NAPERVILLE – As temperatures drop and snowfall is expected throughout much of its northern Illinois service territory, Nicor Gas’ teams are prepared and ready to meet customers’ needs around the clock.

The National Weather Service is predicting a winter storm that will produce widespread, significant weather impacts across the country. In Illinois, snow totals could exceed half a foot.

“When conditions worsen, our most important work begins,” said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. “In times of extreme weather and emergency situations, Nicor Gas employees head straight to the front lines, dispatched at any time of the day or night, to ensure the continued delivery of clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy. 

“No matter the weather, customers can be assured we will deliver the natural gas service they know and expect to heat their homes and keep businesses running,” Dallas said. 

Nicor Gas recommends customers take the following steps to help them stay warm, safe and save money.

In the event of inclement weather, it’s important to check that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow and ice to ensure the safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances, such as a furnace or water heater, and to prevent the potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide within your home or business.

Exercise caution removing snow or ice from your natural gas meter assembly. Use your hands or a broom, not a shovel, to brush away snow or ice from your meter and regulator. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or other hard object to break away built-up snow or ice.

Heavy snow and ice may weigh down power lines and tree limbs, causing them to fall. If a natural gas meter is damaged or underground gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call 911 or the 24-hour emergency response line 888.Nicor4U (642.6748) from a safe location.

Nicor Gas customers have the most efficient and cost-effective way to heat their homes. Natural gas is three times more affordable that heating with electricity, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Every family deserves reliable energy at a price they can afford. For many, wages have stayed the same while the cost of living continues to rise. Nicor Gas offers a variety of programs to help customers pay their natural gas utility bills. If eligible, households can take advantage of more than one bill payment assistance program offered. To learn more about how customers can benefit from available bill payment assistance programs, visit nicorgas.com/energyassistance.