Nicor Gas Economic Impact and Reliable Energy
Our Impact
Over the past decade, Nicor Gas has invested over $6 billion into its system, significantly enhancing the safety and reliability of its natural gas delivery service.
Economic Impact
By reducing emissions on our system, improving energy efficiency, and enabling solar and other renewables, Nicor Gas is a part of Illinois’ clean energy future.
It’s a Fact: Natural gas drives clean energy and tech growth in Illinois
Our clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy delivery provides Illinois and our customers a competitive advantage, even in extreme weather. Natural gas is key for industrial, manufacturing, computing and data center operations in Illinois. It supports production, keeps costs manageable, creates jobs and sustains local economies.
Our energy efficiency solutions reduce costs and emissions, while combined heating and power (co-generation) meets large energy demands and timelines. With eight underground storage facilities, we ensure winter resilience. Additionally, our innovation in renewable and low-carbon fuels helps customers plan for a cleaner energy future, maintaining affordability and reliability.
Have an Economic Development Lead?
Use the materials about natural gas and Nicor Gas below that speak to our community commitment.
Economic Development Leadership
Use the materials about natural gas and Nicor Gas below that speak to our community commitment.
Enrique Rubio, Sr. Economic Development Representative
Enrique Rubio joined Nicor Gas in 2025 as the senior Economic Development representative. In this role, he leads efforts to attract, retain, and expand businesses across Nicor Gas' service territory, manages site selection prospects and collaborates with partners to support economic growth.
Previously, Enrique was the senior business development Manager at World Business Chicago, where he attracted manufacturing investment and supported regional expansion.
Christopher Sala, Senior Economic Development Representative
Christopher joined Nicor Gas in 2017, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in both public and private sectors. In the public realm, he worked at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as manager for Domestic Business Development and as assistant managing director for Foreign Direct Investment in the International Trade Office. He also served as director of Workforce Partnerships at Daley College of Advanced Manufacturing. Christopher’s private sector experience included roles in financial services and real estate.
Ricardo Trujillo, Director, Community & Economic Development
Ricardo Trujillo, a North Central College graduate with a background in political science and leadership studies, joined Nicor Gas in 2014 after over 15 years in local government. At Nicor Gas, he has held various leadership roles, including Chief of Staff to the president & CEO, and is currently the director of Community and Economic Development, where he leads economic development strategies and community engagement initiatives. Rick actively volunteers with local charities focused on homelessness and food insecurity and serves on the boards of the United Way of Metro Chicago West Regional and Choose DuPage Economic Development Alliance. Recognized by Negocios Now as one of the '50 Powerful Hispanics in Corporate,' Rick is also a 2025 graduate of the Leadership Greater Chicago Signature Fellow's program.
Nicor Gas joins Governor JB Pritzker to welcome $2 billion EV battery manufacturing plant to Illinois
Nicor Gas President and CEO Wendell Dallas joined Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones and other economic development leaders and dignitaries to welcome Gotion’s new state-of-the-art $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) lithium battery manufacturing plant to Manteno.
Gotion's decision was bolstered by an REV Illinois (Reimagining Energy and Vehicles) incentive package and the new Invest in Illinois fund.
