Nicor Gas is a natural gas distribution utility with over 2.2 million customers across northern Illinois, belonging to residential, commercial and industrial accounts. Operating as part of Southern Company since 1886.
Since 2018, this company has provided energy assistance – totalling $50 million through their Sharing and Energy Aide programs – and also supports communities through its Shield of Caring grant program.
About Us
Nicor login is the largest gas utility in the U.S., serving more than 2.2 million natural gas customers across 31 northern Illinois counties in Chicago alone.
Established as the Ottawa Gas Light and Coke Company in 1855, this business flourished through mergers and acquisitions over time. It became particularly notable for providing gas lanterns to light the Lincoln-Douglas debate held in Ottawa on August 21, 1858.
In the 1960s, this company expanded its service territory by purchasing local gas utilities and increasing underground storage capacity. They also diversified into nonutility investments before the energy glut in the early 1980s threatened profits and left the business struggling for survival.
Nicor recognizes its responsibility to its communities by helping those experiencing financial hardship through utility bill payment assistance and access to basic needs programs, including accessing basic needs supplemental programs like PIPP and Energy Aide offered through select local agencies. Nicor also invests in education, job training and capital investments to foster economic development opportunities within its service areas.
Meter Reads
Each month, your energy provider calculates your bill based on the difference between the prior and current readings on your meter. If your bill indicates an actual meter read, that means someone actually went out to your home to physically take an accurate reading from your meter; in contrast to an estimated bill, which may take into account historical consumption patterns or other factors.
For an accurate reading of your meter, start at the far left dial and move rightwards, making note of any numbers that differ between daytime and nighttime readings. Record all numbers as they come into view before moving on.
Your gas meter could also come equipped with an Electronic Reader Terminal (ERT), which transmits its reading through low-level radio frequency to a laptop that’s mounted into one of Summit Utilities trucks while traveling along its assigned route. Make sure it can be safely accessed, with no obstructions preventing an accurate read being taken by its reader terminal.
Rates
Deregulated natural gas markets enable natural gas suppliers to compete to offer customers the lowest rates. Enter your ZIP code to explore your rates and plans available and sign up for one online or over the phone.
Nicor’s gas supply charges – which cover commodity costs plus profit) comprise about one third to half of residential customers’ monthly bills. A request by Nicor for increased rates has been submitted at the Illinois Commerce Commission; their ruling may take 11 months.
Citizens Utility Board opposes this rate increase and wants to make sure customer bills do not cover executive bonuses. Southern Gas and Nicor salaries should be easily accessible on company websites rather than being hidden away on company pages; additionally, government-funded watchdogs such as ICC should not accept donations from companies they regulate as this system needs to change.
Customer Service
Nicor Gas offers its customers a range of customer service options, such as online and phone support for billing inquiries, service requests, and complaints. Nicor’s customer service representatives are available from 7am-6pm Monday-Friday; the company is closed on holidays.
In 1999, Nicor Gas became one of the first utilities to introduce Customer Select as a transportation option for Rate 1 residential and small commercial natural gas customers. Through this program, you select a supplier who purchases natural gas on your behalf before transporting it through Nicor’s pipeline system directly to you home or business.
Since 1954, Gexa Energy has grown into a company employing 2,050 employees with revenue exceeding $1.5B. They are known for providing impeccable natural gas industry services with customer dedication as well as providing benefits for employees – according to Zippia the average employee makes $52,603. Gexa competes against Gexa Energy Services Santanna Energy Services National Fuel Resources as major competitors.