Over 160 Years of Innovation
In the early 1950s, excess summertime supplies were diverted into limited storage facilities or sold for low priority uses. While northern Illinois doesn’t have sandy beaches our mountain views, what it does have are vast underground sandstone formations, which proved to be perfect for storing natural gas.
By 1958, company engineers and geologists discovered an underground dome-shaped reservoir or “aquifer” near Troy Grove in LaSalle County. Taking full advantage of this geography, Nicor Gas established its first storage field which revolutionized the company’s storage capabilities.
Today, Nicor Gas has eight underground storage facilities that, combined, have about 150 billion cubic feet of annual storage capacity. However, as Nicor Gas’ largest storage facility, Troy Grove accounts for approximately one-third of that. It’s estimated that the facility has enough natural gas in storage to manage the heating needs of residential customers in Mendota for the next 148 years.
Troy Grove Underground Facility
Our Timeline
Fueling Illinois' growth for over 160 years, from the first streetlights to a sustainable future.
1856
Foundation
Lighting the City
Atlanta Gas Light is founded to install streetlights in Atlanta.
1930
Infrastructure
Natural Gas Arrival
Natural gas from the western U.S. arrives in Atlanta.
1956
Milestone
100th Anniversary
Atlanta Gas Light observes its 100th anniversary.
1963
Community
Shining Light Award
Established to recognize Georgians who inspire others through service.
1995
Corporate
AGL Resources
Formation of AGL Resources, Atlanta Gas Light's parent company.
1997
Legislation
Deregulation Passed
The Georgia General Assembly passes the Deregulation Act.
1998
Transformation
Deregulation Effective
Consumers switch to marketers; AGL focuses on infrastructure.
2006
Milestone
150th Anniversary
Celebrating 150 years as Georgia's oldest corporation.
2016
Merger
Southern Company
AGL Resources becomes Southern Company Gas.
Now
Current
Industry Leader
Largest distributor in the SE, serving 1.6M+ customers.
Keeping Gas Prices Down
Nicor Gas customers are connected to a 34,000-mile distribution system that is part of a network of eight interstate pipelines. We purchase gas during the summer months when it is normally less expensive and store it for use throughout the year. This helps keep winter costs down and our year-round supply up. Our gas purchasing strategies, coupled with our underground storage facilities, ensure that Nicor Gas customers receive reliable, competitively-priced service.
Regional Offices
Our corporate office is in Naperville, Illinois, with regional offices located throughout our service territory.
