Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)

En Español

Nicor Gas, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, offers the PIPP Program, which allows eligible customers to pay a percentage of their monthly income to maintain their utility service. The program is designed to provide customers with an affordable, level payment plan and a chance to eliminate past due balances.

Percent of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) brochure

PIPP eligibility criteria:

• LIHEAP approved, at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
• Natural gas space heat customer
• Active residential customer
  

Customer Benefits

Eligible customers who choose to sign-up for the PIPP Program will have the following benefits:

• A level payment plan requiring a minimum monthly payment of 6% of the customers' gross monthly income.
• The program will pay for the difference between the payment and the monthly bill amount up to $100 excluding any non gas service related charges.
• As long as the monthly customer payment is received on or before the due date, the customer will receive a credit of 1/12 of their total arrears up to a maximum monthly amount of $83.33.
  

Customer Responsibilities

• Initial application and annual recertification for the PIPP Program is conducted by the customer through their local Community Action Agency.
• Customers must make their payment on time by the due date to avoid the risk of being removed from the program.
• Customers will recertify eligibility each year and meet program qualifications. Zero-income clients must recertify their eligibility quarterly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PIPP stand for?
Percentage of Income Payment Plan

How does the PIPP Program work?
The PIPP Program is a level payment plan requiring a minimum monthly payment of 6% of the customers'gross monthly income. The PIPP Program will pay for the difference between the payment and the monthly bill amount (up to $100) excluding any non-service charges. PIPP also provides a monthly Arrearage Reduction Credit towards outstanding account balances as long as your payment posts to your account in full on or before the bill due date. The amount of the credit will be 1/12 of your total arrears (maximum monthly credit of $83.33).

How do I enroll in the PIPP Program?
Eligibility verification and enrollment is done through your local Community Action Agency (formerly known as LIHEAP local offices).

How much do I pay each month?
You are responsible for paying the amount reflected on the payment coupon of your utility bill. In order to receive the monthly Arrearage Reduction Credit, payments must be made in full and on time each month.

When is my payment due?
The due date will be clearly stated on the bill payment coupon and located next to the amount due.

What happens if I miss a payment?
If your payment is 45 days past due, you will be removed from the program without opportunity to reapply for the current program year.

What happens if I am removed from the program?
If you are unable to fulfill your commitment as required by the program your account will be returned to its pre-program state.

How long does the program last?
As a PIPP Program customer your initial enrollment is ten months, September 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. Beginning in 2012, the program year will be July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. You will be required to recertify each year with your local Community Action Agency and meet program qualifications. Zero-income clients must recertify their eligibility quarterly.

Can I sign up for auto pay with a checking or savings account?
Yes, you may enroll in automatic payment withdrawal as of September 1, 2011.

Is it possible for the customer to sign up for electronic bills (e-bill)?
At this time you will not be able to sign up for e-bill.

If I move to a new address does the program transfer and/or stay active?
If you decide to move to a different address while on the program your PIPP Program enrollment will be terminated. You can apply under the new address through your local Community Action Agency for reenrollment.

If I choose to purchase my gas from an alternate energy supplier, can I remain on the PIPP Program? 
In order to be eligible for the current PIPP Program you must purchase your gas supply from Nicor Gas. As of this time, no alternate energy suppliers are participating in the program.

Can I receive traditional LIHEAP grants for my gas account and be on the PIPP Program?
Customers cannot receive both a traditional LIHEAP grant AND a PIPP benefit in the same program year. You will have the choice of which program you would like to participate in. Your local Community Action Agency office will help you to choose the program that best suits your needs.

Contact your local Community Action Agency (formerly known as LIHEAP) to determine eligibility.