FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 23, 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nicor National: Hank Possley
630-444-2360

Media Contact: Richard Caragol
630-388-2686

Nicor National Recognized for Providing “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience” For Third Consecutive Year

J.D. Power and Associates recognizes Nicor National with Certified Call Center distinction

Naperville, IL - Nicor National has been recognized for customer satisfaction excellence for a third consecutive year under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center Program.^SM The Certified Call Center Program distinction acknowledges a strong commitment by Nicor National’s call center operations to provide “An Outstanding Customer Service Experience.”

Nicor National provides proven turnkey energy efficiency and warranty solutions for utilities across the country. These solutions contribute to improved business results and stronger utility and energy company brands. Managing customer relationships through its nationally recognized call center and nationwide service provider network has aligned strong customer relationships that are helping its partners succeed in the utility industry.

“In achieving certification for a third consecutive year, Nicor National has once again delivered high-quality service, according to customers contacting its call center,” according to J.D. Power and Associates. “Call center customers are particularly pleased with the customer service representatives, notably with their knowledge and the usefulness of the information provided, which is so vital to customers in the industry Nicor National serves.”

Nicor National handles more than 1 million telephone, e-mail, and fax inquiries from customers annually. To become certified, the call center operations successfully passed a detailed audit of its recruiting, training, employee incentives, quality assurance capabilities, and management roles and responsibilities. As part of its evaluation, J.D. Power and Associates conducted a random survey of Nicor National customers who recently contacted its call center, located in Geneva, IL.

For certification status, a call center must also perform within the top 20 percent of customer service scores, which are based on benchmarks established in J.D. Power and Associates’ cross-industry customer satisfaction research. The evaluation criteria include courtesy; knowledge; concern for the customer; usefulness of the information provided; convenience of operating hours; ease of reaching a representative; and timely resolution.

“Our goal is to understand and consistently meet the needs of our energy partners and our customers,” said Barbara Porter, Vice President of Business Development and Customer Service at Nicor National. “This recertification confirms our commitment to ensure that our unique people-focused culture translates into a positive customer experience. Receiving this recognition from J.D. Power and Associates is an honor, and it is a testimony of our employees’ dedication to providing courteous service and outstanding value to customers on each call, day in and day out.”

Nicor National believes in building positive relationships with partners and their customers as the cornerstone of Nicor National’s new direction to become the leading provider of energy management and warranty solutions across the nation. Nicor National currently has customers in 15 states and is working on expanding to other markets. In addition to recertification by J.D. Power and Associates, Nicor National’s HVAC companies are Carrier Distinguished Dealers and have earned Carrier’s President’s Award for customer excellence and the highest rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Combining Nicor National’s commitment to service excellence and customer-defined products and services offers a unique value proposition that is unsurpassed in today’s energy industry.

Nicor National had previously been recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as Nicor Services. For additional information about Nicor National, visit www.nicornational.com

Nicor National is a non-regulated subsidiary of Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS), and affiliate of Nicor Gas, one of the nation’s largest natural gas distribution companies. Nicor National markets “Home Solutions,” a proprietary line of customizable home warranty and energy efficiency plans that can be co-branded with utility and energy companies to maximize financial performance and build and sustain customer satisfaction. *For J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Call Center Certification Program^SM information, visit www.jdpower.com.