Nicor Offering Businesses Rebates for Energy Efficiency

Nicor is offering businesses rebates for installing specific products that reduce natural gas use. For more information, see this website.

The company recently provided the following news release detailing three suburban businesses that together received $278,000 by participating in the program:

Three local suburban businesses will be saving money on energy costs while lowering their carbon footprint this winter, thanks to their participation in the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program's Custom Incentive Program. Bedford Park's Metal-Matic and Elgin-based Multifilm Packaging Corporation were each presented with $100,000 checks, and Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights was presented with a check for $78,370, at their respective facilities this week.

The checks were presented as a result of the companies' installation of new natural gas-saving equipment that will allow them to reduce their overall natural gas usage in the months and years to come.

 The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers financial rebates to business customers who install qualifying natural gas-saving equipment, including furnaces, boilers, water heaters and steam traps. Special programs are also available for small businesses, new construction, retro-commissioning and residential customers.

In addition, the program also offers financial rebates to customers who develop a customized natural gas reduction project for their business.

 "Through this program, we provide our residential and business customers with opportunities to reduce their natural gas costs and help improve the environment through lower energy consumption," said Kevin Kirby, vice president, Energy Efficiency Programs, AGL Resources. "We are excited to recognize these three companies for their commitment to join us in this important effort."

Since launching the programs on June 1, 2011, Nicor Gas has issued more than $500,000 in rebates to business customers through the Business Energy Efficiency Rebate and Custom Incentive Programs - and additional funds are available through May 31, 2014.

"Replacing the old burners on our furnaces with new energy-efficient ones was a smart investment for our company," said Metal-Matic plant engineer, Mike Malwitz. "We are using considerably less natural gas, have increased production, and lowered our maintenance costs, which benefits our bottom line and the environment. I like to think that spending the money has created a 'win-win-win' situation!"

In addition to reduced energy costs, installing energy-efficiency upgrades can improve a company's energy usage and reduce its overall carbon footprint.

"Environmental stewardship is important to Multifilm and our newly installed geothermal process cooling and HVAC system, along with a high efficiency system for destruction of volatile organic compounds, makes us one of the most energy-efficient converts around," said Dave Rohrschneider, COO of Multifilm Packaging Corporation. "The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has helped us become an environmental leader in our field - and also provided the financial rebates that made it possible."

Many businesses also choose to install more energy-efficient natural gas equipment because it allows the company to better regulate the temperature of a building, making the environment more comfortable for employees and customers.

"Top quality patient care is our mission," said Tom Johnson, director of plant operations at Northwest Community Hospital. "The replacement of our outdated boiler burners makes us more energy-efficient and allows us to devote more of our resources to patient care instead of energy expenses. In addition, the increased efficiency reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This project benefits everyone."

More than 140 business customers across Illinois, including restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities, apartment buildings, nonprofit organizations, and manufacturing facilities, among many others, have already taken advantage of rebates from the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program.

"The businesses across the state that have participated in this program are doing their part to decrease the overall consumption of natural gas and make a positive change for their business and the community," said Ralph Cleveland, president of Nicor Gas. "We encourage other Nicor Gas customers to consider how they, too, can cut their operating costs and reduce their natural gas usage by taking advantage of the financial rebates that are available through our Energy Efficiency Program."

For more information on the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, including incentives available for residential and business customers, please visit NicorGasRebates.com.   

About Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program 

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program is a multi-year program funded by Nicor Gas ratepayers in compliance with the Illinois Public Utilities Act (220 IL CS 5/8-104). Qualifying products must be purchased and installed after June 1, 2011. Applications must be submitted within 90 days of installation. Offers are limited and subject to change. Additional requirements apply for Business Programs. For complete details, including Program offering period, eligibility, and requirements, visit the Program website at NicorGasRebates.com.