For Release: 09/11/2014

Priority Registration Opens for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Seniors (60+) & People with Disabilities Should Apply Now WAUKEGAN, IL - The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is open for enrollment for seniors and people with disabilities. North Shore Gas is encouraging its customers to apply for LIHEAP if they need assistance with their natural gas bills now, before the weather turns cold. LIHEAP provides grants to help customers pay outstanding bills, reconnect service, and maintain natural gas service. During last year's heating season, LIHEAP provided more than 3,000 North Shore Gas households with more than $1 million in financial assistance. "Last winter was one of the coldest winters in decades," said Larry Szumski, vice president, Customer Relations. "We want our customers to stay warm this winter and urge customers who need assistance to apply early for a LIHEAP grant." LIHEAP is administered in Lake County by the Community Action Partnership of Lake County (CAP). North Shore Gas customers should call CAP at (847) 249-4330 for a list of application sites and guidelines. Customers who meet the criteria may be eligible for a grant if their income is 150% 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
LIHEAP will open more widely on October 1 to households where disconnection due to non-payment has occurred in households with children under five years old and for LIHEAP eligible households where the home's heating system is non-operable and/or has been red tagged by the utility company. General enrollment for all other qualified customers will begin on Nov. 1. Customers can also visit www.northshoregasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines, as well as tips on conservation and energy efficiency, two great tools in helping to manage energy costs. North Shore Gas says customers shouldn't wait until the first cold snap and offers the following tips to help customers prepare for winter:
  • Schedule your appointment now to have your natural gas turned on
  • Have your furnace or boiler checked by a licensed technician or contractor>/li>
  • Prevent disconnection by ensuring that your North Shore Gas account is up-to-date
  • Take advantage of free energy- and water-saving products being offered through the North Shore Gas Home Energy Jumpstart Program
  • Take advantage of rebates being offered through the North Shore Gas Home Energy Rebate Program for the purchase of for high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, water heaters and other items

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.www.northshoregasdelivery.com.

  • Bonnie Johnson (Media)
    Manager, Public Relations
    (312) 240-3661
    (312) 907-7333 (CELL)


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