More than $5.3 million donated
to over 160 nonprofits in Northern
Illinois
NAPERVILLE, Ill., June 20,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicor Gas unveiled its inaugural
Community Impact Report that highlights the company's contributions
to the welfare and development of the communities it serves through
its charitable giving and volunteerism. The company focuses
its efforts in three strategic areas to make a more meaningful
impact with its nonprofit partners: supporting basic needs,
protecting the environment and enabling economic opportunity.
"The Nicor Gas Community Impact Report is an opportunity to
showcase our enduring commitment to the communities we serve and a
reflection of our steadfast dedication to meet the energy needs of
our customers while also empowering economic growth, supporting
environmental stewardship and providing for the other basic needs
of our neighbors," said Wendell
Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas. "This report
encapsulates our journey of making a meaningful difference—one that
resonates with the warmth of energy that goes beyond heating homes,
to fueling hope, progress and a brighter future for all."
In 2021, Nicor Gas established three strategic objectives to
guide its corporate responsibility efforts and this Community
Impact highlights the company's progress in meeting those
goals.
Support Basic Needs - Understanding that access to clean,
safe, reliable and affordable energy is a fundamental need, Nicor
Gas aims to extend this principle by addressing other essential
needs of our customers. Through nonprofit partners like Northern
Illinois Food Bank and The Salvation Army, the company has provided
5.4 million meals and 237,000 nights of shelter.
Protect the Environment - As part of the clean energy
economy, Nicor Gas is committed to sustainability and environmental
conservation. The company has set a goal to create, maintain and
sustain 10,000 acres of open space across its Northern Illinois service territory. Through
partnerships with esteemed organizations such as Brookfield Zoo and
the Morton Arboretum, Nicor Gas aims to provide equitable access to
cultural, educational and recreational places.
Enable Economic Opportunity - At the core of Nicor Gas's
mission is the drive to fuel a vibrant Illinois economy. The company has established
strategic community partnerships with organizations like the Quad
County Urban League and continues to invest in underserved
communities through the Northern Illinois Community Initiatives
with the aim to unlock equitable economic opportunity, foster
entrepreneurship and drive economic growth.
Last year, Nicor Gas and its foundations donated more than
$5.3 million to United Way, Boys and
Girls Club and more than 160 nonprofits in Northern Illinois. The company focuses its
charitable giving on five pillars: environmental stewardship,
diversity, community enrichment, education and basic needs support.
To read the 2023 Community Impact Report, including grantee
highlights, visit nicorgas.com/2023communityimpact.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas
distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more
than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses
most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information,
visit nicorgas.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO),
America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves
approximately 4.3 million natural gas customers through its
regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately
600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural
gas. Other businesses include investments in interstate pipelines
and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For
more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Nicor Gas