Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Program encourages Chicago area and Northern Illinois residents to upgrade their home heating systems and replace them with energy-efficient improvements that save money and have a positive impact on the environment

In Northern Illinois, Nicor Gas customers can now save money and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time with the help of a new energy efficiency program offered from Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The winter heating season is definitely here and natural gas customers from Northern Illinois will be using their furnaces and boiler heating systems at maximum capacity. With rising energy costs, gas companies are now offering incentives to install new energy efficient heating and air conditioning equipment that can help lower their energy costs and provide environmental benefits.

Through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program and the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program residents and businesses can “go green” by installing an approved energy efficient furnace, boiler or hot water heater. These gas-saving furnaces, boilers and hot water heaters will help ensure your house stays warm this winter while reducing energy usage and saving customers money.

“It is always the right time to make an investment in your home or business that will help reduce energy usage, save money and benefit the environment,” said Kevin Kirby, Vice President of Customer Care at Nicor Gas. “Thousands of our customers have already taken advantage of the program, receiving more than $3 million in rebate checks, while lowering their gas bills and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.”

In the city of Chicago alone, it was reported that nearly 700,000 therms of natural gas were saved by Chicagoans who participated in the Program. The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program has saved more than 7.5 million pounds of CO2 from dumping into our atmosphere and environment which is the equivalent of 650 vehicles annual greenhouse gas emissions

North Shore and peoples gas have recently re-launched www.chicagolandrebates.com which helps customers choose the right heating and cooling equipment, insulation and help with finding a qualified contractor. Chicago area businesses are also encouraged to take advantage of the benefits of these energy efficiency programs. The installation of new energy efficient gas furnace, boiler or hot water heater helps promote an environmentally responsible workplace, can earn a company financial rebates, reduce operating costs and decrease their carbon footprint.