Higher Gas Bills Anticipated This Winter
As we head into winter, Peoples Gas is informing customers that their heating bills will likely rise as the temperatures fall due the price of natural gas, which has more than doubled this year. The increase is due mainly to tight supplies and a worldwide increase in demand for natural gas. An analysis done by Peoples Gas predicts the typical residential customer will pay $60 more a month this winter compared to last winter.
Bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Share the Warmth program. To see if they are eligible and apply, Peoples Gas customers can call the Community Economic Development Association (CEDA) at 800-571-2332, or go to cedarorg.net. Peoples Gas will also work with any customer to arrange a payment plan that best fits their needs, and to set up Budget Billing that keeps bills stable from month to month. Customers can call Peoples Gas or go to peoplesgasdelivery.com to discuss options.
Customers can take steps to manage their energy use by turning down their thermostats, using programmable thermostats, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and scheduling an annual furnace tuneup. Peoples Gas also offers free energy efficiency consultations. For more low and no cost energy-saving tips, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/savings. Residents who purchase an Energy Star smart thermostat through December 31, 2021 can receive a $100 rebate from ComEd. For more information on receiving this rebate, go to the ComEd Smart Thermostat Rebates page. Click here to read more about your rights as a utility customer and ways to save on heating costs this winter courtesy of the Citizens Utility Board.
Budget Billing: Pay the same amount each month with Budget Billing. The billing program spreads out seasonal variations in your Peoples Gas bill over 12 months. While you still pay for all of the natural gas you actually use, Budget Billing provides consistent bills throughout the year. For more information and to enroll, go to peoplesgasdelivery.com/payment-bill/budget.
Chicago Residential Heat Ordinance
Chicago’s Heat Ordinance requires that buildings keep residential units at or above 66 degrees overnight (8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 68 degrees during the day (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Violations of the heat ordinance are taken very seriously. Please call 311 to file a complaint and arrange for an inspector to investigate.
City Warming Centers
When temperatures are at 32 degrees or below – warming areas are available at the City’s six community service centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. City-operated libraries and park facilities also may activate warming areas, if needed, including during evening hours, weekends and holidays. View locations and more information here.
Emergency Heating Repair Program
The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) Emergency Heating Repair Program provides a grant up to $24,999 to low-moderate income, owner-occupied residential building of one to four (1-4) units. Interested homeowners can download an application package through April 1, 2022 at www.chicago.gov/ehrp. Funding is limited and available on a first-come-first-service basis. Homeowners can call the Department of Housing’s customer service line at 312.744.3653 for more information.
The Department of Water Management Offers Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is reminding residents to take precautions to prevent pipes from freezing and causing costly damage to homes. As temperatures drop for more prolonged periods of time, the greater the chance that pipes will freeze and rupture.
The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) encourages residents to act now to make sure pipes in homes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air. Specifically, homeowners should:
- Maintain adequate heat in their homes.
- Insulate pipes, particularly those outside or on the perimeter of the residence.
- Run a trickle of cold water on each floor of the home at the points furthest from the location of the main water service into the home.
- Make sure that there is warm air circulating in any area where there are water pipes. This includes garages and unheated areas of the home.
- Remove all garden hoses from hose bibs and cover the bibs with Styrofoam hose bib insulating caps.
If pipes do freeze, do not use candles or any open flame to thaw them. Use a hair dryer or heating pad.
Visit www.cityofchicago.org/water for more tips on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Climate Change and Stormwater
As we begin to see warmer winters and more intense storms, the Chicago Department of Water Management would like to remind you that there are simple steps you can take to help keep water out of our basements.
- Do not dump fats/oils/greases in private drains or public catch basins.
- Avoid running a dishwasher or washing machine during storms.
- Disconnect downspout connections from the sewer system. Make sure to direct flow to areas with permeable surfaces that can properly absorb the stormwater or use rain barrels to collect the rain directly from the downspouts.
- Install rain gardens, green landscaping, or stormwater trees in your yard to help retain rainwater.
- Resurface driveways, parking pads, or patios with permeable pavement.
Additional information can be found at: https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/water/supp_info/conservation.html