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Nicor Gas continues to offer bill payment assistance to customers

Income-eligible customers must register for LIHEAP, enrollment ends May 31

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – May 13, 2021 – Since the start of the pandemic, Nicor Gas along with support partners has provided more than $25 million in bill payment assistance to customers who have been financially affected by the ongoing pandemic. This includes $15.5 million in financial assistance through the COVID-19 Bill Payment Assistance Program and $10.1 million in additional bill payment assistance to customers as a part of the state’s new Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program.

“Nicor Gas has worked hard to support our customers throughout the hardships faced this past year, including impacts from the pandemic and extreme winter weather,” said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “Funds are still available, but it is critical that income-qualified customers enroll in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program so we can direct those dollars to families and individuals who are still on the path to full economic recovery.”

The application period for LIHEAP continues through May 31. The federally funded energy assistance program helps low- and fixed-income families meet their energy needs during the winter heating season. The program also has reconnection assistance, which offers an additional monetary benefit to LIHEAP customers whose service is disconnected. The program is open to all households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, income guidelines are based on a sliding scale based on family size. For more information, or to locate a local application agency, call 877-411-9276 or visit liheapillinois.com.

LIHEAP enrolled customers with account arrearages will automatically receive grants from Nicor Gas’ COVID-19 Bill Payment Assistance Program. The Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program expands the number of households eligible for relief to include current and former Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program customers who are at risk for utility service disconnection due to inability to pay. Those eligible may receive the additional one-time bill credit of at least $250 and up to a maximum of $5,000 through UDAP. Nicor Gas has applied UDAP credits totaling $10.1 million to nearly 14,500 eligible customer accounts.

Additional energy assistance programs for Nicor Gas customers include:

  • Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides one-time annual grants to qualified residential customers. The program is administered by the Salvation Army and funded through direct contributions from Nicor Gas employees and customers who can make donations via their monthly gas bill payment.
  • Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program provides one-time grants up to $250 to eligible residential customers with past due balances. The grants do not need to be repaid.
  • Nicor Gas Budget Plan provides a convenient way for customers to plan for and pay their monthly natural gas bill. Customers pay a consistent amount every month for a 12-month period, allowing a credit balance to build up and help offset winter bills that may be higher due to increased natural gas usage.

Nicor Gas residential customers may also be eligible to enroll in a 24-month deferred payment plan until July 31. The Nicor Gas website has more information about residential billing and payment options, additional assistance programs and resources.

For information and energy assistance resources, visit nicorgas.com/energyassistance.

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About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company.  Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with 774,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit Southern Company Gas at southerncompanygas.com

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golz
o: 630.388.3737  |  c: 331.222.8716 |  jgolz@southernco.com