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May 10, 2001
Naperville, Ill. – Nicor Gas today announced plans to implement in August a pilot program that will feature an automated meter reading (AMR) data collection system in 10,000 homes in the Village of Oak Park. The AMR system uses the latest in wireless technology to provide accurate daily usage reads improving convenience for our customers.
"This program is the latest example of Nicor Gas' commitment to giving our customers the most reliable and efficient services available," said Rocco D'Alessandro, Nicor Gas vice president distribution services. "AMR allows for flexible daily meter reads without the need to enter customers' homes."
Currently, Nicor Gas meter readers need to gain access to homes with inside meters. In this pilot program, the AMR wireless technology transmits daily usage data from customers' meters to a Nicor Gas data storage center. This eliminates estimated bi-monthly billing as well, which improves accuracy.
NexusData will begin installing the new AMR meters on August 1. This process will require brief access to individual gas meters and no interruption of gas service. Nicor Gas is communicating the details of the program to all affected customers via informational letter.
Nicor Gas serves nearly two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. The company has provided reliable natural gas services for more than 45 years. Nicor (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company. Its principal businesses are Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies, and Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business that operates between Florida and the Caribbean. Nicor also owns several energy-related subsidiaries and is a partner in Nicor Energy, a provider of unregulated energy products and services. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicor.com. | 
