Congratulations to Evanston and Oak Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my community participate in this challenge?
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program Community Challenge was created to introduce Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs to Nicor Gas customers and help them take advantage of the many program resources. Evanston and Oak Park were the first two communities chosen to participate. Both the City of Evanston and the Village of Oak Park were excited to work with Nicor Gas to reduce their community’s energy use, meet their sustainability goals, and use the prize money to perform energy efficiency improvements on a select community building.
Will this challenge take place in other communities?
Based on the success of this first Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Community Challenge campaign, the challenge may be implemented in other Illinois municipalities. If your community is interested in participating, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Where is the prize money coming from?
The challenge was funded through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program, a rate payer-funded program that is required by Illinois law.
Where does the prize money go after the challenge is over?
At the end of the challenge, the total number of participants will be tallied and a prize amount determined for each community. The prize money will be distributed by Nicor Gas to the organization(s) chosen, by the community, for energy efficiency project(s).
Was my participation counted toward my community’s goal?
Only new program participants were counted from January 1, 2013, through April 30, 2013. If you received a home energy audit through the Nicor Gas Home Energy Savings Program during the month of October, November or December of 2012, your participation also count for the challenge.
What if I work in a participating community but do not live there, would I have been able to participate?
Only individuals living within city borders were able to have their participation in these programs count toward the community’s goal. If you reside in another city within the Nicor Gas service territory, you can still participate in the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs. NOTE: If you are working in the City of Evanston or the Village of Oak Park, we encourage you to let your employer know about the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. Your employer may be able to participate and save energy and money at their facility.
I signed up for EnergyBUZZ to support my community in the challenge, what more can I do now that the challenge is over?
See if you or someone you know might qualify for one of the other Energy Efficiency Programs Nicor Gas has to offer, and then tell your friends to participate!
- Home Energy Savings program
- Home Energy Efficiency Rebate program
- Multi-Family Home Energy Savings program
- Small Business Energy Savings program
- Business Energy Efficiency Rebate program
Why is energy efficiency important?
Improving the energy efficiency of homes and businesses means less energy is required to maintain a comfortable environment – and reducing energy consumption can help homeowners and businesses save money. In this way, energy efficiency can also benefit the community by putting more money in people’s pockets to spend at area businesses, contributing to the local economy and job growth.
