Waukegan — As the calendar turns to October and winter draws close, financial assistance is available to people in the northern suburbs who are having a tough time keeping up with their heating bills. There are several programs available to North Shore Gas customers.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Customers in the northern suburbs can now apply for heating assistance through LIHEAP, the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program has $240 million available to help Illinois families that are eligible based on their income. Those eligible to apply include people who are 60 years or older, have a disability, have children five years old or younger, or are currently disconnected from service. All other people who are income eligible can apply for LIHEAP beginning Nov. 1.
Share the Warmth program
North Shore Gas funds a financial assistance program called Share the Warmth that provides one-time grants for heating customers who have lower incomes.
Low Income Discount program
The Low Income Discount program provides permanent, year-round bill reductions of up to 83% for income eligible customers.
How to apply for these programs
To see if they are eligible and to apply for the programs mentioned above, North Shore Gas customers can go to caplakecounty.org or call the Community Action Partnership of Lake County at 847-249-4330. More information is also available on the North Shore Gas website.
Other customer-friendly programs
Additional programs to help customers manage their heating bills include:
- Budget Billing: Evens out seasonal ups and down so energy bills stay predictable from month to month.
- Payment arrangements: Help customers pay their bills over a period of time.
- Energy Efficiency Program: Rebates for energy-saving improvements, free energy assessments and other ways to help lower bills.
More information about these programs can be found on the North Shore Gas website or by calling 866-556-6004.