NAPERVILLE, Ill. - April 6, 2016 - Nicor Gas announced today that its customers' residential winter heating bills from November 2015 through March 2016 were the lowest since the 2001-2002 winter heating season. The 14-year low was due to a warmer-than-normal winter and historically low natural gas prices. As a result, 2.1 million customers in 656 communities throughout northern Illinois realized significant savings on their energy bills this winter season. The average residential customer bill was $335, compared to $520 for the same period last winter, a 35 percent decrease in customers' overall bills.   

"As the largest natural gas distributor in northern Illinois, we are pleased to provide safe, reliable natural gas service to our customers at the most economical prices we've seen in more than a decade," said Melvin D. Williams, president of Nicor Gas. "Every day we focus on delivering natural gas safely and reliably, and we are committed to helping our customers save on energy costs and live more comfortably."  

Almost half of U.S. households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. To help ensure that its customers' gas needs are met, Nicor Gas owns and operates one of North America's largest underground natural gas storage systems, where the company stores natural gas during summer months, when natural gas prices are typically lower. That lower-priced gas is then available during the winter, when demand - and prices - are highest. Nicor Gas does not profit from the sale of natural gas and passes the costs directly to customers with no mark-up.

For 160 years, Nicor Gas has provided natural gas to families and businesses throughout northern Illinois. The company is an important contributor to the state's economy - bringing jobs, business and investments to Illinois and thus contributing to the well-being of the region.

About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS), is a natural gas distribution company that serves more than 2.1 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources (NYSE: GAS) is an Atlanta-based energy services holding company which owns and operates natural gas utilities, as well as retail energy and services, wholesale services and midstream businesses. AGL Resources serves approximately 4.5 million utility customers through its regulated distribution subsidiaries in seven states. The company also serves more than one million retail customers through its SouthStar Energy Services joint venture and Pivotal Home Solutions, which market natural gas and related home services. Other non-utility businesses include asset management for natural gas wholesale customers through Sequent Energy Management and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. AGL Resources is a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.