Budget billing, weatherizing can help

It may be hard to think about heating costs when the mercury'spushing 90 degrees. But gas companies like Peoples Gas and Nicor Gassay it's never too early to get ready for next winter.

Here are some tips on how to shave costs off your natural gasbills:

* Check into your company's budget billing plan, which averagesout heating costs year-round, to avoid wintertime sticker shock.

* The gas companies offer plans if you fall behind on your bills.For example, if a Nicor customer …