NicorGas delivers warmth on the coldest days of the year

Lessons learned in the last polar vortex, tips to keep you safe during cold weather

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Feb. 15, 2021 – In times of extreme weather, Nicor Gas employees are on the front lines ensuring customers continue to receive the natural gas they need to keep warm. Preparation for cold weather starts long before temperatures drop.

“This is where we deliver on our promise and our commitment to customers,” said John O. Hudson III, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “The warmth of clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service is more than just a comfort, it is life sustaining in many cases. As this cold weather continues, our crews are out safely working in these harsh elements so you can stay in.”

Extreme weather operations is not new territory for Nicor Gas. During the 2019 polar vortex’s record-breaking subzero temperatures, Nicor Gas delivered more than 4.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas to its 2.2 million customers throughout northern Illinois. That is the single largest delivery of natural gas in the company’s history —surpassing previous records set during the 2014 polar vortex.

During the extreme cold weather, Nicor Gas employees worked around-the-clock to monitor pipelines and ensure the safe performance and reliability of the natural gas infrastructure. There were no major service outages during the 2019 weather event.

Nicor Gas employees are equipped with the safety training, tools and resources needed so they can effectively respond to any potential situation. And because ensuring the safety of every family we serve is our highest priority, Nicor Gas continues to provide important safety tips for cold weather you can follow too:

Heavy snow and ice may weigh down power lines and tree limbs, causing them to fall. If a natural gas meter is damaged or an 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.

Exercise caution removing snow or ice from your natural gas meter assembly. Use your hands or a broom, not a shovel, to brush away snow or ice from your meter and regulator. 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/alwayshere.

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