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August 30, 2007
Naperville, IL – Today Nicor Gas announced that it is encouraging senior citizens and persons with disabilities to take advantage of the early enrollment period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). During the special enrollment period of September 4th through October 31st, senior citizens (60 years plus) and persons with disabilities can apply for LIHEAP before general enrollment opens to the public on November 1.
LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Illinois. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and assists eligible low-income households pay their energy bills. 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 1-877-411-9276 (WARM) or view LIHEAP information online.
“Nicor Gas is pleased to help promote the use of such a needed program. It is far too often that the individuals who need the assistance are not aware of the help they can obtain through LIHEAP. This early enrollment period benefits eligible senior citizens and persons with disabilities by allowing them the first opportunity to apply for financial assistance before it opens to the general public,” said Kevin Kirby, Vice President of Customer Care for Nicor Gas.
Nicor Gas customers who do not qualify for federal assistance can apply for the company’s Sharing Program, which provides eligible households with financial assistance in one time annual grants of up to $450. To qualify, household monthly income may not exceed 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. Nicor Gas Sharing grants are administered by the Salvation Army and applicants must apply in-person at one of their offices. For a list of Salvation Army offices and this year’s grant amount, visit the Nicor Gas website at www.nicorgas.com and click on “financial assistance.”
Nicor Gas offers financial assistance information and natural gas cost information at www.nicorgas.com. Both of these topics will be discussed in customer newsletters, special bill inserts, and an awareness campaign that will take place October through February. Customers are encouraged to read their bills and customer newsletters each month to stay informed about bill payment options, assistance programs, and the national situation on gas costs.
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. | 
