Richard Dent joins Chicagoland National Gas Savings Program for campaign

CHICAGO — The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program Tuesday introduced the Two-Minute Warming campaign to educate Chicago residents and Peoples Gas customers about available cash incentives and tax credits for replacing older natural gas heating equipment and installing new attic insulation. The program directs consumers to ChicagolandRebates.com where they can learn about how to select the right equipment, install it in their home and submit their rebate applications online.

The program has partnered with Richard Dent, former Chicago Bears defensive end and MVP of Super Bowl XX, to raise awareness of the program and invite city residents to participate. Since retiring from the NFL, Dent has focused on natural gas and energy management issues as the CEO of RLD Resources, LLC.

“The Two-Minute Warming campaign emphasizes preparing for the coming colder temperatures by reminding residents to check on their heating equipment and insulation to determine if they need any replacements before the winter weather hits, said Dent. “With just a few minutes of planning, Chicago residents can protect their families from an unheated home this winter and collect additional money through tax credits and rebates. It's really that simple.

This heating season, thousands of families in Chicago will experience an unexpected burn out of their end-of-life furnaces and boilers. Chicagoans can avoid the inconvenience to their families by having their equipment checked early, and if needed, replaced with a model that qualifies for the program.

In addition, many homes in Chicago do not have appropriate attic insulation, which contributes greatly to heat loss and increases natural gas consumption.

“Installing attic insulation can make an immediate difference in how your home retains heat and is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable, which can quickly lower your natural gas bills, said Dent.

Rebates through the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program range from $50 to $850, depending on the equipment or insulation being installed, and are available to customers of Peoples Gas. Additionally, residents can also receive a $1,500 federal tax credit, which is only available until December 31, 2010. Information about qualifying equipment, incentives and how to apply online are available at www.ChicagolandRebates.com.