About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas provides natural gas to 2.3 million residential, business and public sector customers in more than 650 communities across the northern portion of Illinois. It is Illinois’ largest distributor of natural gas.
The company maintains a distribution system that stretches nearly 34,000 miles. It is based in the Chicago suburb of Naperville, Illinois, and distributes natural gas to communities including Alsip, Norridge, Oak Park, Lansing, and many others.
To find plans in your city, enter your ZIP code on the Choose Energy marketplace.
Nicor Gas rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Spark Energy - Loyalty 24 | 24 months | $0.369 / therm |
| Spark Energy - Loyalty 12 | 12 months | $0.379 / therm |
| Spark Energy - Spark Blue Secure 24 | 24 months | $.0389 / therm |
| Spark Energy - Blue 12 | 12 month | 0.399 / therm |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 12 | 12 months | $0.429 / therm |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 18 | 18 months | $0.439 / therm |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 12/22/2020 for utility Nicor Gas. Rates may have changed since this date. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above
Understanding deregulation in Illinois
Both electricity and natural gas are deregulated in Illinois. That means customers can choose their natural gas providers from a range of companies.
The move to deregulation in Illinois began in 1997 when lawmakers approved an amendment to the state’s Public Utilities Act. Once it was ratified in 2002, the Illinois Commerce Commission could allow alternative certified energy providers to compete for customers as long as it resulted in lower rates. Before this amendment, Illinois consumers had no choice but to receive their natural gas from their local utility.
In 2009, the state approved an amended version of this law that placed stricter requirements on gas companies. Providers now had to disclose all prices, conditions, and terms of their contracts to customers. This amendment also limited early termination fees — the fees providers charge customers who opt out of their contracts before they expire — to $50.
To learn more about energy deregulation, visit the resources below. They can help you navigate Illinois’ deregulated market.
Difference between a utility company and energy provider
In a deregulated state like Illinois, you can choose the company that provides natural gas to your home or business, but you can’t choose your utility.
If Nicor Gas is your utility, it delivers natural gas to you. Nicor Gas is also responsible for maintaining the natural gas infrastructure and pipelines. If there is a natural gas outage — these are rarer than electrical outages but can happen — Nicor is responsible for restoring service to its customers. You can find a list of natural gas providers in your area by entering your ZIP code at the top of this screen.
Providers in Nicor Gas' service area
There are several natural gas providers in Nicor Gas’ service area. This includes Constellation Energy, Champion Energy, Direct Energy, Green Mountain Energy and Energy Harbor.
The deregulated natural gas market encourages providers to compete against each other for your business. But choosing the right provider can be challenging. Fortunately, you can use Choose Energy’s online marketplace to make your choice easier. Choose Energy features reviews of natural gas providers, rate information, and details about the natural gas plans available to you.
The plans and rates available depend largely on where you live in the Nicor Gas service area.
If you want more information about how to best shop for a plan, check out our energy buying guide.
Contact Nicor Gas
If you want to report a gas leak, odor, or other emergency, contact Nicor at 888-642-6748.
- To make a payment by phone, call Nicor at 888-642-6748. You can also sign up for automatic payments through your account here.
- For all other inquiries, call customer service at 888-642-6748 or send Nicor an e-mail message at customercare@nicorgas.com.