Nicor Gas offers tips to help keep you warm and stay safe during winter weather

Weatherization tips and resources available to help offset winter heating costs

NAPERVILLE, Ill.  – Dec. 21, 2022 – As temperatures drop and winter storm advisories are issued, Nicor Gas is providing winter weather tips to stay warm and safe and save on winter heating costs.

“When weather conditions worsen, our most important work begins,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “Through subzero temperatures and blowing snow, our crews are out safely working in these harsh elements to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas that is more than a creature comfort, it is life sustaining.”

Extreme weather operations are not new for Nicor Gas. During periods of arctic cold fronts and polar vortexes, Nicor Gas employees work around-the-clock to monitor pipelines and ensure the safe performance and reliability of the natural gas infrastructure.

Heavy snow and ice may weigh down power lines and tree limbs, causing them to fall. If a natural gas meter is damaged or underground gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call 911 or Nicor Gas’ 24-hour emergency response line 888.Nicor4U (642.6748) from a safe location.

To ensure the safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances, such as a furnace or water heater, and to prevent the potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide within your home or business, ensure that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow or ice. Never use natural gas appliances, such as ovens or the burners on a stove, to heat your homes or businesses.

Exercise caution when removing snow or ice from a natural gas meter assembly. Use your hands or a broom, not a shovel, to brush away snow or ice from your meter; never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or any hard object to break away built-up snow or ice. For more information and safety tips, visit nicorgas.com/safety.

Energy efficiency tools and resources provide customers more control over their energy use and bill. Some of those efficiencies can start in the home – little changes can add up to big savings with these weatherization tips:

• Regularly replace air and furnace filters; most filters should be cleaned or replaced every 60-90 days. A clean filter will allow the system to run more efficiently.
• Open window coverings during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home naturally, and close curtains at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Keep furniture, drapes, stuffed animals and other objects away from heating sources.
• Adjust timer controls and programmable thermostats. Some older thermostats may not have an internal clock and need to be adjusted manually.

Every family deserves reliable energy at a price they can afford. But for many, wages have stayed the same while the cost of living continues to rise. Nicor Gas offers a variety of programs to help customers pay their natural gas utility bills. If eligible, households can take advantage of more than one bill payment assistance program offered. To learn more about how customers can benefit from available bill payment assistance programs, visit nicorgas.com/energyassistanceinfo.