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December 6, 2006
Naperville, IL. – Nicor Gas announced today that it has filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission its gas supply charge (GSC) of 67 cents per therm for the month of December. The GSC is the cost Nicor Gas pays for gas, which is passed through to customers with no mark-up. Costs are up from November's 55 cents per therm, but 41 percent less than the company's December 2005 filing.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) there was an increase in natural gas prices in almost all market locations throughout the U.S., a result of the winter-like conditions after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Although prices remain lower than they were last year, Nicor Gas advises customers that colder than normal temperatures can cause natural gas prices to increase. "Weather has an enormous impact on prices because temperatures drive the quantity and rate at which natural gas is consumed. We are headed into what traditionally are the colder winter months of the heating season, and during this time customers typically consume more natural gas to keep their homes warm. This type of seasonal increase in demand will usually result in higher gas prices as well," said Gary Bartlett, vice president supply operations.
Nicor Gas Budget Plan
"With the possibility of colder months ahead, we want our customers to know there are programs that can help them manage the remainder of this winter's heating season bills. The Nicor Gas Budget Plan is available to 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. The Budget Plan works by spreading payments over a 12-month period and periodically adjusts payments up or down to correct for future gas prices and expected usage. This plan is intended to help minimize the impact of price increases that usually take place during the colder months of the winter heating season.
Using Energy Wisely
As temperatures begin to plunge outside, Nicor Gas also encourages customers to look into ways they can be more energy efficient while keeping their homes warm this winter. The company's Web site makes it easy for customers to research practical solutions for making wise energy choices in every room of their home. For more information on how to manage your energy use visit www.nicorgas.com.
Financial Help is Available
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. 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 also offers eligible applicants financial help through its 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. To apply for assistance from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, customers should visit their local Salvation Army office.
Energy Fairs
Nicor gas is taking energy assistance on the road by participating in Energy Fairs throughout its service territory during the 2006-2007 heating season. Energy Fairs offer local residents a convenient location where they can go and get one-on-one attention, resolve billing issues and receive the information they need to help manage energy costs this winter. To find out more information about Energy Fair locations go to 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. | 
