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November 3, 2006
Naperville, IL. – Nicor Gas announced today that it has filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission its gas supply charge (GSC) of 55 cents per therm for the month of November. The GSC is the cost Nicor Gas pays for gas, which is passed through to customers with no mark-up. Costs are up from October's 44 cents per therm, but 54 percent less than the company's November 2005 filing.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) natural gas prices for the 2006-07 heating season are expected to be lower compared to last year. In October, the EIA reported that the average winter natural gas heating bills for households across the nation are forecast to be lower by 13% this heating season.
Although prices are expected to be lower than last year, Nicor Gas advises their customers that the combination of high demand, unpredictable weather and market volatility will still keep natural gas prices historically high. In addition, gas prices depend heavily upon weather conditions. "If we experience a colder than normal winter, prices will respond to increased demand. Even though prices have decreased over the past few months, the underlying market fundamentals have remained the same -- supply and demand continues in a very tight balance," said Gary Bartlett, vice president supply operations.
Have a Plan
Historically natural gas prices typically increase in the winter due to an increase in demand. To help customers better manage their heating bills during the cold winter months, Nicor Gas recommends that they consider enrolling in the Budget Plan, which spreads payments over a 12-month period and which adjusts payments up or down periodically to correct for future gas prices and expected usage.
"It's always a good idea for customers to evaluate payment plans that are available to help them manage their winter gas bills. Weather can be unpredictable and cause monthly gas bills to fluctuate especially during the winter months. The Budget Plan is available for all customers and can help level some of the ups and downs of winter's natural gas prices," said Kevin Kirby, vice president of customer care for Nicor Gas.
Using Energy Wisely
Another simple way customers can manage their natural gas costs this winter heating season is by using energy wisely. Nicor Gas encourages customers to look into ways they can make their homes more energy efficient. The company's Web site makes it easy for customers to research practical solutions for making wise energy choices in every room their home. For more information on how to manage your energy use visit www.nicorgas.com
Financial Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a state and federally-funded program that assists households, with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, pay their energy bills. Beginning November 1, 2006, local agencies started accepting applications from all income-eligible households. For additional information about the grant program, go to www.liheapillinois.com, or call the toll-free LIHEAP information line at 1-877-411-9276.
Nicor Gas has the Sharing Program which provides 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 can make donations via their monthly gas bill or they can they can shop at Jewel-Osco on certain days in November and have five percent of their total purchase donated to Nicor Gas' Sharing Program (see more details below). To apply for assistance from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, customers should visit their local Salvation Army office.
Shop and Help Someone Stay Warm
Nicor Gas has once again joined forces with Jewel-Osco to implement Shop & Share days that help provide additional funding to the Nicor Gas Sharing Program. All customers have to do to get five percent of their purchases donated to the Sharing Program is present the Shop & Share coupon at checkout to the cashiers at any Jewel-Osco store on:
- Mon., November 6 thru Wed., November 8
- Mon., November 13 thru Wed., November 15
To find out more about the Shop & Share days or to download the Shop & Share coupon, 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. | 
