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.
Eligibility verification and enrollment is done through your local Community Action Agency (formerly known as LIHEAP local offices).
Eligible customers who choose to sign-up for the PIPP Program will have the following benefits:
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 |
150% 30 Day Income |
150% Annual Income |
1 |
$1,561 |
$18,090 |
2 |
$2,114 |
$24,360 |
3 |
$2,666 |
$30,630 |
4 |
$3,219 |
$36,900 |
5 |
$3,771 |
$43,170 |
6 |
$4,324 |
$49,440 |
7 |
$4,876 |
$55,710 |
8 |
$5,429 |
$61,980 |
9 |
$5,981 |
$68,250 |
10 |
$6,534 |
$74,520 |
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.
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.
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 45 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.
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.
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.
Yes, you may enroll in automatic payment withdrawal.
PIPP customers are able to sign up for electronic billing and My Account access with Nicor Gas.
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.
In order to be eligible for the current PIPP Program, you must purchase your gas supply from Nicor Gas.
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.