Nicor Gas to Participate in Energy Fairs Throughout its Service Territory

Fairs provide customers with access to financial assistance and information on using energy wisely

November 4, 2006
NAPERVILLE – Today Nicor Gas announced its participation in more than 15 energy fairs throughout its service territory during the 2006-2007 heating season (see the attached schedule). Energy fairs serve as a venue where customers can check financial assistance eligibility, as well as sign-up onsite for payment-assistance programs and receive information regarding energy-saving tips they can implement in their home.

At the energy fairs, Nicor Gas will display a tabletop exhibit of a family home which instructs customers of simple ways they can use energy wisely in their homes. To engage the younger audience, Nicor Gas will hand out crayons with coloring pages of the display to children while their parents seek information from Nicor representatives. "These energy fairs offer local residents a convenient location where they can go and get one on one attention and receive the information they need to help manage energy costs this winter," said Margi Schiemann, director of community relations for Nicor Gas.

Nicor Gas representatives will be on hand to discuss the company's payment-assistance programs, including:

• 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.
• 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.

To apply for LIHEAP applicants must bring the following documents with them:

• Most recent Nicor bills. Date of issue must be within the previous 30 days. Bill must be in the name of the applicant.
• Social Security Cards for all household members. (Official Printout from Social Security Office is acceptable.)
• Proof of income for the past 30 days for all household members: i.e., employment check stubs, current 2005 SSA/SSI or pension award letter, 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.

Although natural gas costs are lower compared to last year's prices, due to a combination of high demand, unpredictable weather and market volatility they still remain historically high. Nicor Gas does not profit from gas costs, they are passed on to customers without any markup.
 
Customers interested in signing up for the Budget Plans or determining eligibility for one of Nicor's payment assistance plans can also visit the company's Web site at www.nicorgas.com.  Please see the schedule for dates and times of upcoming energy fairs.

Nicor Gas is one of the largest gas distribution companies in the nation and has provided safe, reliable, and cost-effective natural gas service for more than 50 years.  Nicor serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of Northern Illinois, excluding the City of Chicago.  For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com.

2006 Energy Awareness Fairs/Presentations