Builders and Developers
Natural gas is the easy, affordable choice. It’s safe, reliable, abundant and exactly what your customers want. That’s why from planning to installation, we’re ready to work with you every step of the way to see that your project enjoys all the benefits of natural gas.
Join our Builder Community!
Access valuable information on industry trends, new technologies, new construction application process, incentives, and more. Join us to stay informed and ahead in this evolving landscape.
New Business Construction Consultant Search
If your project requires more than one meter or is a commercial, industrial, multi-family or crop dryer project, start here! You’ll be paired with a New Business Construction Coordinator who will guide you through every step.
What's New?
Smart Neighborhood Builder Energy Efficiency Offering
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has enhanced our former Residential New Construction offering to bring you even more incentives for using energy efficient practices.
IRA Tax Credits
Share IRA tax credit information with your customers. The IRA offers up to $1,200 annually in federal tax credits for eligible energy efficiency improvements in residential and commercial buildings.
Natural Gas Facts
It's a fact! Natural gas is 3.3 times more affordable than electricity. Learn more about how natural gas is safe and beneficial, backed by solid facts, for our customers, communities and the state of Illinois.
Important Documents and Materials
Service Forms
Residential Service Forms
Use these forms for the construction of, or revisions to, single family homes and town homes where each unit will have its own service and meter.
Job Site Readiness Submission Form
Commercial Service Forms
Use these forms for the construction of, or revisions to, commercial and industrial buildings; apartment complexes; pole barns and garages; and townhomes that will have one service for all units and a multi-bar header.
Commercial/Industrial Load Revision Request
Resource Documents
Offers and Incentives
Table Tent Cards
We have materials to help communicate gas facts! These table tents include tips and critical information on natural gas use in and around oyur home. Check them out and see how we can partner in providing affordable, sustainable natural gas to customers.
Free of Charge
We’ll extend 100 feet of low pressure main or 200 feet of high pressure main along a street, highway, or other right-of-way to a point adjacent to the property line of any customer, or improved lots within a subdivision, free of charge*.
For residential and small non-residential customers (Meter Class A), we’ll install 60 feet of service pipe between our main and the customer's property line free of charge*.
For all not-for-profit schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, governmental agencies, churches and other premises used solely for religious purposes, we’ll install up to 350 feet of service free of charge provided the gas service supplied is used for substantially all space heating requirements*.
*Please refer to the Terms and Conditions—Extension of Distribution System for all details.
Smart Neighborhood Builder Program
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has enhanced our former Residential New Construction offering to bring you even more incentives. Our new Smart Neighborhood Builder Program continues to offer incentives to builders who construct homes using energy efficient practices, but it now offers more for smart energy product solutions. The offering, designed to help save money and lower the carbon footprint, includes four incentive tiers. Learn more about the Smart Neighborhood Builder Program and all of the incentives.
Commercial and Industrial New Construction Program
In a collaboration with other Illinois utilities, this comprehensive program provides financial incentives and technical assistance to help building owners and design teams exceed current energy codes and provide customers with high-performance buildings.
Unlike similar programs, we provide energy modeling and technical consulting as a free service to participants. Plus, our program is designed to simplify the participation process, minimize paperwork, and deliver rigorous technical information on energy efficiency opportunities.
If you’re a builder, developer, designer, engineering or architectural firm involved in the construction of new commercial, industrial or multi-family buildings, get us involved at the beginning of the design process to take full advantage of the program.
Learn more about the Commercial and Industrial New Construction Program and its incentives. Together we can create a building that produces long-term energy solutions and cost savings. To participate, contact Prachi Sharma at psharma@slipstreaminc.org.
Affordable Housing New Construction Program
Developers of affordable housing projects, including single-family and multi-family new construction and renovations, can receive technical guidance and financial incentives to increase comfort, reduce energy usage, and improve value while exceeding current Illinois building code requirements.
The program implements a holistic performance standard for improving the building’s envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, water-heating equipment, and appliances.
Get in on the program’s impressive track record by engaging with us early in the planning stage. Learn more about the Affordable Housing New Construction Program and its incentives. To participate, contact Dan Moring at dmoring@slipstreaminc.org.
From Necessities to Luxuries
Ranges
There’s a reason why professional chefs prefer natural gas. Natural gas ranges cook food more evenly, provide precise temperature control and cook food faster than electric options. Plus, gas ranges won’t dry out food like electric ranges can. Natural gas ranges are more energy efficient and more durable than electric models, which means your clients will also save money.
Furnaces
Space heating typically makes up one of the largest energy expenses, so it’s good to know that natural gas furnaces heat spaces faster and offer enhanced comfort with heat that is 20 degrees warmer than air from electric heat pumps. Natural gas furnaces also offer dependable warmth with efficiencies of up to 98%.
Dryers
A natural gas dryer can dry two loads of clothes in the same time it takes for one load in an electric dryer. Both residential and commercial clients will appreciate the cost savings and convenience.
Water Heaters
Natural gas water heaters deliver hot water twice as fast as electric models, which means clients are less likely to run out of hot water when they want and need it most. They’re also more energy efficient and cost up to 68% less to operate compared to electric or propane options. Plus, with fewer parts to wear out, natural gas water heaters are generally considered more durable than electric models. For the ultimate in on-demand hot water, energy and space efficiency, choose a tankless natural gas water heater.
Backup Generators
In most cases, a natural gas generator sits outside a home or business on a concrete pad, just like an air conditioning unit. When there’s a power outage, it automatically turns on to provide electricity that not only supplies people with the power they need, but also provides safety, security, and peace of mind.
