Part of Southern Company Gas’ $2.5 million overall commitment to help those hardest hit by the pandemic
NAPERVILLE, Ill. – March 25, 2020 – Nicor Gas is donating more than $1 million to Illinois nonprofit organizations to support work providing essential programs and services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Nicor Gas’ donation is part of an effort led by its parent company, Southern Company Gas, which announced Monday that it will contribute $2.5 million across its operations footprint.
“Supporting our communities has been a longtime commitment of Nicor Gas, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Melvin D. Williams, Nicor Gas president. “What impacts our communities also impacts our employees. These donations and our continued partnerships with these worthwhile organizations are essential to efforts to help our customers address their needs during the COVID-19 health crisis.”
The $1 million donation will be distributed to a number of organizations focused on providing energy assistance and supporting food insecurity, family services and homelessness. These include the 25 United Way chapters located in Nicor Gas’ northern Illinois service area, with the largest being the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago; The Salvation Army; the American Red Cross; and community action agencies such as CEDA.
Since the beginning of the recent COVID-19 pandemic across the country, nonprofits have been experiencing a disruption in fundraising and decreased volunteer support. Nicor Gas is committed to investing in critical organizations throughout northern Illinois so they have the resources needed to continue operating at the highest levels to be able to service those in need.
These efforts follow a March 14 decision by Southern Company Gas’ local distribution companies, including Nicor Gas, to institute a moratorium on disconnections for nonpayment, continuing service for those economically impacted by COVID-19.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of seven natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.6 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in seven states and more than 1 million retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit www.southerncompanygas.com.
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Media Contact:
Mekka Parish
c: 404-387-8067 | msparish@southernco.com