Via the LIHEAP program

LIHEAP Grants Program Opens for ALL Eligible Customers on November 1

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas are strongly encouraging all of our customers who meet the specified requirements to apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funds now. The program provides grants to help customers struggling financially to pay their energy bills. Customers who have lost their job or have had their hours reduced, may have a very good chance of qualifying for a LIHEAP grant.

The grants are available to help customers pay outstanding bills, reconnect natural gas service and maintain their home’s service. The utilities are sending out postcards to customers who may be eligible to receive LIHEAP funding to encourage them to apply. Customers may be eligible for a grant if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines according to the following chart:

To apply for LIHEAP, customers must have proof of household income for the last 30 days, a copy of their current utility bill and Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. During the 2009-2010 heating season, approximately 50,000 customers took advantage of LIHEAP assistance.

To find the location of the closest LIHEAP application site, Peoples Gas customers can call CEDA’s hotline at 1-800-571-CEDA (2332) or visit http://www.cedaorg.net . North Shore Gas customers can call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 1-847-249-4330. Customers can also visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com or www.northshoregasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines. 

The utilities are also encouraging customers to take advantage of various other programs and services to help them use energy more efficiently, stabilize their bills and manage their accounts during this environment of tough economic times.

Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas recommend that customers sign up for Budget Billing to help manage heating bills year-round. Budget Billing spreads annual payments more evenly over the year to help customers plan their utility payments.

In addition, there are also a number of low-cost ways customers can manage their energy usage. More information can be found on the companies’ websites.