Skip to main content.
winter family portrait

Percentage of Income Payment Plan

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.

Currently closed for new PIPP applicants at this time.

Customers currently enrolled in PIPP will continue on the program.

How to Enroll

Eligibility verification and enrollment is done through your local Community Action Agency (formerly known as LIHEAP local offices).

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 percent of the customers' gross monthly income.
  • The program will pay for the difference between the payment and the monthly bill amount up to $75 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 (past due payments) up to a maximum monthly amount of $83.33.

PIPP Eligibility Criteria

  • LIHEAP approved, at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level
  • Natural gas space heat customer
  • Active residential customer
  • PIPP applications closed on 3/31/22 and will reopen on 9/1/22

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.

2023-2024 PIPP Income Guidelines

These figures are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines published in the US Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register. The state reserves the right to adjust these levels based on the availability of federal appropriations.

Family Size

Maximum Gross Monthly Income 200% 

1

$2,430

2

$3,287

3

$4,143

4

$5,000

5

$5,857

6

$6,713

7

$7,570

8

$7,775

9

$7,944

10

$8,113

11 or greater

For each additional household member under 18 add $428

PIPP FAQ

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, if this applies to you, payments must be made in full and on time each month.

When is my payment due?

The due date will be clearly marked on the bill payment coupon and located next to the amount due. Payments must have been received on time and posted to your account by the due date.

What happens if I miss a payment?

When your account becomes past due, your agency will send you a letter giving you the opportunity to catch up on any late payments. Due to being late on your account, any Arrearage Credit will not be applied for the month.

After the account is 70 days past due, your agency will send you a final notice and your PIPP program may be dropped if full payment is not received immediately.

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. At that point, any remaining balance on the account becomes due.

How long does the program last?

As a PIPP Program customer your initial enrollment is ten months. You will be required to re-certify each year with your local Community Action Agency and meet program qualifications. Zero-income clients must re-certify their eligibility quarterly.

Can I sign up for AutoPay with a checking or savings account?

Yes, you may enroll in automatic payment withdrawal.

Is it possible for the customer to sign up for electronic bills (e-bill)?

PIPP customers are able to sign up for electronic billing and My Account access with Nicor Gas.

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 stopped. You can apply under the new address through your local Community Action Agency for re-enrollment.

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.

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.

Where to Apply

To see if you are eligible for PIPP,  contact an agency near you.

Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois
217.732.2159

capcil.info
County Served: Dewitt

 

Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency
815.232.3141
nicaa.org
Counties Served: JoDaviess and Stephenson

 

Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc.
800.571.2332          

cedaorg.net
County Served: Cook

 

Project NOW
309.793.6391
projectnow.org
Counties Served: Henry, Mercer and Rock Island

 

Community Contacts, Inc.
847.697.4400 (Kane)
cci-hci.org
815.758.3835 (DeKalb)
cci-hci.org
Counties Served: DeKalb and Kane

 

Rockford Human Services Department
844.710.6919
rockfordil.gov/human-services.aspx
Counties Served: Boone and Winnebago

 

DuPage County
Department of Human Resources

630.407.6500
dupageco.org
County Served: DuPage

 

Tazwood Community Services
309.266.9941
Counties Served: Tazewell, Woodford, Livingston, and McLean

 

East Central Illinois
Community Action Agency

217.443.2705
comaction.org
Counties Served: Ford, Iroquois and Vermillion

 

Tri-County Opportunities Council
800.323.5434
https://tcochelps.org/
Counties Served: Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside

 

Kankakee County
Community Services, Inc.

815.933.7883
kccsi-cap.org
County Served: Kankakee

 

Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
217.384.1226

trrcopo.org
Counties served: Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler

 

Kendall-Grundy
Community Action
health.co.kendall.il.us
630.553.9100 (Kendall)
815.941.3262 (Grundy)
Counties Served: Grundy and Kendall

 

Champaign County Regional Planning Commission
ccrpc.org
217.384.1226
County Served: Champaign

 

Community Action Partnership of Lake County
847.249.4330

caplakecounty.org
County Served: Lake

 

Western Illinois Regional Council
309.837.2997

wirpc.org
Counties Served: Hancock and Henderson

 

McHenry County
Housing Authority

815.338.7752
mchenrycountyhousing.org
County Served: McHenry

 

Will County Center for Community Concerns
815.722.0722

wcccc.net
County Served: Will

 

Need a payment arrangement? 

In addition to energy assistance programs, we offer flexible payment arrangements. 
Call us at 888.642.6748 to make a payment arrangement.