Percentage of Income Payment Plan
Nicor Gas, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, offers the PIPP Program, which allows eligible customers to pay a percentage of their monthly income to maintain their utility service. The program is designed to provide customers with an affordable, level payment plan and a chance to eliminate past due balances.
Closed for new PIPP applicants for program year 2023, but expected to reopen September 1, 2023. Customers currently enrolled in PIPP will continue on the program.
How to Enroll
Eligibility verification and enrollment is done through your local Community Action Agency (formerly known as LIHEAP local offices).
Customer Benefits
Eligible customers who choose to sign-up for the PIPP Program will have the following benefits:
- A level payment plan requiring a minimum monthly payment of 6 percent of the customers' gross monthly income.
- The program will pay for the difference between the payment and the monthly bill amount up to $75 excluding any non-gas service related charges.
- As long as the monthly customer payment is received on or before the due date, the customer will receive a credit of 1/12 of their total arrears (past due payments) up to a maximum monthly amount of $83.33.
PIPP Eligibility Criteria
- LIHEAP approved, at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level
- Natural gas space heat customer
- Active residential customer
- PIPP applications closed on 3/31/22 and will reopen on 9/1/22
Customer Responsibilities
- Initial application and annual recertification for the PIPP Program is conducted by the customer through their local Community Action Agency.
- Customers must make their payment on time by the due date to avoid the risk of being removed from the program.
- Customers will recertify eligibility each year and meet program qualifications. Zero-income clients must recertify their eligibility quarterly.
2022 PIPP Income Guidelines
These figures are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published in the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.
|
Family Size |
Maximum Gross Monthly Income 200% |
|
1 |
$2,265 |
|
2 |
$3,052 |
|
3 |
$3,838 |
|
4 |
$4,625 |
|
5 |
$5,412 |
|
6 |
$6,198 |
|
7 |
$6,985 |
|
8 |
$7,324 |
PIPP FAQ
How much do I pay each month?
You are responsible for paying the amount reflected on the payment coupon of your utility bill. In order to receive the monthly Arrearage Reduction Credit, if this applies to you, payments must be made in full and on time each month.
When is my payment due?
The due date will be clearly marked on the bill payment coupon and located next to the amount due. Payments must have been received on time and posted to your account by the due date.
What happens if I miss a payment?
When your account becomes past due, your agency will send you a letter giving you the opportunity to catch up on any late payments. Due to being late on your account, any Arrearage Credit will not be applied for the month.
After the account is 70 days past due, your agency will send you a final notice and your PIPP program may be dropped if full payment is not received immediately.
What happens if I am removed from the program?
If you are unable to fulfill your commitment as required by the program your account will be returned to its pre-program state. At that point, any remaining balance on the account becomes due.
How long does the program last?
As a PIPP Program customer your initial enrollment is ten months. You will be required to re-certify each year with your local Community Action Agency and meet program qualifications. Zero-income clients must re-certify their eligibility quarterly.
Can I sign up for AutoPay with a checking or savings account?
Yes, you may enroll in automatic payment withdrawal.
Is it possible for the customer to sign up for electronic bills (e-bill)?
PIPP customers are able to sign up for electronic billing and My Account access with Nicor Gas.
If I move to a new address does the program transfer and/or stay active?
If you decide to move to a different address while on the program your PIPP Program enrollment will be stopped. You can apply under the new address through your local Community Action Agency for re-enrollment.
If I choose to purchase my gas from an alternate energy supplier, can I remain on the PIPP Program?
In order to be eligible for the current PIPP Program, you must purchase your gas supply from Nicor Gas.
Can I receive traditional LIHEAP grants for my gas account and be on the PIPP Program?
Customers cannot receive both a traditional LIHEAP grant AND a PIPP benefit in the same program year. You will have the choice of which program you would like to participate in. Your local Community Action Agency office will help you to choose the program that best suits your needs.
Where to Apply
To see if you are eligible for PIPP, contact an agency near you.
Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois
|
Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency
|
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc.
|
Project NOW
|
Community Contacts, Inc.
|
Rockford Human Services Department
|
DuPage County
|
Tazwood Community Services
|
East Central Illinois
|
Tri-County Opportunities Council
|
Kankakee County
|
Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
|
Kendall-Grundy
|
Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
|
Community Action Partnership of Lake County
|
Western Illinois Regional Council
|
McHenry County
|
Will County Center for Community Concerns
|
Need a payment arrangement?
In addition to energy assistance programs, we offer flexible payment arrangements.
Call us at 888.642.6748 to make a payment arrangement.
