On-Bill Financing interest rate change Nov. 1

Our Energy Efficiency Loan offering, also known as On-Bill Financing, interest rate is going up!

Effective November 1, 2023, the interest rate for both the residential and small business/multi-family energy efficiency on-bill financing is increasing from 8.74% to 8.99%.

All other program terms remain the same. Any loans provided before the effect date will not change.

OBF is a benefit only for Contractor Circle members. Sign up to join Contractor Circle here!

If you are a CC member but aren’t an OBF-approved contractor and you want to participate, you can apply here.

Offer more with a furnace and smart thermostat bundle!

Customers who install and apply for an energy efficient furnace and smart thermostat at the same time get a higher rebate! This puts more money back in your customer’s pocket and lowers the overall project cost. 

We have over 110 eligible smart thermostats, which you can find in our 2023 Q3 qualifying product list here (updated every quarter). If there’s a model that isn’t listed, but you think qualifies, please contact our team, and we will confirm eligibility and add to the list.

 

What are the many benefits of Gas Heat Pumps?

Nicor Gas is always looking for ways to help our customers save energy and money. One way we do this is by evaluating and advancing new products through our Emerging Technology (ET) Program, which eventually can be added to our Energy Efficiency (EE) portfolio as a rebate or another offering.

Gas Heat Pumps (GHP’s), fuel by natural gas, are being evaluated through our ET program. This highly efficient technology can achieve 140% AFUE and can provide space heating, water heating or a "combi" option that combines both. And most commercial GHPs include cooling in addition to space and water heating! While commercial GHPs are already available for larger applications, several manufacturers are now coming out with smaller residential versions.

GHP benefits may include:

• High fuel efficiency (up to140% AFUE) provides lower operating costs
• Reduces Green House Gas (GHG) emissions due to increased efficiency and ultra-low NOx compliance
• Natural refrigerant with zero global warming potential (GWP)
• No combustion or refrigerant inside
• Only water/food grade propylene glycol mix is used to transfer heat
• Comfortable space heating even when outdoor temperatures are as low as -40^o F/C with no backup required
• Space heating with water heating combi option
• No chimney, duct work, or electrical panel upgrades needed in most cases

Manufacturer Links and Resources

Anesi (SMTI): https://stonemountaintechnologies.com/our-vision/

   Video: https://stonemountaintechnologies.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Anesi-low-res-1.mp4

Robur:  https://www.robur.com/en-us/

Vicot:  https://www.lsmenergysolutions.com/homyvicot-gas-absorption-heat-pumps.html

   GHP Video:  http://vicotvideo.com/gas-absorption-heat-pump.html

Thermolift - https://thermoliftsolutions.com/products/

Residential Gas Heat Pump Webinar - Sept. 28

Date: Thursday, Sept. 28
Time: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual

Commercial gas heat pumps (GHPs), fueled by natural gas, are 140% efficient and are available from various manufactures, and now residential gas heat pumps are coming to market this fall!  Anesi is introducing their 80,000 BTH gas heat pump space and water heating combi, and Nicor Gas is hosting a webinar so they can provide an overview of their residential gas heat pump technology and installation considerations.

101 - Introduction to Anesi Gas Heat Pump (GHP) technology

8:30 to 9:30

• How does GHP technology work?
• Components that make up the system
• GHP applications
• Features of Anesi space/water heating combi

150– Anesi GHP Installation training for contractors (101 is a prerequisite)

9:30- 10:30

• Site qualification
• Installation highlights
  • Equipment placement
  • Component connections (hydronic, gas, electric)
  • Condensate management
• Commercial water heating applications

Please register to learn more, and get your questions answered by the experts! If you cannot attend, we will email you a link to the recording.

Diverse Supplier 101 Webinar - Oct. 27

Date: Friday, Oct. 27
Time: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Q&A to follow
Location: Virtual

Is your company considered a “diverse supplier"? Do you know the benefits of getting your certification or do you need help getting it?

If so, please attend to learn from the experts at the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) and Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC):

• What is a diverse supplier organization (such as Minority, Women, Veteran and LGBTQ ownership)
• Who is eligible to get certified
• How to get certified
• Benefits of certification
• And more!

Register to attend below! If you cannot attend, we will email you a link to the recording.

Commercial Gas Heat Pump Webinar - Nov. 9

Date: Thursday, Nov. 9
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., including Q&A
Location: Virtual

Highly efficient Commercial Gas Heat pumps, powered by natural gas, are available from several manufacturers. Learn how Robur’s GHP (Thermally Driven Air Source Commercial Heat Pumps) are a smart strategy for energy savings and decarbonizing. This training will review commercial applications as well as success cases for GHP technology within these spaces.

