For Release: 04/15/2009
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Launch Grassroots Outreach Campaign to Ensure Customers Take Advantage of Heating Bill Assistance; Grant Program Still has $50 million to Assist People in Paying Energy
Chicago, IL – Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, the two utility companies that deliver safe and reliable natural gas to approximately 1 million customers in Chicago and 54 communities in Lake County, launched an outreach campaign to urge customers to find out if they are eligible for assistance in paying their energy bills. The campaign will provide information about assistance programs at CTA stops, the Main Post Office, Dominick's Finer Foods, churches, senior centers as well as paid advertising.
In the current economy, many residents are struggling to meet their monthly household costs of living, including paying their heating bills from the long, cold winter. The good news is that there is more than $50 million in funding still available in Cook County to help families pay their energy bills. The funding is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP.
"It's been a tough year and we don't want any of our customers to bypass the opportunity to access financial assistance if they need it," said Rodrigo A. Sierra, vice president of Public Affairs. "LIHEAP eligibility is based on a household's last 30 days of income, and it's possible that many people, who have never applied for the grant, may now be eligible for the first time."
The companies are urging customers to take the time to find out if they are eligible. "We care about our customers and want to help them manage their energy needs and maintain service year-round," added Sierra. "That's why we want customers who may be struggling financially to act quickly to take advantage of these funds."
In an effort to help get the word out about LIHEAP funds, the utilities have launched a grassroots, community outreach campaign that includes the following initiatives:
- Approximately 150,000 postcards mailed to customers with account arrearages who have not yet received LIHEAP encouraging them to seek financial assistance
- Averaging 90,000 automated calls per month to customers whose accounts are in arrears
- Information sent to churches to be used in their bulletins
- Informational postcards will be available beginning Monday at Chicago area Dominick's Finer Foods customer service counters
- Radio spots urging customers to seek assistance will begin airing early next week
- Informational postcards handed out as follows:
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 15 | 7 am - 9 am | CTA Morse stop (Red Line) |
| April 15 | 5 pm - 7 pm | CTA Wilson & Broadway stop (Red Line) |
| April 15 | 3 pm - 7 pm | Main Post Office, 433 W. Harrison |
| April 16 | 7 am - 9 am | CTA 95th Street Station (Red Line) |
| April 16 | 7-9 am, 5-7pm | CTA Lake & LaSalle stop |
| April 17 | 7 am - 9 am | CTA Lake & Pulaski stop (Green Line) |
| April 17 | 5 pm - 7 pm | CTA 63rd & Ashland stop (Green Line) |
To determine income-eligibility, Peoples Gas customers should call CEDA at 1-800-571-2332. North Shore Gas customers should call the Lake County Community Action Partnership (LCCA) at 1-847-249-4330. Customers may also visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com and www.northshoregasdelivery.com for eligibility requirements.
"Even if you're not eligible, a friend or family member may be and you can help them get the financial assistance they need," said Sierra.
In addition to LIHEAP, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas offer a number of programs to help customers manage their energy bills and stay connected:
- Payment Arrangements
Short-term payment plans are available to help customers catch up with their bill over several months. With this plan customers pay a portion of their past due balance while paying their current bill. - Minimum Payment Option
Beginning in April, customers who are eligible for disconnection can avoid losing service for the next 30 days by paying the Minimum Payment Option (MPO) amount listed on the notice of disconnection. This option allows customers the opportunity to stay connected while taking steps to address their financial situation. Customers who pay the required MPO amount by the due date will be eligible for another MPO the following month. - Budget Payment Plan
The budget payment plan allows customers to spread their natural gas bills and payments more evenly over the year and enables them to have a better sense of how much they will pay each month.
Customers of Peoples Gas can speak with a customer service representative at 1-866-556-6001 and North Shore Gas customers can call 1-866-556-6004. Customers wishing to avoid longer hold times are encouraged to use the companies' Web sites or call on lower-volume days (Tuesday-Saturday).
Customers can visit the utilities' Web sites www.peoplesgasdelivery.com or www.northshoregasdelivery.com for more information on any of the above programs.
About Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves 840,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the City of Chicago. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on Peoples Gas, visit the company's Web site: www.peoplesgasdelivery.com.
About North Shore Gas
North Shore Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves 158,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 54 communities in Northeastern Illinois. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on North Shore Gas, visit the company's Web site: www.northshoregasdelivery.com.
For More Information, Contact:
- Bonnie Johnson (Media)
Manager, Public Relations
312-240-4567
312-907-7333 (cell)