Nicor Gas has filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission to reduce its monthly gas cost to 55 cents, a 20% reduction since December 2020 and 10% reduction month-over-month. The new rate will be effective Feb. 1. 

Current natural gas costs reflect the impact of supply shortages and higher demand in the winter of 2021, which the company has been working to mitigate during this heating season. The new lower gas cost in February is the second consecutive monthly reduction that Nicor Gas has passed along to its customers. 

Nicor Gas’ recent gas supply reduction is due in part to proactive measures the company has taken through its storage system reserves that have helped ensure further reliability and mitigate price risks. When temperatures drop well below freezing, like those experienced across much of the Midwest, Nicor Gas’ infrastructure has the capacity to deliver safe natural gas via a modernized pipeline system and storage facilities. The company’s storage facilities also provide critical reserves. Had it not been for storage, more than one million homes and businesses in Northern Illinois would have been without this essential energy source in 2019 during the polar vortex that brought the coldest days recorded in a two-day period.  

“Nicor Gas customers expect and deserve natural gas service that’s clean, safe and reliable every day, including during winter weather and the cold temperatures that we are currently experiencing,” said John O. Hudson III, president, and CEO of Nicor Gas.

As cold weather persists with many mornings well below freezing from November through March, natural gas usage has increased to keep homes and businesses warm and comfortable. Additionally, demand for natural gas service across the U.S. has increased significantly throughout the pandemic as more families work and students learn from their homes.  

For more ways to save, including a do-it-yourself home weatherization checklist, visit NicorGas.com/DIY, where you can also schedule a free virtual home energy assessment and access Nicor Gas’ preferred provider network.