Illinois Gas Customers Can Earn Rebates, Reduce Energy Bills and Lower Energy Consumption With Programs From Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas

NAPERVILLE, Ill., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Gas customers throughout northern Illinois can now save money, lower their gas bills and reduce their carbon footprint with the help of energy efficiency programs from Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas. With the winter heating season upon us, now is the time for residential and business customers to install new energy-saving equipment that can help lower their energy costs and provide environmental benefits.

Through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program for Nicor Gas customers and the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program for North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas customers, residents and businesses can "go green and save green" by upgrading a furnace, boiler or water heater to a new, more energy efficient piece of equipment. These gas-saving products will help ensure home comfort this winter by improving equipment operation and maintaining a balanced temperature – all while reducing energy usage and saving customers money.

"It is always the right time to make an investment in your home or business that will help reduce energy usage, save money and benefit the environment," said Kevin Kirby, Vice President of Customer Care at Nicor Gas. "Thousands of our customers have already taken advantage of the program, receiving more than $3 million in rebate checks, while lowering their gas bills and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions."  

According to ENERGY STAR, the average American home spends $2,200 per year on energy costs, including space and water heating. And in Midwestern states like Illinois, space and water heating accounts for 72 percent of an average home's total energy use.

In the city of Chicago alone, nearly 700,000 therms of natural gas were saved by consumers who participated in the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program. The program has saved more than 7.5 million pounds of CO2 – the equivalent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 650 vehicles.

"In addition to saving energy and lowering bills, Chicago consumers – many who live in older homes – can also improve the comfort of their homes by installing attic insulation," said Patrick Michalkiewicz, Manager of Energy Efficiency for North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas. "To make it easier, we recently re-launched ChicagolandRebates.com that allows you to select the right equipment and insulation, find a qualified contractor and submit an application online."

Business customers are also encouraged to take advantage of the benefits of these energy efficiency programs.  The installation of new energy efficient natural gas equipment helps promote an environmentally responsible workplace and can also earn a company financial rebates, while reducing operating costs and decreasing their carbon footprint.

For more information on the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, please visit www.nicorgasrebates.com.

For more information on the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program, please visit www.chicagolandrebates.com.

About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About North Shore Gas

North Shore Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company that serves approximately 158,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 54 communities in Northeastern Illinois. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on North Shore Gas, visit the company's website www.northshoregasdelivery.com.

About Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas is a regulated natural gas delivery company serving 840,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in the City of Chicago. The company is a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE: TEG). For more information on Peoples Gas, visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com.

About the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program

Funded by the ratepayers of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program offers rebates to customers, encouraging them to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes, apartments and businesses. The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is managed by Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, the Citizens Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Consumers may apply for rebates and tax credits through the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program website at www.chicagolandrebates.com.

SOURCE Nicor Gas