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October 25, 2007
Naperville, IL – Nicor Gas announced today that it has once again partnered with Jewel-Osco to help families in need with their heating bills this winter season. When customers of any Jewel-Osco make a purchase on the dates listed below, five percent of their total bill will go to the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, which provides financial assistance to people who need help with their heating bills. All Jewel-Osco shoppers can participate by simply presenting a Shop & Share Coupon to the cashier when they make their purchases.
Coupons are available on the company’s Web site at www.nicorgas.com and also in the November Energy Spotlight Newsletter which was mailed to Nicor Gas customers in their latest billing statement. Customers who would like to help can simply cut out the coupons and present them to a Jewel-Osco cashier on any of the following dates:
| October |
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November |
| Monday, 29th |
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Monday, 5th & 12th |
| Tuesday, 30th |
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Tuesday, 6th & 13th |
| Wednesday, 31st |
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Wednesday, 7th & 14th |
“We are very grateful to Jewel-Osco for joining with Nicor Gas on such an important program for the third year in a row. Shop & Share Coupons provide a simple way for individuals to contribute to an important initiative by just doing their normal shopping,” said Julian Brown Manager of Corporate Contributions for Nicor Gas. “The Nicor Gas Sharing program is here to help customers who may not qualify for government aid, but due to their income level or recent misfortune, such as a job loss or change in family status, will need financial assistance to pay their heating bills this winter,” said Brown.
The Sharing Program is made up of contributions from Nicor Gas customers and employees that are matched up to $175,000 annually by Nicor Gas. The program provides households one-time annual grants of up to $450 to help pay their natural gas bills. To qualify, household monthly income may not exceed 200 percent of the federally established poverty level.
“Over the past 20 years, Nicor Gas’ Sharing Program has provided more than $12 million to help over 70,000 of its customers. We encourage our customers who need help paying their heating bills to look into financial assistance options available to them. If they do not qualify for government programs, the Nicor Sharing Program is another venue customers in need can turn to for help this winter heating season,” said Brown.
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, call 1-888-nicor4U (1-888-642-6748) or visit the Nicor Gas website at www.nicorgas.com and click on “financial assistance.”
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. | 
