Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 program?

Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 is a guaranteed natural gas bill that is guaranteed not to change for 12 months regardless of changes in natural gas prices or in your usage due to the weather.

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How is my company's monthly amount calculated?

Your Lock 12 amount is customized for your company based on various factors, such as your premise's use of natural gas in the past, gas prices and normal weather conditions. Your Lock 12 monthly amount includes all natural gas-related costs, program administration fees, and taxes.

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Once my company obtains a quote for the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 program, how long is the quote good for?

Once your company has been given a Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 quote, you have until the end of that day to enroll and lock-in at that price. If you choose not to sign up until a later date, the Lock 12 quote will likely change. This is because gas prices change on a daily basis, similar to interest rates.

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How long is my company's billing cycle?

Your billing cycle is 14 days, similar to the utility's terms.

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Are there any additional fees to enroll in the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 program?

No. Your Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 amount includes all natural gas-related costs, program administration fees, and taxes. No extra charges or additional monthly fees are added to your Lock 12 amount after you have enrolled.

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Are there any fees if I change my mind?

Agreements vary based on such factors as time of enrollment or inclusion of special premium offers. If your agreement contains a cancellation fee, please note that there is no cancellation fee if you cancel your agreement within 10 business days of the issue date of your first company bill. If you terminate this agreement or otherwise cause the termination of this agreement after the 10-business-day period, a termination fee of $50 will apply. You will be responsible for the period of time you are on the plan. Be sure you understand your cancellation terms before you enroll.

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What is rescission and how is it different from cancellation?

The rescission of a contract returns the parties to the positions they would have occupied if the contract had not been made. If you decide to rescind your contract, you will not receive service from NAE. You have 10 days from the postmark date of the gas utility letter to request rescission of your contract with NAE. Once a contract is rescinded, you will remain with the energy supplier you had contracted with prior to enrolling in the NAE contract.

To rescind your contract in the Nicor territory, call Nicor Gas at 1-888-NICOR4U; in the Peoples Gas or North Shore Gas territory, call 1-866-556-6001.

To cancel your contract in the Nicor Gas territory, call our customer care number at 866-799-2674. To cancel in the Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas territory, call 888-282-9459. Cancellation fees may apply.

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When will I receive my company's first bill from Nicor Advanced Energy with the Lock 12 amount?

After you enroll your company, you will receive at least one more regular gas bill, which your company will be responsible for paying. Your company will become active in the Lock 12 program at the first meter reading after the utility accepts it into the Choice program.

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What happens if my company pays more or less than its Lock 12 amount in a given month?

The amount you overpay will be considered a credit, which can be applied toward your next month's Lock 12 amount if you so desire. Underpaying will result in a past-due balance that will appear on your next month's bill. Your company will still be responsible for its past-due balance and any potential late-pay fees (1.5% of your outstanding balance). Nicor Advanced Energy reserves the right to terminate Lock 12 service due to non payment.

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What happens at the end of my company's 12-month Lock 12 agreement?

Prior to the end of the 12-month Lock 12 agreement, Nicor Advanced Energy will forward you your company's new Lock 12 amount with terms and conditions for the next 12-month period. If the new amount is acceptable, you need not do anything and the new Lock 12 amount will automatically be in effect for another 12 months under our then current plan terms. If you don't want your company's agreement to renew, you can call Nicor Advanced Energy within 30 days of the postmark date of your new agreement to cancel the agreement. Nicor Advanced Energy reserves the right to not renew the Lock 12 service.

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If my company currently has a credit balance on its Nicor Gas account, is the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 amount adjusted by taking that balance into account?

No. Your Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 quote does not take into account any credit balance your company may currently have. Once you have enrolled in the Lock 12 program, we will request the utility issue your company a refund check so the funds can be used toward future Lock 12 amounts.

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I currently have my gas bill deducted from my checking account (Electronic Funds Transfer-EFT). Will I still be able to pay my bill that way if I'm on the Lock 12 program?

You can sign your company up for credit card payments or Electronic Funds Transfer at our website at Nicor Payment Solutions or call us at 866-799-2674. Utilities frequently charge you for these services, but Nicor Advanced Energy does not.

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Is this a savings plan?

No. This is a convenience plan. You may or may not save money.

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Can my company be on another Choice program and request to go on the Lock 12 program?

No. If you decide to enroll your company in the Lock 12 program, you agree to cancel your company's contract with its current provider. Prior to enrolling in the Lock 12 program, your company should review its current provider contract or contact its current supplier to determine if there are any cancellation fees from them.

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How is the Lock 12 program different from the utility's budget plan?

With the utility's budget plan, your gas bill is adjusted periodically based on changes in gas prices and usage, which can vary dramatically. Lock 12 has no periodic adjustments regardless of changes in gas prices or the weather. Your Lock 12 amount may be higher or lower compared to what you might have paid under the budget plan.

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What if my company is already enrolled in the utility's budget plan and I want to enroll in the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 program?

If you decide to enroll your company in the Nicor Advanced Energy Lock 12 program, the company  will automatically be removed from its current budget plan. Your company will remain responsible for any balance owed, and it will be presented on your company's final utility bill. If your company has built a credit balance, Nicor Advanced Energy can request the utility issue your company a refund check so it can use these funds toward future Lock 12 amounts.

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Who do I contact if I have a gas leak or need the gas company to come out to my premise?

You are still a gas utility customer. The toll-free number to call in case of emergencies or if you smell natural gas is 1-888-Nicor4U (1-888-642-6748).

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