Topics will include:

• What is a Thermally Driven (gas-fired absorption) Air Source Heat Pump
• How energy efficient it is over traditional technologies
• Why is it a smart strategy for decarbonization
• Why it is “a bridge” to a net-zero future
  
• Why electrification is not the sole answer to decarbonization

Sign up to put a hold on your calendar! If you cannot attend, we will email you a link to the recording.

 

Nicor Gas Workforce Training and Employment graduates its first cohort!

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program celebrated the graduation of its first Workforce Training and Employment (WTE) skilled cohort! The skilled cohort was a diverse group of six individuals who currently work in the trades. The group completed three weeks of weatherization training to develop those skills and obtained recognized industry certifications including the Building Performance Institute- Building Science Principles (BSP) and the Building Analyst-Technician (BA-T) certifications.

This program is instrumental in fostering the growth of the energy efficiency workforce and empowering participants to elevate their careers skillsets. Nicor Gas will have more than 40 workers successfully complete this program by the end of 2025, and all will be from underrepresented communities across the territory. It is the first utility-led initiative of its kind in Northern Illinois, and we look forward to helping many more participants build opportunities in the field!

 

Air sealing and insulation rebate increase and updates

Starting this month, both our single-family and multi-family air sealing and insulation (ASI) offerings now have expanded eligibility and some have higher rebates.

Single-Family:

• Expanded attic insulation rebates
  • New tiered rebates based on the home’s starting R-value which:
  • Provides higher rebates for homes with lower starting R value
  • Now includes homes with starting R-values between R15-R20

Multi-Family:

• Bonus rebates are available from June - September 2023!
  • Air sealing and attic insulation projects get an additional rebate of up to $250 per unit if completed during this period 
  • Bonuses available per unit completed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last
  • Work must be completed by Wednesday, September 30, 2023 to qualify for the bonus
• Expanded attic insulation rebates
  • These tiered rebates follow the same R value guidelines as the newly expanded single-family offering
• New measures have been added – exterior door weatherization
  • Door sweeps and door weatherstripping are now eligible for rebates

If you are already an approved contractor for these closed network offerings and want more details, or if you would like to learn how to participate, please contact Emilie Street at 630.283.9711 or estreet@resource-innovations.com.

Commercial Gas Heat Pump workshop - June 21

Date: Wednesday, June 21
Time: 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual

As the gas heat pump (GHP) market rapidly expands with the release of new equipment, there is strong growth within the commercialized thermally driven heat pump segment. Most GHPs now offer heating efficiencies of approximately 140%, and simultaneous heating and cooling efficiencies of 300% are achievable. During this workshop, you will learn about: GHPs currently available for commercial applications, how they work, economics, case studies, and upcoming GHP products. Industry experts will review features and benefits of commercially available GHPs.

Please join a 2023 GHP workshop that Energy Solutions Center will be hosting for commercial and industrial customers, consultants, engineers and other influencers on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from noon - 2:30 p.m. CST. Register for the workshop here.

 

Building Operator Certification summer registration is now open

Builder Operator Certification (BOC) Level I classes are now open for registration with both online and in-person options. BOC Level II is also available for online classes. All Illinois residents pay $1,400 for a BOC training, nearly $300 less than the typical tuition fee. However, Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas customers may be eligible for a FULL tuition reimbursement upon successful completion of the training.

Assured Energy Solutions protect customers with health and safety measures

Our Energy Efficiency Program is intended to help Nicor Gas customers save money and energy, but recently it also helped save lives.

Assured Energy Solutions determined a customer in Harvey qualified for an assessment through our Income Eligible offering. When Mike Lundford, an Assured assessor, performed the assessment, he noticed that there were no working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, so he installed them during the assessment.  A few weeks later, there was a fire at the home, and the detectors that were installed through this program alerted the occupants.  Everyone in the home was able to escape without injury!  

A potential disaster was averted because Mike identified the need and installed these devices. That investment potentially saved several lives and that is worth reporting and celebrating! Thanks to our Trade Ally program provider, Assured Energy Solution, and their team, for helping make our customers’ homes more energy efficient and safer!

Join one of our closed contractor networks

We are looking for more contractors for the following networks:

• Air sealing and insulation (ASI) contractors (Single-family and multi-family)
• Duct Sealing contractors (Single-family)

If you are interested in learning more about the qualifications needed to join each of these networks, please contact:

Emilie Street
630.283.9711
estreet@resource-innovations.com

 

2023 online applications are live!

