Custom Incentives

All custom projects must be installed at the site of a current Nicor Gas commercial or industrial customer. Self-directed customers are not eligible. Custom incentives are limited to projects that are not eligible for prescriptive rebates.

Business customers are eligible to receive custom incentives in addition to rebates as long as you do not receive two incentives for the same equipment or improvement, and the total custom incentive received per facility/site does not exceed $350,000 or 35% of the total project cost.

Eligibility is at the sole discretion of Nicor Gas. Projects that are NOT eligible for an incentive include the following:

• Changes in operational and/or maintenance practices or simple control modifications not involving capital costs
• Projects that involve peak-shifting (and not therm savings)
• Renewable energy projects
• Projects with expected simple payback of less than one year
• Any project or equipment eligible for standard rebates through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program

Projects must be installed and fully operational prior to December 31, 2023 and prior to submitting the final application, and the final application must be received within 30 days, or by January 31, 2024, whichever comes first. Please contact the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program if your project will not be installed and operational by December 31, 2023 – a new program year will begin on January 1, 2024, and you may be able to rollover the project into the new year. However, funding after December 31, 2023, is not guaranteed, and the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program will work with you to transition your project if a new cycle is available.

Those granted authority by the Nicor Gas Customer/Account Holder may submit the pre-approval application on behalf of the customer/account holder. However, the Nicor Gas Customer/Account Holder must complete the program influence questionnaire in section 6 of the application and the required signature in section 8 of the Pre-Approval Application. The signature on the final application must also belong to the Nicor Gas Customer/Account Holder.

Gas savings calculations are recommended, but not required, in order to submit an application for consideration.

Calculations should be supplied in electronic format. Applicants must use industry-accepted engineering algorithms, simulation models and measurement procedures from recognized technical organizations and rating agencies to estimate natural gas savings (i.e. ASHRAE, ANSI, SMACNA, ARI, ASTM, etc.). Applicants must submit documentation of sources used with the pre-approval application and final application, including clearly describing any assumptions made during calculations.

Applicants must estimate the annual natural gas usage of both existing and proposed equipment based on the current operation of the facility. For assistance in completing the please contact the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program.

• Pre-approval application
• Cut sheet/manufacturer specification sheet
• Gas savings calculations (recommended but not required)
• Project proposal

A property which is controlled or owned by the government and is funded through taxation. Examples include:

• K-12 public schools
• Colleges and universities
• Hospitals and health clinics
• Local, state, or federal government buildings
• Airports
• Libraries

Public sector customers are eligible to receive custom incentives in addition to rebates as long as you do not receive two incentives for the same measure, and the total custom incentive received per facility/site does not exceed $350,000.