Nicor Gas aims to help customers restore service

Nicor Gas today announced a new program to make it easier for customers whose natural gas service was disconnected earlier this year because of non-payment of bills to get re-connected in time for winter.

The program, called Reconnect Assistance, will run from Monday, Sept. 8 through Friday, Sept. 19. While all customers disconnected for non-payment are eligible to participate, this program is intended for those who are ineligible for other connection incentive programs or may prefer extend payment arrangements. Eligible participants, whose past due balance does not exceed $3,000, can have their service re-connected by paying 50 percent of their outstanding balance. Payment of the remaining balance would be made in installments over the following nine months.

Nicor developed the program in response to the high number of disconnections this past year due to the effects on family budgets of challenging economic times and increased natural gas costs.

"We recognize that many families may be facing budgeting difficulties during this challenging economy. The company's goal is always to help customers maintain their safe and reliable natural gas service. We hope customers will take advantage of this new program and have their service restored before cold weather arrives," Kevin Kirby, vice president of customer care at Nicor Gas, said in a statement.

Natural gas customers who have been disconnected for non-payment are currently required to pay their outstanding bill in full before service is restored.

To sign-up for the Reconnect Assistance program, call 1-888-Nicor4U (642-6748). For more information on gas costs, bill management programs, and financial assistance, visit www.nicorgas.com.