Daley unveils heating assistance programs for winter

Daley unveils heating assistance programs for winter

Making sure the city does its part in helping residents keep track of their winter heating bills, Mayor Daley Wednesday unveiled a series of programs to curb energy costs and to audit bills.

"Even though Chicagoans will be enjoying backyard barbecues and afternoon at the beaches, we, in city government, have a duty to remind everyone that it's time to start planning for the winter heating season.

"We are determined not to have a repeat of last year when people were caught off guard by high natural gas prices and Peoples Energy was slow to implement needed customer service," said the mayor.

Adding that the best way to save money is to use less energy, Daley said now is the time for residents to make hope repairs/insulation that can save them money on their natural gas bills.

The mayor said customers can learn how to do this at six fairs that will be hosted by the city's Department of Housing this fall as part of the Affordable Neighborhoods Expo with the first being held Sept. 9th at Malcolm X College.

Other expos will be held Oct. 6 at the West Side Technical Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave., Oct. 27 at Olive Harvey College, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., Nov. 3 at Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett Ave., Nov. 10 at a location to be determined and Nov. 17 at the Daley College, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd.

Daley, who was joined by Ald. Walter Burnett (27th), City Council Energy Committee Chairman Ald. Ginger Rugai (19th), City Colleges Chancellor Dr. Wayne Watson, Environment Comm. William F. Abolt, Housing Comm. Jack Markowski, and others, made his announcement at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren, headed by Dr. Zerrie D. Campbell, president.

While the city is getting people prepared for the winter season, Abolt said: "We're asking Peoples Energy to in detail lay out its detail its plans for the public because if we step out to make people become prepared, the real issue is if Peoples Energy prepared and what are they doing. Can they guarantee the citizens of Chicago home heating at an affordable price this year."

Luis Diaz-Perez, a spokesperson for Peoples Energy, said: "We're happy that the mayor is calling attention to the need to prepare for the winter. We're focused on delivering to customers what they need from us.

"That's why we're holding this week's townhall meeting and are sending surveys to our customers who are concerned about lower prices, estimated bills and the need for more information."

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.