Our new 2023 residential and commercial online applications are live and can be found here: nicorgas.com/apply

Here are some online application tips:

• Remove old application links
• Use Google Chrome (recommended)
• Clear cache/browser history (Google Chrome shortcut: Control-Shift-Delete)
• Do not include punctuation or special characters, including but not limited to, commas, periods, ampersands (&), percentage signs (%) or forward slashes (/)
• Limit each field to 49 characters or less

You can also find our paper applications and other program information on our Trade Ally page found here: nicorgas.com/tradeally

Thank you for your patience and continued support of the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program!

Residential insulation and duct sealing bonus rebates start October 1!

Nicor Gas is offering a limited-time bonus on our attic insulation, basement/sidewall insulation and duct sealing rebates. From October 1 through December 31, 2022, approved air sealing and insulation contractors can offer these increased rebate amounts:

• Attic insulation: $300
• Basement/sidewall insulation: $200
• Duct sealing $500
  

All other program requirements are the same, and the air sealing and wall insulation rebates have not changed. Contact Kenneth Hill at 312.940.9573 or khill@franklinenergy.com for more details.

Steam trap rebates help commercial customers save

Now is a great time to promote industrial/process and dry cleaner steam trap rebates. Schedule your customers for steam trap surveys, repairs and replacements to help them save money while running their energy intense systems. Now is a great time to promote industrial/process and dry cleaner steam trap rebates. Schedule your customers for steam trap surveys, repairs and replacements to help them save money while running their energy intense systems. For current rebate levels and program requirements, visit nicorgas.com/bizrebates.

Custom incentives are available for energy-saving projects

Commercial customers planning large natural gas-saving projects that don’t qualify for our prescriptive rebates may qualify for a custom incentive. These projects require pre-approval but can lead to major operational savings for years to come. This is another great opportunity to promote energy and cost savings to your customers and incentivize them to complete projects that may not fall in the standard realm of opportunities. For more information, visit nicorgas.com/custom or contact your commercial outreach representative.

Install programmable thermostats for increased comfort and control in commercial facilities

Don’t forget that we have programmable thermostat rebates available if you are installing them for your customers. You can offer one with every fall tune-up or service, as well as with new equipment replacements. For the current rebate amount and program requirements, visit nicorgas.com/bizrebates.

Qualifying Product Lists (QPLs) are now all in one location!

Our qualifying product lists (QPLs) include all the rebate-qualifying products for our program. You can find them on our website by each product listing, but we also added them to our Trade Ally page so that you can more easily access them. That page is found at the bottom of every page on nicorgas.com. Find all the QPLs in one spot, including our newly updated smart thermostat QPL that now has more than 100 eligible smart thermostats. If you want to install a model that is not listed on the QPL, please contact your outreach staff or our contact support center so we can review and confirm that it is program eligible.

Rebate processing tips - Contractor invoice checklist

Use our invoice checklist and invoice sample as a guide to ensure all required information is on the invoice that is submitted with a rebate application. Make sure the invoice includes:

• Contractor name, address and phone number
• Account holder or business name and installation address (as it appears on the Nicor Gas account/bill)
• Date installed and operational (clearly labeled)
• Equipment description (e.g. 95% furnace), make/manufacturer, model, and serial number
• Total installed cost (itemized by each piece of rebate-qualifying equipment/product/service)
• Proof of payment or payment terms (balance due of zero, paid-in-full stamp or financing terms)

Note: For commercial rebates, certain rebates may require additional information on the invoice. Make sure that you thoroughly review the application for more details.

If you are a Contractor Circle installing member offering the rebate as an instant discount, your invoice must also include:

• The full and correct rebate amount deducted from the purchase price, clearly labeled as a Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program rebate (Other discounts or rebates unrelated to Nicor Gas must be shown as a separate line item.)
• Customer’s signature and date of installation (Customer must sign and date the final invoice or complete the Contractor Circle instant discount residential or commercial invoice checklist.)

Duct Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier training

Insight Property Services is offering a one-day course designed by the Midwest Home Performance Association (Formerly the IL Association of Energy Raters - IAER) to introduce the skills necessary to become a Duct and Envelope Tightness (DET) Verifier, certified to perform the diagnostic testing required for new homes by the 2018 IL Energy Code.

Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Temperature Equipment Corporation, Aurora, IL

 

Builder Operator Certification (BOC) training

Builder Operator Certification (BOC) is a nationally recognized training and certification program focusing on energy-efficient building operations and preventative maintenance procedures.

Nicor Gas is partnering with Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas to offer this training. Customers of any of these utilities may be eligible to receive a FULL tuition reimbursement upon successful completion of the training.

BOC Level 1: Building Systems Maintenance has an upcoming class series:

• October 6 – December 16: In-person in Chicago