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January 26, 2009
Naperville, IL – Today Nicor Gas announced a pilot program that has introduced 12 hybrid vehicles to its fleet operations. The new hybrid vehicles are the first ever to be added to the company’s fleet of vehicles. They are expected to provide the company with cost savings related to fuel consumption and offer the added benefit of being better for the environment.
“We are proud to add hybrid vehicles to our fleet operations. With the uncertainty surrounding future fuel costs and the experience to be gained from having hybrid cars in the fleet, we believe this pilot program will offer value to the company, our customers, and the environment,” said Rocco D’Alessandro, Executive Vice President Nicor Gas.
Nicor Gas anticipates that the hybrid vehicles will have a reduced fuel cost of more than 50 percent as compared to non-hybrid cars. Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, which is being used in this pilot program, produce 90 percent less pollutants than comparable non-hybrid cars. This translates to less airborne pollutants, and a cleaner environment.
“The benefits of these vehicles is a continuation of our belief that it is important to be aware of the natural resources we all share as well as reducing the company’s operational expenses that allow Nicor Gas to have among the lowest natural gas delivery rates in the nation,” said D’Alessandro.
Nicor Gas has a fleet of vehicles that includes cars and trucks used to conduct daily business operations. To comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy regulations, 90 percent of Nicor Gas' new light-duty vehicles run on a non-petroleum fuel – compressed natural gas, a mixture of corn-based ethanol and gasoline called E-85, or a soy-based biodiesel fuel. Research shows that non-petroleum fuels not only reduce vehicle emissions but also lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
Additional information about Nicor Gas’ other environmental initiates can be found at www.nicor.com.
Nicor Gas is one of the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe and reliable natural gas services for over 50 years. The Company serves more than two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information on Nicor Gas, visit www.nicorgas.com. | 
