NAPERVILLE – Now is the time to start preparing for cooler weather, which can result in higher heating costs as thermostats go up and natural gas usage increases to keep homes comfortable and warm. Nicor Gas offers bill payment assistance programs to help offset winter heating costs when eligible household budgets may not be able to keep up with the increased heating demands. 

Enrollment for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is underway now. The federal- and state-funded energy assistance program provides income-eligible households with monetary relief for their energy bills. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and income up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, which for a family of four equates to a gross monthly income of $4,625 or less. For more information or to locate a local Community Action Agency to apply, call 877-411-9276 (WARM). 

 Other energy assistance programs and options available to Nicor Gas customers include: 

• Nicor Gas Sharing Program, which is administered by the Salvation Army and funded by Nicor Gas and its customers, provides eligible customers a grant up to $500, based on account balance. To apply, contact a Salvation Army office listed at nicorgas.com/EnergyAssistanceor call 773-205-3520. 
• Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program provides one-time grants up to $350 to eligible customers with past due balances; the grants do not need to be paid back. Contact a local Community Action Agency to apply. 
• Nicor Gas Budget Plan can help customers avoid unpredictable bills from month to month and even out the seasonal highs and lows of natural gas use. To learn more about the Budget Plan and how it works, visit nicorgas.com/BudgetPlan. 
• Payment arrangements provide eligible customers with more time to pay past-due balances and help avoid possible service disconnection. Customers can check their eligibility for a payment arrangement by visiting nicorgas.com/MyAccount. 

 Every family deserves reliable energy at a price they can afford. That’s why Nicor Gas is proactively working to provide payment options and resources to help customers manage natural gas bills and more through the Community Connection Center (C3). The dedicated C3 team at Nicor Gas helps customers navigate energy assistance and energy efficiency options, as well as other basic needs such as food and housing. Customers can contact the C3 team via email at [email protected] or submit an assistance request form at nicorgas.com/CCC. 

Throughout the season, customers may be eligible for one of more programs and can access the Energy Assistance Programs Flier and Worksheet can help maximize the benefits available to them.