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March 6, 2008
Naperville, IL – Nicor Gas announced today that it has filed a March gas supply charge (GSC) of 97 cents per therm with the Illinois Commerce Commission, up 10 cents compared to February. The cost Nicor Gas pays for natural gas is passed through to customers with no mark-up, as Nicor Gas does not make a profit on the cost of natural gas. Nicor Gas' gas supply costs continue to be among the lowest in the nation.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the expectation of continued cold, but near-normal, weather through the remainder of the first quarter this year is projected to keep prices high relative to the first quarter of 2007. As demand rises due to cold weather, storage is another factor which impacts natural gas price. "Storage inventories are below levels existing this time last year, therefore, expected summer demand for storage refills are influencing forward prices," said Gary Bartlett, Vice President Supply Operations for Nicor Gas.
Nicor Gas encourages customers to explore all the available options to help manage heating cost as the winter heating season comes to a close. Such options include the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Nicor Gas Sharing Program, Nicor Gas Budget Plan, and using the energy efficiency tools located on the Nicor Gas Web site at www.nicorgas.com under "Managing Your Gas Costs."
Financial Assistance
LIHEAP 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, go to www.liheapillinois.com or call the toll-free LIHEAP information line at
1-877-411-9276.
The Nicor Gas Sharing Program offers 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 who wish to make a donation and help other customers in need can do so via their monthly gas bill. If your natural gas bill is electronically transferred, you can call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748) or log on to your account at www.nicorgas.com/myaccount to pledge a Sharing contribution. To apply for assistance from the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, customers should visit their local Salvation Army office.
Bill Management Assistance
The Nicor Gas Budget Plan provides a convenient way for customers to pay their natural gas bill every month as well as a great payment option for customers who like to plan ahead. 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."
Using Energy Wisely
Nicor Gas also offers many helpful resources, including Energy Depot. Energy Depot is an online home energy audit tool that will provide a personal energy profile with suggested energy use improvements for the user's home. It also calculates the annual energy costs for customers' complete range of home energy systems and appliances. Customers can also access tips on how to save money on their natural gas bills in Keeping the Warmth In and the Cold Out, a free guide on how to use energy wisely. Both of these helpful tools are accessible through Nicor Gas' Web site at www.nicorgas.com.
Additional information about these programs can be found at www.nicorgas.com or by calling 1 888 Nicor4u (642-6748).
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. | 
