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December 1, 2008
Naperville, IL – Nicor Gas encourages customers to consider giving the gift of Sharing this holiday season. The Sharing Program, established by Nicor Gas in 1983, is an assistance program where customers, employees, and the general public donate money to assist people who may be dealing with a hardship and need help with paying their heating bills. The donations are matched by Nicor Gas, up to $175,000 annually.
The program is administered by the Salvation Army and provides one-time annual grants of up to $450 to help customers who are not eligible for government assistance. “During these challenging economic times the Sharing Program can provide relief to customers who may need some financial assistance due to a recent misfortune, such as a job loss,” said Claudia Colalillo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Contributions for Nicor Gas and Nicor Inc.
How to Make a Contribution to the Sharing Program
Nicor Gas customers can make a contribution to the Sharing Program by checking the appropriate box on their bill stub and adding the amount to the payment. Customers who have their natural gas bill electronically transferred can call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or log on to their account at www.nicorgas.com to pledge a Sharing contribution. If you are not a Nicor Gas customer or wish to make a larger contribution, please make your check out to "Sharing c/o The Salvation Army" and send it to: Sharing c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 30049, Chicago, IL 60630-0049.
“Over the last 25 years Nicor Gas, employees, and customers have provided more than $13 million to help over 76,000 customers through the Sharing Program, and we hope to continue the program’s efforts in the years to come,” said Colalillo.
How to Qualify – Sharing Program
To qualify, household monthly income cannot exceed 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. Individuals who receive government assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are not eligible. Nicor Gas’ Sharing program is administered by the Salvation Army, and applicants must apply in person at one of their offices. For a list of Salvation Army offices, call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on Financial Assistance.
Other Bill Management Options for Customers
Government Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists eligible low-income households pay their energy bills. The program 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, call LIHEAP directly at 1-877-411-9276 (WARM) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on Financial Assistance.
Bill Management Assistance
The Nicor Gas Budget Plan is intended to help customers plan ahead while minimizing the impact of natural gas price increases that usually take place during the colder months of the winter heating season. 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.
Disconnection Assistance
The Reconnection Program provides eligible customers, who are currently disconnected for non-payment, 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. Disconnected customers interested in having their service restored should call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) and speak with a Nicor Gas representative.
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 two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. | 
