers consider making a plan for their heating necessities as natural gas prices are volatile and can increase throughout the heating season,” said Kevin Kirby, Vice President Customer Care for Nicor Gas. “It is because of this possible volatility in price that Nicor Gas believes in the importance of providing our customers with information and programs to help with managing their gas costs.”
Below are some bill management options that can help a variety of customers:
Nicor Gas Budget Plan
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 the company Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA)
Customers who have fallen behind on their bills should contact Nicor Gas immediately. A deferred payment arrangement allows customers the ability to catch up on their past-due amounts over a specified period of time spreading the cost of payments across future bills. Contacting Nicor Gas early and establishing a DPA can prevent falling so far behind on payments that disconnection of service becomes unavoidable.
Disconnection Assistance
Eligible customers who are currently disconnected for non-payment can contact Nicor Gas for the opportunity to have service restored by paying one-third of the total past due balance and be set up with payment arrangements to pay off the remaining balance over the next four months.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
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 Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This year funding was increased by the federal government to provide help to more families. 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.
Using Energy Wisely
Customers can access an entire host of online tips and tools at www.nicorgas.com, by clicking on Managing Your Gas Costs, which can help guide them on how to use energy wisely.
For more information on Nicor Gas programs or government assistance, 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 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.
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