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Nicor Gas Encourages Customers to Plan Ahead for Winter Gas Costs

Posted on: Wednesday, 24 August 2005, 12:00 CDT

Although heating their home is not something people think much about in summer, Nicor Gas wants its customers to know it is never too early to plan for managing this winter's gas bills.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that natural gas commodity prices have increased sharply in recent weeks due to a variety of national factors. Like all utilities, Nicor Gas does not profit from the cost of gas, but passes the cost on to customers at no mark-up.

Planning Ahead is Key

With the expectation that natural gas prices will increase this winter, Nicor Gas recommends that customers consider joining the Budget Plan, which spreads payments over a 12-month period and may be adjusted up or down every four months to correct for future gas prices and expected usage.

"We're asking customers to plan ahead for this winter's gas bills. With the possibility of ups and downs in monthly gas costs this winter, this is an especially good time to evaluate various payment plans that are available," said Chris Suppes, vice president sales and customer care. Approximately 480,000 residential customers are currently participating in the Budget Plan and nearly half of the company's 2 million customers participate in one of the payment option plans including automatic or online, or with an alternate supplier.

Financial Help Is Available

There are also financial assistance programs available to help lower-income customers. Seniors and the disabled may apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants beginning September 1, which is explained in the company's Energy Spotlight newsletter now being sent with customers' bills. All customers may apply beginning October 1 through the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly the Department of Public Aid.)

There are also funds available now for customers with past due balances who do not qualify for LIHEAP, but earn between 150% and 200% of the federal poverty income level. The Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides one-time annual grants to qualified residential customers. Administered by the Salvation Army, Sharing is funded by direct contributions from Nicor Gas, its employees and customers. Customers can make donations via their monthly gas bill.

For more information on the Sharing Program and other financial assistance programs, customers can visit Nicor's Web site at http://nicorgas.com and click on "Financial Assistance." They should contact their local Salvation Army office to find out if they qualify.

Energy Saving Tips

With natural gas prices expected to be higher this winter, Nicor Gas encourages customers to plan ahead and implement home energy saving improvements that can help save money. The company recommends the following ways homeowners can make improvements that will save money this winter:

-- Weatherize the areas in your home where warm air can easily escape including seams, cracks and openings around windows, doors and baseboards, as well as through small openings around television cables, dryer vents and plumbing pipes. To seal these areas use caulk, sealant or weather-stripping. Reducing air leaks could cut as much as 10 percent from your monthly energy bill.

-- Make sure your furnace is ready for winter. Have a qualified contractor perform an inspection. If repairs are needed, have a qualified contractor perform the work.

-- Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less and cut your water heating expense without sacrificing comfort. Water heating is a typical family's third largest energy expense, accounting for approximately 14 percent of utility bills.

-- Install a programmable thermostat that can be pre-set to lower the temperature when you're sleeping or at work. Something as simple as setting back your thermostat 10 to 15 percent for eight hours per day can help you cut your annual heating costs by as much as 10 percent.

-- Seal your ducts - this not only boosts the overall efficiency of your system, but also significantly lowers energy bills. Leaking ducts can decrease the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 25 to 40 percent.

More energy tips are available online at www.nicorgas.com.

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 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. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicorgas.com.

Source: Business Wire

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