Nicor Gas Provides Important Information at Community Energy Fairs

Energy Fairs Offer Eligible Customers Opportunity to Apply for Financial Assistance and Learn More About Using Energy Wisely

October 22, 2009
Naperville, IL – Today Nicor Gas announced its participation in energy fairs throughout some of its service territory during the 2009-2010 heating season (see schedule). The energy fairs serve as a one-stop-shop where eligible customers can learn about financial assistance programs as well as sign-up onsite and receive information regarding energy-saving tips and weatherization options that they can implement in their homes.

"These community energy fairs present a wonderful opportunity where residents can go to get personal attention and information needed to help them manage their energy costs this winter," said Margi Schiemann, Director of Community Relations for Nicor Gas.

At each of the community energy fairs, Nicor Gas representatives will be on hand to help customers review and sign-up for the company’s payment-assistance programs. There will also be a Nicor Gas tabletop exhibit of a family home which demonstrates simple ways customers can use energy wisely. And, to engage the younger audience, Nicor Gas representatives will hand out crayons with coloring pages of the display to children while their parents receive information from Nicor Gas representatives.

Below are Nicor Gas payment-assistance programs that customers will be able to sign-up for at the fairs:

• Budget Plan – spreads payments over a 12-month period and may be adjusted up or down periodically to correct for future gas prices and expected usage. This helps customers by allowing them to pay less during the winter when gas prices are usually higher.
• Nicor Sharing – provides one-time annual grants to qualified residential customers. The program is administered by the Salvation Army and is funded by direct contributions from customers, employees, and Nicor Gas. Customers can make donations via their monthly gas bill.
• Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPA) program – Customers who have fallen behind on their bills have the ability to catch up over time with the DPA program, which spreads the cost of past-due payments across future bills.
• Disconnection Assistance – Customers who are currently disconnected for non-payment have the opportunity to have service restored if they pay one-third of the total balance owed and make arrangements to pay the balance over time.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Customers will be able to determine if they are eligible and can complete an application and sign-up for payment programs. Other federal, state, and local government entities that provide assistance to low-income customers will also be on hand to discuss their programs.

Customers interested in signing up for the Budget Plan or determining eligibility for one of Nicor Gas' payment assistance plans can also visit the company's Web site at www.nicorgas.com or call the company’s support line at 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748).  Please see the schedule for the dates and times of upcoming energy fairs.

LIHEAP
Open registration for LIHEAP begins November 2nd.  To apply for LIHEAP applicants must bring the following documents with them:

• Most recent Nicor Gas bill (with name of applicant). Issued within the previous 30 days.
• Social Security cards for all household members or official printout from Social Security Office.
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members: i.e., employment check stubs, unemployment compensation check stubs, TANF (code 04, 06) card, self-employment ledger, etc.
• If utilities are included in the rent, you need your current lease stating that utilities are included and the monthly rent amount.

LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Illinois. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity 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 1-877-411-9276 (WARM) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on “financial assistance.”

Using Energy Wisely
Another useful tool available to customers for energy efficiency tips is the Energy Depot. The Energy Depot is accessible through Nicor Gas’ Web site at www.nicorgas.com and 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.

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.

2009 Energy Awareness Fairs