LIDR (Low Income Discount Rate)
What is this?
The Low-Income Discount Rate provides a monthly discount on Nicor Gas for customers with qualifying household incomes.
The amount you receive depends on your income level. Discounts will be provided in five tiers, based on your household’s income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
When you complete a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application, Community Contacts Inc. will calculate your income level and determine your discount tier. You will receive a LIHEAP benefit like in previous years, but you will also receive a discount on your bill each month, as shown in the table to the right.
How do I get the discount? How will it work?
To qualify for tier 1 to 4 discounts, you must apply and be approved for LIHEAP. For tier 5, you can self-declare your eligibility directly with Nicor Gas. If you apply for LIHEAP and are eligible, Community Contacts Inc. will notify Nicor Gas, and your discount will appear on the next billing cycle.
If you received a LIHEAP benefit between 10/1/2023, and 8/15/2024, you will automatically receive a discount starting with your October 2024 billing cycle.
LIDR (Low Income Discount Rate) Tiers
Do I have to reapply every year for LIHEAP to get the discount?
When you are approved for a Discount Rate, you will be eligible for 2 years.
If you are eligible for LIHEAP, we recommend applying every year to make the most out of the benefits available to you, and to maintain your discount rate.
If you received LIHEAP benefits between October 2023 and August 2024, your discount will automatically be applied to your Nicor bill.
Can I get the discount on my other energy utility bills?
Currently in Kane and DeKalb counties, the Low-Income Discount Rates only apply to Nicor Gas. ComEd has filed a discount rate proposal with the Illinois Commerce Commision (ICC) that will be ruled on in 2025.
As of today, the discount rates apply only to the large ICC regulated utilities, but the ICC encouraged smaller, regulated electric and gas utilities to offer discounts in a December 2022 report filed with the General Assembly.
Low Income Discount Rate (LIDR) Rates and Tiers
Tier 1(0%-50%) |
Tier 2(51%-100%) |
Tier 3(101%-150%) |
Tier 4(151%-200%) |
Tier 5(201%-300%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
75% Off |
55% Off |
25% Off |
10% Off |
5% Off |
