Nicor Gas’ natural gas storage plays critical role in energy delivery during extreme winter weather

Underground storage accounts for 43% of energy delivery, saves customers more than $170 million  

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Feb. 2, 2026 – As extreme winter weather swept across the Midwest during Winter Storm Fern, bringing subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills, Nicor Gas safely and reliably delivered life-sustaining natural gas to millions of customers across Northern Illinois, underscoring the critical role of energy storage and long-term investments in winter preparedness.

During the peak delivery hour of the Arctic blast from 7-8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, Nicor Gas delivered more than 194,000 MMBtu of natural gas to approximately 2.3 million customers in over 650 communities. During the most extreme subzero conditions, Nicor Gas employees worked around the clock to monitor pipelines and respond to customer needs. More than 100 employees supported storage efforts including working seven-day, on-site shifts leading up to and following the peak delivery. And during the seven-day weather event, the customer contact center handled more than 21,400 calls; there were no weather-related outages.

“The safety and reliability of our system depend on the dedication of our employees, who plan and prepare for extreme weather all year long,” said Joe Deters, director of storage and peaking at Nicor Gas. “Their commitment, combined with the resilience of our infrastructure, helps ensure we can deliver safe, reliable natural gas service when it’s needed most, even in the harshest conditions.”

During the seven-day extreme weather event, Nicor Gas delivered more than 25 billion cubic feet of natural gas – 43% of that energy was delivered from the company’s natural gas storage. On the coldest days of the year, the company delivers more than two times the energy that the Northern Illinois electric grid does during the hottest days of the year, and at one-quarter the cost, highlighting the essential role natural gas storage plays in maintaining reliability and affordability.

Nicor Gas purchases natural gas during the summer months when demand is lower and stores it for use throughout the year; this helps keep winter heating costs down and year-round supply up. As a regulated utility, Nicor Gas does not profit from the sale of natural gas; the price the company pays is passed on to customers without markup. Thanks to its storage capabilities, Nicor Gas did not have to purchase a significant volume of the commodity from the higher-priced spot market during the winter storm, saving its customers more than $170 million had those volumes been purchased at prevailing market prices.

“Nicor Gas’ ability to safely and reliably deliver the life-sustaining energy our customers and communities rely on is critical to Illinois’ energy security,” said Tim Hermann, vice president of Gas Operations at Nicor Gas. “Our storage assets, year-round planning and strategic investments help to ensure we’re ready when customers need us most.”

See more about affordability and reliability during winter weather from Tim.

That readiness is the result of decades-long planning and sustained investment. Winter preparedness begins well before temperatures drop and demand spikes on peak days. To strengthen reliability and resilience, Nicor Gas has invested more than $3 billion (2015-2024) in infrastructure modernization, including replacing aging pipelines, relocating meters outside homes and businesses, upgrading natural gas storage systems and refurbishing pressure-regulating stations throughout its system.

While cold weather is expected to continue, customers can be confident Nicor Gas will deliver the natural gas that is essential to supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of Illinois communities.

The company is committed to keeping energy costs as low as possible while supporting its customers with bill payment assistance options and ways to save energy and money. Energy efficiency tools and resources give customers more control over their energy consumption and bill. Some of those efficiencies can start in the home – little changes can add up to big savings with these weatherization tips:

• 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.
• Caulk and weather strip drafty doors and windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of window frames during cold winter months.
• Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors and ceilings. Install insulated gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls to prevent drafts.

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About Nicor Gas 
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across Northern Illinois. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com. 

Media Contact: 
Jennifer Golz 
jgolz@southernco.com