Meter Reading

Nicor Gas’ Meter Modernization program has upgraded 2.2 million meters across northern Illinois. 

These upgraded meters, which now have a small, two-way communication devices installed, provide timely and accurate data about your natural gas use, eliminating the need for estimated meter reads and ensuring you only pay for the gas you use. The reliable and accurate readings from these upgraded meters provide insight into your energy consumption and give you greater control over your energy use and natural gas bills. Customers can also use this valuable data to reduce their home or business’ carbon footprint. 

The ability to read meters without the need for a field visit simplifies the process of moving properties and reduces the expense and environmental impact of our service vehicles on the road. 

Traditionally, a meter reader would visit your home or business to check your natural gas meter and notate how much gas you used, which was then used to generate your utility bill. These new two-way communication devices feature state-of-the art technology that securely transmits your usage data Nicor Gas via private radio frequencies in compliance with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. 

For more information or questions about these modernized meters, call at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748).

How to Read Your Meter

Read only those dials with numbers, starting from the left. If the arrow is between numbers, read the lesser number (the number 9 is less than 0).

For example, the reading for the dials here would be 2-9-8-4, or 2,984,000 cubic feet.

Meter Maintenance

As mandated by federal and state regulations and as an important part of our safety and maintenance programs, Nicor Gas periodically conducts a physical survey of our natural gas mains, service lines and meter sets. Sometimes this includes the interior gas piping in your home or business up to the meter.

If you recently received a postcard and/or door-hanger at your premises, we were attempting to gain access to our meter set to perform a maintenance check. We checked a portion of our service line on your property but were unable to gain access to your house, building or fenced area to complete the survey.

A postcard and/or door-hanger at your premises does not indicate that there is an issue at your premises. However, we do need to gain access to the natural gas meter to complete our maintenance check. Failing to provide access may cause your service to be interrupted.

Tips to Help Complete the Maintenance Check:

• Locked Gate/Fence/Meter Under House - Please leave the gate/fence unlocked for the indicated Saturday visit.
• Dog - Please have your dog moved away from the meter set and ensure the dog is unable to approach the technician.
• Excess Vegetation or Trash/Debris - Please remove the hindrance prior to the Saturday attempt or scheduled appointment.
• Construction - Please provide a clear path to the meter.
• Meter Inside - Please be available at the premise either the Saturday attempt or scheduled appointment.

There are 7 primary and 2 subs/diversity contractors that we manage for the AMI  program:

• NPL (w/ Cobian & Millenium as subs)
• 3P Utilities
• Pipe Strong
• United Meters Inc. (UMI)
• KS Energy
• Intren
• Henkels & McCoy (H&M)