Boilers
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings of boilers, which represents the estimated percentage of fuel converted into heat, usually falls between 80 – 96%. High-efficiency boilers can have an AFUE rating of 90% and higher. Plus, residential and commercial gas boilers are less expensive to run than electric boilers, and are more powerful.
Fireplaces
Natural gas logs and fireplaces provide the warmth and charm of a wood burning fireplace, without all the work. Homeowners and business operators appreciate the ease and lasting benefits of gas logs:
Operate without electricity
Enhance room décor
- Produce no odors or ashes
- Provide space heating
- Environmentally friendly
Fire Pits
Natural gas fire pits come in a multitude of size and design options, and can range from an elegant focal point to a recreational favorite. They’re quick and easy to light, immediately produce heat, and can be turned off in an instant. Fire pits have been among the top five outdoor living design trends for the last several years.
Grills
Natural gas grills make outdoor cooking easier and more convenient since there’s no need to refill propane tanks or wait for charcoal to heat up. Plus, natural gas is more affordable than propane, saving clients money during grilling season. Gas grills can be installed just about anywhere: they can be permanently mounted in-ground or on a deck, or there can be a quick-connect option for a grill that’s on a portable cart.
Outdoor Lights
Authentic gas lights illuminate the night with a beauty all their own. Mounted on exterior walls, porch ceilings or on lampposts, gas lights function as outdoor lighting and add charm. Today’s gas lights are easy to use, conveniently controlled with switches installed inside or with timers. And there's a bonus benefit: gas lights don't attract bugs.
Patio Heating
There’s no reason to stop entertaining or dining when the temperature drops. Natural gas patio heaters radiate heat downward to warm a 12- to 20-foot area. Most effective when the outdoor temperature is between 40 and 60 degrees, patio heaters can be located almost anywhere with post mount and portable models.
Pool and Tub Heaters
Let your clients extend the swimming and spa season. Natural gas heaters are the most effective way to maintain ideal water temperatures, are up to 97 percent energy-efficient, and warm the water twice as fast as electric heaters.
Tech and Industry News
NEW! Gas Heat Pumps!
Literature and Reports
Training and Webinars
-
9/28/23 Residential GHP 101 with Anesi
-
9/28/23 Residential GHP 150 with Anesi
-
9/28/23 Webinar Q&A with Anesi GHP
-
6/21/23 Gas Heat Pump Workshop (C&I Contractor Facing) - 2.5 hours
-
12/1/22 Gas Heat Pump Workshop (C&I Customer Facing) - 1 hour
-
5/21/22 Gas Heat Pump Workshop (C&I Contractor Facing) - 4 hours
Emerging Technology Whitepapers
Air Deflectors for Unit Ventilators
Combined Domestic Hot Water and Space Heating Systems
Commercial Food Service Modulating Valve
Demand-Based Hot Water Recirculation
Dryer Moisture Sensor Retrofit
Hydronic Heating Plumbing System Flushing
Pipe Insulation Online Calculator
Real-Time Steam Trap Monitoring
Residential Smart Dryer Sensor
Builder First Newsletters
Natural Gas Fact Sheets and Videos
Webinars
Residential GHP Training 101 with Anesi
Commercial Gas Heat Pump Webinar
Residential GHP Training 150 with Anesi
FAQs
How do I apply for a new single residential gas service?
If natural gas service is being initiated and a new meter needs to be installed, please complete the Residential Single Meter Service Request. If a meter already exists, please complete the Start Service Form.
Can I get gas service installed at any time of year?
Our preferred times of installation are between March 15th and November 15th.
From November 15 through March 15, Nicor Gas may encounter winter construction conditions that include but are not limited to frost, freezing and thawing, snow conditions, and adverse temperatures. If you request installation during this period and we determine we’re able to perform the work, you must agree to pay for Nicor Gas' estimated fully distributed cost of incremental activities required for installation if such winter construction conditions are encountered.
At what stage of construction should I order gas service?
We recommend you apply for gas service once you have backfilled your foundation.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding my gas service request?
Please contact your New Business Construction Coordinator.
What is the cost to get gas installed at my location?
New construction services that are 60 feet or fewer from the front property line are free of charge, unless unusual conditions exist. Services that exceed 60 feet from the front property line will be billed an excess footage charge. Services for homes that were demolished and rebuilt will be billed a disconnect fee and a reconnect fee.
From November 15 through March 15, Nicor Gas may encounter winter construction conditions that include but are not limited to frost, freezing and thawing, snow conditions, and adverse temperatures. If you request installation during this period and we determine we’re able to perform the work, you must agree to pay for Nicor Gas' estimated fully distributed cost of incremental activities required for installation if such winter construction conditions are encountered.
How do I request additional meters?
Please review the Guidelines for Ordering Additional Meters to ensure all conditions are met. Then call us at 1.800.730.6114, option 3, to schedule an appointment for a meter set.
Who do I call for natural gas related emergencies or if I smell gas?
Leave the area immediately and tell others in the area to do so as well. Keep everyone away from the area until emergency assistance arrives.
Avoid touching anything that may cause a spark. This includes lighters, matches, cigarettes, flashlights, light switches, and telephones in the area of the suspected leak. Wait until you are a safe distance away before using your cell phone.
Call Nicor Gas at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748) and 911 once you are in a safe place away from the area of the suspected leak. Stay away until emergency personnel indicate it is safe to return.
Note: Always leave if you suspect a leak. Be aware that some people may not be able to detect the odorant because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is masked by other odors in the area. Certain conditions may cause the odorant to diminish so that it is not detectable.
