Help with gas bills available

Open enrollment for LIHEAP has begun, and Nicor Gas is urging eligible customers who may need financial assistance with paying their energy costs to apply as soon as possible because funds are limited.

With colder winter weather starting to arrive and continued price volatility in the natural gas market, customers should financially plan for their upcoming heating needs which may include LIHEAP.

For the month of November, Nicor Gas has filed a gas supply charge (GSC) of 47 cents per therm with the Illinois Commerce Commission, up 8 cents compared to October. The cost Nicor Gas pays for natural gas is passed through to customers with no mark-up; the company does not make a profit on the cost of natural gas.

"With the possibility of rising natural gas costs, LIHEAP can be the bridge that makes ends meet for many customers in need," said Kevin Kirby, Vice President Customer Care for Nicor Gas. "For those customers who do not qualify for LIHEAP, the Nicor Gas Sharing program may provide them with some assistance."

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 Commerce and Economic Opportunity and helps 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, go to www.liheapillinois.com, or call the toll-free LIHEAP information line at 1-877-411-9276.

The Nicor Gas Sharing program, administered by The Salvation Army, provides one-time annual grants up to $450 to qualified residential customers. The program is funded by direct contributions from customers, employees and Nicor Gas, which contributes $175,000 annually.

To qualify, household monthly income may not exceed 200 percent of the federally established poverty level. Sharing Program applicants must apply in-person at Salvation Army offices. For a list of Salvation Army offices, call 1-888-Nicor4U (1-888-642-6748) or visit www.nicorgas.com and click on "financial assistance."