For the second year, the City of Niles Utilities Department will be providing a winter shut-off  protection program for senior citizens, low-income individuals, critical care customers and those active in the military.

The winter protection season runs from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Under the program, eligible customers must pay 7 percent of their annual bill. And if they have an arrearage, they must pay the amount past due divided by the number of months left from the time they applied until the next heating season.

At the end of the heating season, April 1, the customer’s account will be evaluated. The customer will be allowed to pay the amount still owed in equal monthly installments from April 1 to Oct. 31, in addition to monthly bills.

Low-income customers are those who do not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level or who receives food stamps, Medicaid or assistance from a state emergency relief program.

For more information on the winter shut-off protection program, call the utilities department at 683-4700 before receiving a shut-off notice.