Customer Select®
Customer Select® is all about choices. It's a voluntary, free program offered by Nicor Gas that allows you to choose your natural gas supplier. Depending on the supplier, you'll find some offers that lock in your natural gas price and others that compete with Nicor Gas' monthly gas supply charges. By comparing offers and making the choice that's best for you, you may be able to save money on the cost of your natural gas.* Whether you choose a new supplier or continue purchasing your gas from Nicor Gas, you're still our valued customer! We will continue to deliver your gas through our reliable pipeline system and respond to all natural gas emergencies.
*Savings depend on several factors including the amount of gas you use, the terms of your agreement with the supplier and the natural gas market.
Participating Suppliers
Are you a Customer Select® participating supplier or interested in becoming a supplier? For more information about the residential and small commercial choice program, contact the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) at 800.524.0795 or visit the Commission's website at www.icc.illinois.gov.
How it Works
Because natural gas is a commodity, price varies daily based on the effects of weather, supply and demand. It's important to look at your gas costs over the span of 1-2 years rather than a month as a result of these frequent price fluctuations. The cost of your natural gas supply currently makes up approximately 75 to 80 percent of your annual gas bill and the remaining 20 to 25 percent is delivery charges and taxes. Nicor Gas' cost of natural gas changes every month, and all customers are charged the same price per therm. Nicor Gas files a Gas Supply Charge each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which regulates all Illinois utilities. However, prices charged by Customer Select® participating natural gas suppliers, as well as the terms and conditions of their contracts with you, are not regulated by the ICC. Because of this, suppliers are able to create a variety of pricing offers. You should talk to different suppliers to find out about their pricing options, services, incentives, and/or promotions. Your Nicor Gas account information can also help you compare your past costs with other suppliers. To see your gas use and cost history, login to My Account.
How to Sign Up
1. Review the supplier list and choose the suppliers you would like to contact.
2. Call the suppliers and ask about their offers. Be sure to ask any other questions that you may have.
3. Choose the supplier that offers the best package for you, your family or your business. Keep in mind that your account number is confidential - only share this information with the supplier you chose.
4. Sign up with the supplier of your choice. You will receive information confirming your decision from both the supplier and Nicor Gas. There will be a 14-day waiting period before your account can be activated. You will then begin receiving natural gas from your new supplier after your next meter reading. Your natural gas service will not be interrupted at any time during this process, and no one needs to come to your home.
Supplier Pricing Offers
Fixed Price
This type of contract offers cost stability. You pay the same price per therm for natural gas, every month, for a set period of time. Changes in the market price of natural gas should not affect the price you pay. If market prices go up, you're locked in at a lower rate. But if market prices go down, you'll still pay the locked in amount.
Market-Based or Index Price
Under these plans, the price you pay for natural gas can change each month. The supplier sets the monthly price per therm based on one or more natural gas market indicators. Because gas prices change throughout the year, you can expect your price to fall when market prices fall and your price to go up when market prices increase.
Variable Price
This offer is similar to a market-based offer. The price per therm may go up or down with market trends, but this type of offer may not be tied to a market index. For example, it may be based on the supplier's average cost to purchase natural gas.
Combination Packages
Customers of public electric utilities in Illinois can also choose their electric supplier. Some suppliers may offer packages that include both gas and electric.
Customer Select® FAQ
Can I sign up for Customer Select® online?
Yes. You must visit your chosen supplier's website to sign up. View a list of participating suppliers for supplier information, including links to suppliers' websites.
Who do I call about a problem or emergency?
Call Nicor Gas at 888.Nicor4U (642.6748). We are responsible for the safe and reliable delivery of your gas.
If you have a question or problem with your natural gas supply bill, contact your supplier directly. If you aren't able to resolve your question with your supplier, call Nicor Gas.
What if I want to change suppliers?
With Customer Select®, you can change your natural gas supplier or resume service with Nicor Gas at any time. However, you may be subject to penalties or exit fees from your chosen supplier depending on the terms of your contract. To withdraw from the program, you must notify your chosen supplier. Once you return to service with Nicor Gas, you will have 120 days to choose another supplier or you will remain on Nicor Gas service for one year.
What can you tell me about the participating suppliers?
All suppliers are certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and must meet required business and credit standards. This includes a code of conduct related to telemarketing practices, handling of customer complaints, maintaining adequate gas supply and pipeline capacity, and obeying truth-in-advertising laws.
What if I move?
If you move within Nicor Gas' service territory, your Customer Select® contract will move with you. If you move outside our service territory, your participation in Customer Select® automatically ends.
Will I be billed any additional charges from Nicor Gas if I participate in Customer Select®?
There is no increased cost to participate in Customer Select®. However, you will see two new line items on your Nicor Gas bill if you choose to participate: A Customer Select® Charge and a Transportation Service Credit. The Customer Select® Charge recovers the costs from pipelines to assist in the daily balancing of gas supplies on Nicor Gas' system. The Customer Select® Charge is not an additional cost for participants. Customers who buy their gas from Nicor Gas pay this charge as part of their overall Gas Supply Charge. The Customer Select® Charge is billed to customers based on usage. The rate may change each month and it is filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The Transportation Service Credit is a credit for certain costs that are included in our distribution rates that are not incurred by participating customers – such as uncollectible expenses and storage costs. It is credited to customers based on usage.
Will I receive one bill or two?
It depends. Some suppliers will put their charges on your Nicor Gas bill. Or, they could include Nicor Gas' charges on their bill. In either of these cases, you'll only get one bill. Customer Select® suppliers also have the option to bill you directly for their charges. In this case, you'll get a second bill from Nicor Gas with our charges. Be sure to ask suppliers about how they bill. Also, ask them about their payment terms and credit policies.
Can I still use Nicor Gas' Budget Plan and electronic funds transfer under Customer Select®?
Yes, although your Budget Plan amount will only apply to the utility delivery charges on your bill. If you'd like to sign up for either one of these options, call us at 888.Nicor4U (642.6748) or check the Budget Plan box on your payment stub. Also, be sure to ask suppliers about any payment options they might offer.
What can I do if I don't want to be solicited by Customer Select® Suppliers?
If you prefer not to receive information or solicitations from suppliers, you may contact Nicor Gas via email at customercare@nicorgas.com and ask to be added to our "Do Not Contact List".
