The Department of Buildings inspects rental properties where minimum heat requirements are not being met. Where necessary, the Department works with the Law Department to bring landlords either to administrative adjudication or to court. Due to the increased prices for natural gas, the Building Department will have additional inspectors available beginning this weekend and throughout the winter to make sure landlords are complying. The Mayor urged Chicagoans to consider their safety now, rather than waiting until the severe temperatures of the winter arrive. If landlords are not providing sufficient heat, we will aggressively enforce the City ordinance covering heat minimums before the situation becomes critical.
Extra operators are on duty whenever the temperatures dip.
The Department of Environment, along with the Cook County State's Attorney, will be meeting with Peoples Energy today to request that the utility agree to a Gas Charge Moderation Plan, which would spread its costs for acquiring natural gas into the summer months when bills are generally lower. According to Environment Commissioner William Abolt, the City is also considering filing a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission to request an investigation of the increases in natural gas prices. Mayor Daley also indicated that several programs for heating assistance are available. Information is available by calling 311. The Mayor also reminded Chicagoans that winter's cold temperatures could potentially be dangerous and that a variety of municipal services are available in case of a cold weather emergency.