Integrys Energy Group, Inc. : Peoples Gas Co-hosts Utility Assistance Day at Arturo Velasquez Institute

For Release: 01/12/2012

Peoples Gas Co-hosts Utility Assistance Day at Arturo Velasquez Institute Resources Available to Assist Customers with Energy Bills

Chicago, IL - The arrival of freezing temperatures accompanied by the first major snowfall of the winter season has sent furnaces kicking into high gear. To ensure that residents are armed with information to help them stay warm, Peoples Gas is encouraging their customers to attend an upcoming Utility Assistance Day.

Presented by Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward) and Alderman George A. Cardenas (12th Ward) in cooperation with Peoples Gas, ComEd and CEDA (Community Economic Development Association), the Utility Assistance Day takes place on Saturday, January 21, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Arturo Velasquez Institute (West Side Tech), 2800 S. Western Avenue.

Representatives from Peoples Gas, ComEd and CEDA will be on site to provide information on financial resources and programs that are available to assist customers who are struggling to pay their energy costs. Representatives from financial institutions and human service organizations will also be on site to provide information to residents.

"There are resources available to assist residents in need," said Adrienne M. Jones, director, Government and Community Relations. "We encourage everyone who can to attend the Utility Assistance Day and take advantage of these programs and services."

CEDA will accept applications at the Utility Assistance Day from customers who are eligible to apply for a LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) grant. The program provides grants to help customers pay outstanding bills, reconnect natural gas service and maintain their home's service. Customers may be eligible for LIHEAP if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines as follows:

	Family Income Guidelines
	Size of Family		30 Days Income
1	$1,361
2	$1,839
3	$2,316
4	$2,794
5	$3,271

To apply for a LIHEAP grant, customers should bring the following documents with them:

• Proof of household income for the 30-day period prior to the application date
• Original Social Security Card or SSA Printout for each person that will be claimed on your application
• Original current gas and electric bills
• Current Lease Agreement is required if you rent
• If utilities are included in your rent payments, that fact must be stated in your lease agreement to receive a cash payment
• If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card
• Proof of ownership is required to receive a Weatherization grant for repairs to an existing furnace, or purchase of a new one

Customers who are unable to attend the Utility Assistance Day can still apply for LIHEAP through CEDA. To find the location of the closest LIHEAP application site, Peoples Gas customers can call CEDA's hotline at: (800) 571-CEDA (2332) or visit for information on CEDA locations.

About Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas, a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG ), is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves approximately 819,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the city of Chicago. For more information about Peoples Gas, visit the company's website: .

For More Information, Contact:

• Bonnie Johnson
  Manager, Public Relations
  312-240-4567
  312-907-7333 (Cell)