By Meena Byers, Vice President of Business & Community Development, Nicor Gas
Tell us a bit about your history.
Nicor Gas has a rich history, dating back to the days when gas light illuminated the historic Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. Since then, it has been at the forefront of providing natural gas to communities across Illinois. Over time, it has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the largest natural gas distribution companies in the United States, serving 2.3 million customers in 650 communities.
How is business?
Despite facing challenges in the past year due to global economic uncertainty, Nicor Gas has successfully adapted and thrived. The company remains dedicated to delivering reliable and affordable natural gas to its customers, supporting both warmth and economic growth. With over 70% of Illinois households relying on natural gas for heating*, Nicor Gas emphasizes affordability, often offering energy at half the cost of electricity.** Additionally, the company plays a vital role in local economies by employing more than 2,200 people, supporting workforce development and economic development.
Are there any special projects Nicor Gas is currently working on?
The promise of Pembroke
Four years ago, a coalition comprised of officials from various levels of government, local businesses, members of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Nicor Gas convened in the community room of a church in Hopkins Park to explore the possibility of offering natural gas as an energy option to the residents of Hopkins Park and Pembroke Township. In January 2023, Nicor Gas leaders, along with residents of Pembroke and the same community leaders, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony in celebration of that goal becoming a reality.
The introduction of natural gas as an energy alternative marked a significant milestone for the community. Prior to this option, residents were limited to using propane, wood burning and other potentially hazardous and costly heating methods, posing health and fire risks. Through the installation of 30 miles of natural gas infrastructure connecting from nearby St. Anne to Hopkins Park and Pembroke Township, residents can now choose natural gas for their heating needs. As of now, over 200 residents have signed up for this service.
Smart Neighborhood™
In collaboration with Nicor Gas, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a subdivision comprised of 17 energy-efficient homes in Aurora, Illinois. The primary objective is to establish the state’s inaugural net-zero, carbon-neutral and affordable neighborhood. Each technologically advanced home will feature natural gas service, complemented by rooftop solar installations, high efficiency building envelopes and in-home battery energy storage systems. Additionally, SMART panels will monitor energy consumption, while insulated concrete form walls enhance insulation. This Aurora neighborhood is one of two upcoming Smart Neighborhoods™ spearheaded by Habitat for Humanity and Nicor Gas, with the second one slated to begin construction in Northern Fox Valley later in 2024.
Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen
Nicor Gas is actively involved in the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen, known as MachH2, which has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to establish a regional clean hydrogen production and distribution hub, known as H2Hub. This initiative is being funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
H2Hubs are set to accelerate the widespread implementation of clean hydrogen on a commercial scale, facilitating the generation of clean and dispatchable power and introducing a new form of energy storage, among other benefits.
Recognizing the pivotal role of natural gas and its associated infrastructure in shaping a clean energy future, Nicor Gas is committed to exploring how we can leverage our expertise in safe and reliable natural gas delivery to support the distribution of clean hydrogen from local producers to industrial end-users.
How does the Illinois Chamber help Nicor Gas?
Nicor Gas has been a member of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for more than 20 years. We are also members of more than 45 state and local chambers of commerce, including the Chicagoland Chamber, Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce, McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce.
We rely on our chambers to help us share important company information and programs with other business members, many of whom are also our residential customers. The Illinois Chamber helps protect and advocate for its members’ interests, promotes business activity in the state, offers networking opportunities, provides development and educational programs to help businesses succeed and helps members stay abreast of key issues that may impact their businesses.
Anything else you would like to highlight?
We are firm believers that offering energy options is in the best interest of our customers, communities and stakeholders. This is why we actively engage with local government entities and the communities we serve to foster collaboration and provide education about the advantages of natural gas.
Regardless of the season or weather conditions, natural gas service experiences minimal interruptions. Homes utilizing natural gas for space heating, water heating, cooking and clothes drying produce approximately 22% lower carbon dioxide emissions compared to all-electric residences. Furthermore, natural gas remains the most cost-effective energy source for residential heating during winter. In our service area, natural gas accounts for 75% of the total energy required for both residential and commercial purposes.
Our dedication extends beyond mere business; we genuinely care about our customers, who are the focal point of our endeavors. For more than 160 years, we have remained unwavering in our commitment to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas – a choice our customers expect and deserve.
*U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey 2022: Home Heating Fuel.
**American Gas Association. Illinois State Profile.