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December 3, 2007
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 which is matched by Nicor Gas, up to $175,000 annually. The program, which is administered by the Salvation Army, provides one-time annual grants of up to $450 to help customers in need, who are not eligible for government assistance, with paying their natural gas bills.
Nicor Gas customers can make a contribution to the Sharing Program by writing in any amount of donation on the, "Indicate Amount for Sharing," line located on the bill stub and adding it to the payment. 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 to pledge a Sharing contribution. If you are not a Nicor Gas customer, please send your check directly to: Sharing, c/o The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 30049, Chicago, IL 60630-0049.
"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 Julian Brown, Manager of Corporate Contributions for Nicor Gas. "Over the past 24 years, Nicor Gas' Sharing Program has provided more than $12 million to help over 70,000 of its customers."
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."
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 a 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."
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.
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