Nicor Gas leads the industry in energy innovation with unveiling of new Smart Neighborhood™ this Fall

Rhea-AI Summary

Nicor Gas (NYSE:SO) will unveil a new Smart Neighborhood Show Home in Aurora in November 2025 at Habitat Green Freedom, developed with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.

The project will demonstrate how energy efficiency, renewables, natural gas, and smart technologies can deliver affordable, reliable and resilient housing in cold climates. Nicor Gas will partner with NREL and GTI Energy on a two-year research study to evaluate technologies and long-term benefits, working with vendors such as ecobee, GE Appliances, Generac, SPAN and others. Updates and milestones will be posted at ngsmartneighborhoods.com.

Show Home to demonstrate a model for affordable, reliable and sustainable living

AURORA, Ill., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicor Gas announced today that its new Smart Neighborhood Show Home in Aurora will be unveiled this November. The neighborhood, Habitat Green Freedom, was developed in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley and will demonstrate the importance of natural gas in an affordable, clean energy future. The homes are designed specifically for Nicor Gas customers living in the cold Illinois climate to showcase how energy efficiency, renewables and smart technologies help keep energy costs low and improve resiliency.

Nicor Gas is working with the National Energy Renewable Laboratories (NREL) and GTI Energy to study the best energy technologies to achieve sustainable housing with the lowest energy bills and highest reliability in extreme weather. The neighborhood also features the some of the most influential product and solutions companies in the market, including Broan-NuTone, BuildBlock Building Systems, ecobee, GE Appliances, Generac and SPAN. Nicor Gas selected these companies based on their reputation and performance.

Once homeowners move in, Nicor Gas and its research team will continue to study the longer-term benefits of these technologies and strategies through a two-year research project. The goal is to help Nicor Gas evaluate new products and services for its customers as well as educate stakeholders and share best practices with the energy industry.

"With the Smart Neighborhood, Nicor Gas is demonstrating how sustainable living can be both practical and affordable, while ensuring homes stay resilient in every season. This is about understanding how natural gas, electricity and renewables complement each other," says Meena Beyers, vice president of business and community development at Nicor Gas. "By studying how families live in these homes over the next two years, we'll gain real-world insights into what works best, so that energy can be seamless, reliable and truly add value to our customers' lives."

"At Habitat for Humanity, we believe in the power of affordable housing to provide families with stability, strength and independence. The Smart Neighborhood project with Nicor Gas takes that to a whole new level," says Barbara Beckman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley. "To be a part of something new and innovative that will transform not just these new homeowners, but the entire community is special. We are pioneering affordable, efficient homes."

Learn more about the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood and follow our milestone updates at ngsmartneighborhoods.com.

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), and serves 2.3 million customers in more than 650 communities across northern Illinois. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Nicor Gas is fueling customer choice, innovation, economic growth and a sustainable energy future. Nicor Gas is working to keep bills as low as possible as we continue providing access to clean, safe and reliable natural gas. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley
Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is a nonprofit housing organization dedicated to building homes, communities, and hope. Since 1990, the organization has partnered with homebuyers, volunteers, and donors to create safe, affordable housing solutions across the Fox Valley region of Illinois. Now, with the launch of the Green Freedom subdivision in Aurora, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is taking a bold step forward—building energy-efficient, climate-resilient homes designed to reduce utility costs and increase long-term sustainability for working families. This innovative neighborhood reflects Habitat's commitment to creating not just homes, but a more equitable and environmentally responsible future. Learn more at www.habitatnfv.org.

Media Contact

Juliet Shavit
SmartMark Communications for Nicor Gas
215-880-4772
jshavit@smartmarkusa.com

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SOURCE Nicor Gas

FAQ

When will Nicor Gas (SO) open the Smart Neighborhood Show Home in Aurora?

Nicor Gas will unveil the Smart Neighborhood Show Home in Aurora in November 2025.

What is the purpose of the Nicor Gas Smart Neighborhood project (SO)?

The project will demonstrate how energy efficiency, renewables, natural gas, and smart tech can lower costs and improve resiliency for affordable homes.

Who are Nicor Gas (SO) partners on the Smart Neighborhood research study?

Nicor Gas is partnering with NREL, GTI Energy, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, and product companies including ecobee, GE Appliances, Generac and SPAN.

How long is the Nicor Gas (SO) research study on the Smart Neighborhood?

Nicor Gas will conduct a two-year research project to study long-term benefits after homeowners move in.

Will Nicor Gas (SO) share results from the Smart Neighborhood study?

Yes; Nicor Gas plans to evaluate products and share best practices and milestone updates at ngsmartneighborhoods.com.

How does the Smart Neighborhood address cold-climate energy needs for Nicor Gas (SO) customers?

Homes are designed for the Illinois cold climate to show how combined natural gas, electrification, efficiency and smart controls can keep bills low and improve reliability.