For Release: 10/31/2014

Financial Assistance for Heating Bills Opens on November 1-North Shore Gas Encourages Customers to Apply Early WAUKEGAN, IL- North Shore Gas is encouraging its customers to prepare for winter by applying early for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Share the Warmth grants to help with heating costs. General enrollment for LIHEAP opens on November 1, with over $150 million dollars in funding available for Illinois residents to help with winter bills. Both Share the Warmth and LIHEAP provide financial assistance to limited and fixed-income households. Grants can be used to reconnect service, avoid disconnection and maintain a home's natural gas service. LIHEAP provides grants of varying amounts based on household need to help customers pay outstanding bills and reconnect service. Share the Warmth provides grants of up to $200 to customers and can be applied for year round. Both programs are administered by the Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP). Beginning Monday, November 3, North Shore Gas customers can call CAP at (847) 249-4330 to make an appointment to apply for both grants. Customers can call CAP or visit North Shore Gas website for a list of application sites and guidelines. "We want to ensure our customers are informed and able to manage their energy costs ahead of winter by offering financial assistance, bill payment options, and rebates which encourage energy efficiency," said John Kleczynski, president, North Shore Gas. "We encourage customers to prepare for winter and apply early during this first autumn cold snap." More than 3,300 North Shore Gas households received approximately $1.3 million in LIHEAP and Share the Warmth financial assistance during last year's heating season. Customers are eligible for a LIHEAP grant if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Share the Warmth eligibility is 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. When applying for a LIHEAP grant, customers should bring the following documents:
  • Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date
  • Copy of most recent utility bill
  • Proof of Social Security Numbers of all household members
  • If a household member receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card
  • Applicants that have their utilities included in the rent must bring proof of rental

When applying for a Share the Warmth grant, customers only need:

  • Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period prior to the application date
  • Copy of most recent utility bill For more information about other financial assistance programs, free energy savings products, rebates and energy-saving tips to help manage heating costs, visit company website. North Shore Gas would like to remind customers that federal law requires regular inspection of natural gas meters and service pipes located inside homes. To avoid any disruption to your natural gas service or financial assistance, please ensure you allow North Shore Gas to inspect your meter when necessary. About North Shore Gas North Shore Gas, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves approximately 159,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers located in 54 communities within the northern suburbs of Chicago. visit the company's website.
    • Bonnie Johnson (Media)
      Manager, Public Relations
      (312) 240-3661
      (312) 907-7333 (CELL)


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