Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  How high will gas prices get this year?
A: Like gasoline and oil prices, the price of natural gas is on the rise. To help our customers manage higher costs, Nicor Gas offers bill payment programs such as the Budget Plan and financial assistance for those who qualify.

Q: What is this month's cost of gas?
A: The cost of gas can vary greatly from month-to-month. Visit monthly to stay informed on the latest price.

Q: Is Nicor Gas setting the price of natural gas?
A: No. Natural gas is a commodity and its price is determined by the market, based on several factors. When Nicor Gas buys gas on your behalf and delivers it to your home, we charge you exactly what we paid for it—we are not allowed to mark it up, by regulation of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

The cost of natural gas makes up about 75-80 percent of your bill. The delivery charge makes up about 10-15 percent, and taxes make up the remaining 5-10 percent. Find out more about these three parts of your natural gas bill.

Q: What is Nicor Gas doing about high gas prices?
A:
1. Nicor Gas has taken action to help lessen the impact of market prices by filling our underground storage fields during summer months when gas prices are typically lower, and by using financial purchasing instruments. Taken together, these actions account for about three-quarters of the gas used during the winter months.

2. We have developed a new Bill Planning Guide that will help you get an idea of what your monthly bills might be. 

3. Nicor Gas offers payment programs, including the Budget Plan that allows you to spread your payments over a 12-month period, with adjustments up or down every four months to correct for future gas prices and your usage.

4. If you're behind on your bill payments, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households a grant once per year to be used for energy bills. The Nicor Gas Sharing Program, administered by the Salvation Army, provides grants to eligible low-income customers who do not qualify for federal assistance.

Q: What can I do around my house to use energy more efficiently?
A: Check out our Keeping the Warmth In and the Cold Out booklet that contains a variety of low- and no-cost tips. You'll also find tips that make more of an impact on your heating and cooling bills and which require more of an investment. We also offer Energy Depot, a suite of online software that includes a Home Energy Audit, Appliance Energy Calculator, and an Energy Library.

Q: Why is the cost of gas so high?
A: Natural gas is a commodity, so prices fluctuate based on several factors. Some of the recent factors causing natural gas prices to rise nationally include:

• Last year's hurricanes had a significant impact on production of gas (and other commodities) in the Gulf region -- where about 20 percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. is produced.
• The Midwest experienced temperatures 32 percent higher than normal last summer, therefore increasing the demand for electricity to run air conditioners. Seventeen percent of electricity in the U.S. is generated by natural gas, which increased the demand for gas.
• The Energy Information Administration predicted a normal to colder-than-normal winter for the Midwest, which would cause consumers to use more gas and create a greater demand. Even if the colder weather does not come to pass, just a prediction of bad weather can cause prices to rise.

Q: Where can I get more information on gas prices?
A: Visit the Gas Cost section of this site. There you will find the most up-to-date information including the current cost of gas, energy-saving tips, press releases on the cost of gas, and information on payment plans and financial assistance.