Consumer Issues

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 includes tax credits for consumers from January 1, 2006 through
December 31, 2007. The credits include home improvements, such as windows and doors, metal roofs, insulation, central air conditioning, etc. It also includes hybrid and diesel vehicles and solar energy systems. 
Click http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits for more information.
                                                            
                                                             
                                                             

PEOPLES ENERGY INSIDE SAFETY INSPECTION (ISI) CAMPAIGN 

Residents may receive a letter from Peoples Gas about free government mandated inspections of its equipment located inside homes.  In order for the company to conduct these inspections, customers must allow Peoples Gas access to this equipment.  If you receive a letter about this inspection, please set up an appointment immediately.  If you do not schedule an appointment once you've been notified, your gas service is at risk of being disconnected.  Schedule an appointment only when asked to do so by calling 312-240-4556 or by vising www.isi.peoplesenergy.com.  When a Peoples Gas employee arrives at your home for the appointment, ask to see their company i.d.

--ISI's are free.
--ISI's only take a few minutes to complete.
--ISI's are conducted on company owned equipment located inside your home to ensure they are working properly.
--Inspection hours are offered Monday-Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

SAFEGUARD YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Identity theft occurs when key pieces of personal information, which may include
a name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and mother's maiden name are stolen
to gain access to a person's financial accounts.  An identity thief can open new credit
cards or financial accounts, buy cars, apply for loans or Social Security benefits, rent an
apartment or set up utility and phone service-in someone else's name. 

A few things to do to protect your identity:  Don't leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.
                                                                   Deposit mail in US Postal Service collection boxes.
                                                                   Tear up unwanted documents that contain personal info.
                                                                   Review your consumer credit report annually.

Listed below are links to some government web sites and phone numbers for more information on this issue.

State of Illinois Identity Theft Hotline - 1-866-999-5630
www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov/consumers/hotline.html

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft      1-877-IDTHEFT

http://www.ftc.gov     Federal Trade Commission

Periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft.  Starting March 1, 2005, you can request one free credit report per year. Click on the above Federal Trade Commision link, look under the "Hot Topics" column, and click on "Information on Free Credit Reports".  You can also access the link by typing in www.annualcreditreport.com.

http://www.donotcall.gov   Click on this web site to register your phone number on the "Do Not Call" list, so telemarketers will not call your house.