SPRINGFIELD- In response to the threat of high home heating costs this winter, State Senator Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) has introduced the comprehensive "Illinois Home Energy Relief Act" during this week's fall veto session.

"Due to the recent hurricanes in the Gulf, natural gas rates will be rising to record levels this winter. Experts say prices may double over last year's bills, costing Illinoisans on average as much as $600-$1000 more this winter," Lauzen said. "For many of us who heat our homes with natural gas, that kind of jump would be too much to take, resulting in drastic decisions like choosing to heat your home or pay your rent. This legislation will make Illinois a leader in helping consumers cope with these new costs. It is better that we anticipate this problem and act now, rather than wait for these costs to destroy Illinois families' budgets."

Lauzen has been joined by 10 fellow Senators as co-sponsors of his plan, an amendment to House Bill 466.

The Illinois Home Energy Relief Act:

Temporarily suspends the state portion of the natural gas tax from December 1 to March 31, 2006.

Suspends state sales tax portion of home heating oil and propane. (Suspension does not include the home rule city portions of these taxes).

Temporarily suspends sales taxes on energy star lights, energy star type appliances, double pane windows, insulation, and energy efficient heaters from December 1 to March 31, 2006.

Mandates that all natural gas providers and electric utilities which provide electric heating must provide budget billing payment plans to their consumers. This will allow fixed income individuals to spread out the costs over 12 months instead of over 5 months. Most large providers already have these plans.

Mandates that all utilities must insert energy conservation tips annually in one of their last calendar quarters monthly bills.

Mandates a disconnection moratorium for home heating from December 1 thru March 31 each winter regardless of temperature.

Mandates that home energy utilities waive deposit, reconnection, penalty, and interest fees from December 1 to March 31 for persons who might be disconnected.

There shall be no submission of credit related information to credit agencies regarding formerly disconnected households that are reconnected Dec. 1- March 31 of each winter.

"As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow and the weather is growing colder, winter heating costs will rise this winter. This bill is a common sense, comprehensive, affordable approach to reducing families' energy costs problems." Lauzen said. "I urge all my colleagues, especially those in the Ruling Majority, to help me pass this important piece of legislation in the next two weeks so we can help ease the financial pressure that these increases will cause Illinois residents."

Senator Lauzen introduced the bill October 25, and will push for its passage during the Fall Veto Session. When passed, the bill will go into effect immediately.