Nicor Gas provides tips to help customers stay safe and warm, and reduce energy costs during winter weather

NAPERVILLE, Ill. Jan. 14, 2025 – As the temperatures dip into the teens and single digits over the next week, Nicor Gas is prepared to deliver the clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas customers expect and deserve to keep their homes safe and warm.

Nicor Gas customers benefit from the use of natural gas that was procured when prices were relatively low and injected into storage for later use. Nicor Gas’ natural gas storage system provides a significant contribution to the company’s ability to meet heating demands during extreme weather events. Natural gas delivered from storage fields during these peak periods can account for approximately 40% of the energy distributed. 

Nicor Gas recommends customers take the following steps to help them stay safe and warm and save money:

1. Have your heating system inspected by a qualified professional to ensure it is operating safely and efficiently.

• Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns during extreme cold.
• Never use natural gas appliances, such as ovens or burners on a stove, to heat your homes or businesses.

2. Weatherize your home to boost energy efficiency. Proper sealing and water conservation can reduce energy costs.

• Seal windows and doors airtight, to eliminate condensation, cold drafts and heat loss.
• If your home has an attic, ensure that the access door is properly insulated and seals tightly, similar to a refrigerator. Utilize weather-stripping and screen door latches to achieve a secure seal.
• Water conserving showerheads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half.

3. Keep vents and meters clear of snow and ice.

• Make sure that outdoor vents to heating systems, driers and other appliances are not blocked by snow or ice. Blocked vents can cause dangerous buildups of carbon monoxide.
• 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 the meter and regulator.
• Never kick or hit a natural gas meter or its piping with a hammer or any hard object to remove built-up snow or ice.

4. Smell gas? Act fast!

• Never try to identify the source of a potential natural gas leak yourself. If you smell the rotten egg odor associated with natural gas or suspect carbon monoxide is present, immediately leave the affected area and call 911 or the 24-hour emergency response line at 888.Nicor4U (642.6748) from a safe location.
• Do not turn light switches on or off, operate any appliances or do anything that might cause a spark, such as lighting a match or starting your car ignition.

Nicor Gas customers enjoy an affordable, reliable and efficient way to heat their homes. Natural gas is three times more affordable than heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For more energy-saving tips including how to order a free weatherization kit to help conserve energy and save on energy bills, visit nicorgas.com/waystosave.

Nicor Gas offers a variety of bill payment assistance programs to help income qualified customers with their natural gas utility bills. Last year, Nicor Gas applied $30 million in grants and $2.8 million in total bill discounts to eligible customer accounts. To learn more, visit nicorgas.com/energyassistance.

 

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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). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit 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 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 700,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. 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 southerncompanygas.com.

Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com